System Operator Trainee

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 who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities.  If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

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 the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. 

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a System Operator Trainee in the Hawthorn Woods/Lake County area. Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this person will be responsible for performing tasks related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for our water & wastewater treatment facilities in the area; this person will also assist with customer service as well.

Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this person will be responsible for performing tasks related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for our water & wastewater treatment facilities in the area; this person will also assist with customer service as well.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Operate / maintain the facilities & equipment related to the wastewater activated sludge treatment, lagoons, lift stations, and collection systems.
• Operate / maintain the facilities & equipment related to the wastewater and water treatment plants, well facilities, pumping, and storage facilities (as needed).
• Operate / maintain the vehicles & equipment used in the water and wastewater facilities.
• Perform / record inspections & tests on the systems and facilities operations; this involves reviewing the associated data.
• Collect, analyze, and record water & wastewater samples for regulatory compliance as well as process control monitoring for proper operation of the systems.
• 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.
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a High School Diploma (or Equivalent).
• Professional experience working with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps is preferred.
• Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus!
• Trainees must progress to a System Operator I within 24 months of placement into the System Operator Trainee position which will require a Class D water license OR a Class 4 wastewater license as issued by the Illinois EPA.

SHIFT:

• Please note that this is a union position. Due to the union bidding process, the assigned schedule may change based on staffing. Candidates should be available to work either Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30am to 4:00pm CT.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; this person will need to be able to communicate effectively (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 readily read, understand, and accurately follow operating instructions (both written & verbal).
• Possess the mathematical ability to perform calculations which determine various ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Systems.
• Computer literate with computer database tools as well as the ability to operate plant processes through computer-controlled equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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 in excess of 50lbs and the ability to work in confined spaces; a lift test will be required at part of employment for this position.
• Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
• Company vehicle is provided for business purposes only.
• This position participates in a weekly on-call rotating schedule to adequately staff a 24 hour/7-day operation.
• Must be able to pass fit testing.

***This is a union position.  Starting wage for a System Operator Trainee is $35.00/hr.  Employees may receive a higher starting wage if they have the applicable water/wastewater license for the job classification. Employees will receive annual contract increases. Candidates who have a certification/license are eligible for an increase in pay and higher-level poition.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: 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 (including testing and characteristics), 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 (1-877-271-9012).  
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

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