System Operator III - Water​/Wastewater Utility

Position Overview

Systems Operator III, Candlewick/Poplar Grove area. Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this role performs installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for water and wastewater treatment facilities, and assists with customer service.

• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater activated sludge treatment, lagoons, lift stations, and collection systems.
• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater and water treatment plants, well facilities, pumping, and storage facilities as needed.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment used in water and wastewater facilities.
• Perform and record inspections and tests on system and facility operations; review associated data.
• Collect, analyze, and record water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process control monitoring.
• Prepare reports required by the company, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, 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 working with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus.
• Class II Wastewater License.
• Class B Water License.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations for ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations required for plant and system operation.
• Computer literate with database tools and ability to operate plant processes through computer‑controlled equipment.

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Must be able to lift and move equipment over 50 pounds and work in confined spaces; a lift test is required.
• Travel to work sites; company vehicle provided for business purposes only.
• Position participates in a weekly on‑call rotating schedule to staff a 24‑hour/7‑day operation.
• Must pass fit testing.

Union position. Starting wage for System Operator III is $36.25. Employees with applicable water/wastewater license may receive a higher starting wage. Employees hired or entering the bargaining unit on or after Jan
12023 will receive $3.00 per hour less than the classification wage rate; the wage reduction will be returned in $1.00 increases once a year over a three‑year period. Employees receive annual contract increases. Candidates with certification or license are eligible for higher‑level positions.

Competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity / Affiliated 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 (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call . To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and avoid conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply: family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate relationship;

family members cannot work in the same department.