System Operator - Water​/Wastewater Utility

System Operator - Water/Wastewater Utility

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives on the front line to scientists and engineers ensuring reliable water and wastewater services for our communities.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career that helps improve our environment and protects our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and Peoples & Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, superior customer experience, and premier employer status – including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as career growth opportunities.

We advocate for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres across our footprint. As one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S., we remain a leader in the industry.

• Operate and maintain the facilities and equipment related to wastewater treatment lagoons, lift stations, collection systems, and spray irrigation (fixed sprinklers with pop‑up heads for land application of wastewater effluent).
• Operate and maintain the facilities and equipment related to water treatment plants, well facilities, pumping, and storage facilities as needed.
• Operate and maintain the vehicles and equipment used in the water and wastewater facilities.
• Perform and record inspections and tests on system and facility operations, reviewing associated data.
• Collect, analyze, and record water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process‑control monitoring.
• Prepare reports required by the Company, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), the Illinois Commerce Commission, or other jurisdictional entities.
• Respond to customer service, water distribution, and/or collection system work orders.
• Assist with other tasks or projects as assigned.

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Professional experience with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps preferred.
• Experience in a utility environment, especially with wastewater or water treatment, preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License required; CDL is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally with internal customers.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow operating instructions (both written and verbal).
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations for ratios, dosages, and volumetric requirements needed for plant operation.
• Computer literate with database tools and ability to operate plant processes through computer‑controlled equipment.

• Subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and poor ventilation.
• Must lift and move equipment exceeding 50 lbs and work in confined spaces; a lift test will be required as part of employment.
• Travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents may be required.
• A company vehicle is provided for business purposes only.
• Participation in a weekly on‑call rotating schedule for 24 hour/7‑day operation.
• This is a union position. Starting wage for a System Operator Trainee is $23.36. Employees who hold the applicable water/wastewater license may receive a higher rate. All employees hired or entering the bargaining unit on or after Jan 1 2023 will receive a $3.00 hourly reduction that will be restored through annual contract increases over a three‑year period.

Aqua,…