Fox River Water Reclamation District
Job Title:
Waste Water Operator III (Entry Level)
Department:
Operations
Reports To:
Operations Superintendent Marcus Peters or Lead Operator
Work Schedule:
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Extra hours may occasionally be required based on project workload.
Non-Exempt:
Full-Time – Hourly
Revision Date:
3/21/2025
Position Summary:
This position is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities in a collaborative team environment. The primary goal is to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations related to plant effluent and biosolids management in an efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner.
The Wastewater Operator role consists of three tiers, with Tier 1 being the highest level. Advancement through these tiers is based on a combination of experience, proficiency in facility operations and equipment, and certification achievements. Tier 1 requires successful completion of the Class 2 Wastewater Certification. As operators progress through the tiers, they assume increasing responsibilities in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment facility. This position has no supervisory responsibilities and may fill in for the Lead Operator on an as-needed basis.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operates various equipment including but not limited to; pumps, motors, solids handling equipment, sludge collection, chemical feed, gates, and valves.
• Remove tanks and basins from service, and clean precipitates such as grit, biosolids, waste, and sewage in preparation for inspections or maintenance. Restore completed tanks and basins to service.
• Respond to and take the appropriate corrective actions to alarms experienced at the facilities.
• Collects and calculates wastewater operations and control data.
• Collect samples and conduct wastewater laboratory tests.
• Performs inspection and repair on general equipment.
• Performs building and plant maintenance.
• Performs general equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Performs minor repairs and adjustments on equipment.
• Performs building maintenance.
• Recommends/reports necessary repairs, changes, and work orders to the Lead Operator.
• Handles chemical containers, and wastewater biosolids, and delivers needed materials and supplies.
• May be on-call for plant or system emergencies.
• Must be willing to work overtime, holidays, and weekends.
• May train and mentor operators-in-training in effective and efficient operations.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Preferred Education and/or Experience:
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, tools, and methods involved in operating a wastewater treatment plant.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and/or Associate’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• State of Illinois Class 4 or 3 Wastewater Operators certifications preferred
Qualifications/Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with a high degree of independence.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, Excel, Outlook, SCADA, CMMS system desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong ability to work safely and effectively while potentially being exposed to hazards, including pathogens, and diseases.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License at the time of hire
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to travel to the three water treatment facilities
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• The employee frequently may be required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Ability to work in confined spaces.
Work Environment:
• The employee frequently encounters wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, odorous fumes, airborne particles, and the risk of electrical shock. There is potential exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee may occasionally work at significant elevations and in adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold or heat. The noise level in the work environment may be loud. Compliance with training, safety protocols, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are required to mitigate risks associated with these hazards.
Salary/Benefits:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with full benefits and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a defined benefit retirement plan. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, life, flexible spending, a 457 deferred compensation plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. The hourly pay may be determined based on qualifications, experience, and professional certifications.
The hourly range for this position is $26.44 to $37.02 – (Grade 1).
How to Apply:
1. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and employment application (located at) www.frwrd.com/career opportunities
2. Submit your completed application via email to Human Resources Manager, Eulices Sanchez, at esanchez@frwrd.com. If you are selected as a finalist for the position, Human Resources will reach out to you for further steps. Please include “Technology Infrastructure Manager” in the email subject line.
Employment with the Fox River Water Reclamation District is at-will, meaning that your employment relationship is for no definite or determinable period of time, either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract, and the duties and responsibilities outlined may be subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Fox River Water Reclamation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information, contact:
Eulices Sanchez
esanchez@frwrd.com
847-429-4049