System Operator - Water​/Wastewater Utility

System Operator - Water/Wastewater Utility

Join to apply for the System Operator - Water/Wastewater Utility role at Aqua

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people across diverse roles in our eight-state footprint, ensuring reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you are passionate about protecting our environment and natural resources, this is a rewarding career opportunity.

• Delivers safe, clean, reliable water and wastewater services.
• Operates under the Aqua brand in 10 states, serving approximately 5.5 million people.
• Committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, superior customer experience, and career growth.
• Protects over 7,600 acres of natural habitats.
• Publicly traded provider of water, wastewater, and natural gas services.

We have a great opportunity for a Systems Operator in the Lake/McHenry Counties & Glenview/Oak Brook area. Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this person will be responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment at our water and wastewater treatment facilities, and will also assist with customer service.

• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater treatment lagoons, lift stations, collection systems, and spray irrigation.
• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment at water treatment plants, wells, pumping, and storage as needed.
• Operate and maintain the vehicles and equipment used in the water and wastewater facilities.
• Perform and record inspections and tests on system operations, reviewing associated data.
• Collect, analyze, and record water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
• 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 wastewater or water treatment, preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal customers.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operating instructions (written and verbal) accurately.
• Mathematical proficiency for calculations related to ratios, dosages, and volumetric requirements.
• Computer literacy, including database tools and operation of plant processes through computer-controlled equipment.

• Exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, wet or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas hazards, fumes, dust, mists, and poor ventilation.
• Ability to lift and move equipment exceeding 50 lbs and to work in confined spaces (a lift test will be required).
• Travel to Essential Utilities work sites may be required.
• A company vehicle is provided for business purposes only.
• Participation in a weekly on-call rotating schedule to support 24/7 operations.
• This is a union position. Starting wage for a System Operator Trainee is $23.36, potentially higher with applicable licenses. Employees hired after Jan 1 2023 receive a reduction of $3.00 per hour, later returned in $1.00 increases over a three‑year period, with annual contract increases.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity / Affinitive Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying online or need an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1‑877‑271‑9012).

To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and avoid conflicts of interest, the following guidelines apply:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship.
• Family members cannot work in the same department.

Full‑time

Information Technology;
Utilities