Public Works Water Operator

Starting Step One Salary: $65,145

Salary Range: $65,145 – $88,786

Are you someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving problems, and being outdoors? The City of Des Plaines is looking for a reliable, hard‑working Water Operator to help keep our water system running smoothly. This is a great opportunity for someone with general maintenance experience who wants steady work, good benefits, and a chance to make a difference in the community.

• Maintain Water System Equipment: Operate and take care of pumps, valves, and other water system machinery. Keep track of equipment performance.
• Make Repairs: Fix things like gauges, electrical parts, filters, and plumbing. Do routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
• Work with the Public: Help with water shut‑offs and turn‑ons, locate underground utility lines, and respond to customer concerns.
• Handle Emergencies: Be ready to respond to water main breaks, flooding, and winter snow removal when needed.
• General Building Maintenance: Perform carpentry, basic HVAC, plumbing, and electrical repairs at city facilities.
• Use Tools & Machinery: Operate trucks, loaders, generators, saws, and other equipment daily.

• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required. One to two years of maintenance, construction, plumbing, or similar hands‑on experience is preferred.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain a Class A CDL with Airbrake, Fifth Wheel, and Tanker endorsements within 120 days of hire.
• Water License: We'll help you get your Class C Water Operator’s License within your first year.
• Availability: Must be able to respond to emergencies 24/7. Role includes rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Steady full‑time work
• Great benefits and pension
• Team environment with training and growth opportunities
• Be part of the team that keeps Des Plaines running

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Low‑cost medical, dental, and optical insurance options for employees and dependents.
• Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, personal time, sick leave, and holidays to support work‑life balance.
• Tuition Reimbursement: For job‑relevant degrees, the City pays tuition for up to two classes per semester (including summer programs).
• Retirement Security: Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
• Additional
  
  Financial Benefits:
  
  Employer‑paid life insurance, retirement Health Savings Account, transportation Spending Account, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Roth IRA, optional supplemental life insurance.

Become part of the City of Des Plaines team and help keep our city’s most essential systems running smoothly and safely.

Learn more and view the full job description HERE

Final date to receive applications:
February 10, 2026