WTP Operator

Position Type:

Public Works/Water Treatment Operator

Date Posted:

6/25/2025

Location:

Water Treatment Plant

Public Works Department – Water Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a Water Treatment Operator position. This position is full-time with a starting wage of $19.79 - $20.96 per hour after 6 months. Wages incrementally increase as defined by union contract. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an IMRF defined pension plan. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

The Water Treatment Plant is a 24/7 operation. The new Operator needs to have availability to work shift work of 11pm – 7am or 7am – 3pm all days of the week in order to secure a shift.

The successful candidate must complete a post offer physical, drug/alcohol test and background screening.

Within 3 year of hire, candidate must obtain Class C water operator license.

Duties:

Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation according to set procedures and/or directions from a supervisor

Monitors the treatment process from the control board /computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries prevention

Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process; tests may include but are not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records

Determines chemical dosage based on preset directives and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary

Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments

Operates pumps, valves, and equipment manually or utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water supervisors or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems

Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck

Monitors chemical feed equipment; reports problems and may perform maintenance on chemical piping system under direction of a supervisor; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment

Maintains operational logs and records

Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and grounds to insure adequate security

Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment as assigned

Operates the City’s water distribution system including reservoirs/towers; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connection

Performs appropriate procedures and responds to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials as required

Performs other duties as assigned

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Proven reliable and dependable

Must be 18 years of age

Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license

High school diploma or equivalent

Pass an extensive background investigation and drug screen

Knowledge in methods of basic maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenance

Knowledge of basic principles of math and chemistry

Ability to read and interpret gauges, recording devices and related monitoring systems

Troubleshooting skills, eager to learn

Possess safety awareness

Benefits:

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)

Personal Leave Accruals - 24 hours per year

Vacation Leave Accruals - 40 hours first year, 80 hours second year

Sick Leave Accruals - 6 hours per month

11 Paid Holidays per year

$100 Safety shoe allowance and uniforms provided

Employee voluntary deferred compensation plan

Employee voluntary flex spending and dependent care options

BCBS PPO health insurance and HDHP health insurance

Health Savings Account employer contributions - $500 single and $1,000 plus one or family

Delta Dental - employee paid

VSP Vision - employee paid

Aflac options

Apply online at For free internet access, please visit Charleston Carnegie Library. EEO/AA.