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Plant Operator - Glenbard Wastewater Authority

Posted: 02/28/2025

DESCRIPTION:

The Glenbard Wastewater Authority (“the Authority”) is recruiting for one (1) full-time Plant Operator.   This is a skilled, certified position responsible for operation and routine maintenance of a high purity oxygen activated sludge wastewater treatment facility. Employees perform duties related to the proper conveyance, pumping, metering, monitoring, and job duties associated with treatment and disposal of wastewater, sludge, and residues. These duties include the operation of preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment, ultraviolet disinfection, and the sludge processing and dewatering treatment processes. Operators familiar with this process are encouraged to apply and operators who are not are encouraged to learn more about it before applying. Employees in the position will update and maintain operational maintenance work plans with full utilization of the Computerized Maintenance Management Software, and provide responsive, courteous, and efficient service to the residents of the Villages of Lombard and Glen Ellyn and the general public.  

Employees in this class are classified at one of five levels: Plant Operator in Training, Plant Operator IV, Plant Operator III, Plant Operator II, Plant Operator I. Plant Operator I is the highest level. Classifications are largely based on level of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wastewater certification level and years of experience.  Employees may progress upward from Operator in Training to higher levels through a combination of years of experience, certification level with the state, and successful demonstration of plant knowledge for the level they are pursuing. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Operate wastewater treatment equipment, equipment components and process to control flow and processing of wastewater and biosolids.
  • Exercise functional and technical training for Maintenance and Electrical Divisional employees for plant operational tasks.
  • Observe variations in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine process requirements and adjustments.
  • Operate gates, valves, pumps and other operating equipment either manually, automatically or remotely.
  • Operate and maintain power generating equipment.
  • Adjust feed rates of chemicals used in conditioning biosolids to provide optimum production.
  • Collect permit required samples and process samples for the NPDES, Pretreatment, and Bio-solids regulations.
  • Conduct laboratory analysis for process control as well as NPDES required fecal coliforms.
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks and activities; assist mechanical or electrical maintenance personnel when assigned.
  • Execute, and assist in the development of, plant Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
  • Locate source of trouble, diagnoses trouble conditions and reports malfunctions and potential remedies to the Operations Superintendent, Assistant Director, or Executive Director when required.
  • Record the daily data, interprets that data, and works to solve any discrepancy discovered.
  • Participate in developmental committees for capital improvements and safety.
  • May participate in the hauling of sludge or grit to the landfill or land application sites. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in a wastewater treatment plant is a plus. 
  • Applicant Must possess a valid Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification (or higher) from the IEPA, or be able to obtain certification within 18 months of employment.  
  • Must also have a valid driver’s license at the time of application, and also be able to obtain a Class A CDL within eighteen (18) months of employment. 
  • Qualified applicants should demonstrate the ability to define problems and exercise good judgment and think quickly under both routine and emergency situations. 
  • It is critical that the applicant has the ability to develop positive working relationships with the general public, vendors, and coworkers.  
  • The ability to operate various types of heavy-duty tools and equipment is a plus. 
  • Must be able to perform mathematical calculations, and possess the ability to comprehend, retain, and apply the Authority’s rules and procedure manuals, including any pertinent Federal, State, or local laws.
  • Position also requires proficiency with reading and interpreting plans, blue prints, and schematic drawing; and must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
  • Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) systems is a plus, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Software (SCADA), and MS Office software is also important. 

The general work schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.  Must also be able to respond to after-hours call-ins as part of a mandatory on-call rotation, work weekends and holidays when needed and be prepared for and confront emergency conditions as necessary.

The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or move (up to 100 pounds), grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to work in malodorous, nauseating and dangerous work conditions. Must be able to withstand inclement weather such as snow, cold, rain, heat, humidity, sun, etc.  

 

SALARY/BENEFITS:

This is a full-time position with full benefits and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a defined benefit retirement plan. Our comprehensive benefits package also includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life/AD&D coverage, flexible spending, transit, a 457 deferred compensation plan, paid time off, a wellness incentive program, and tuition reimbursement. This position is non-exempt under FLSA.  Actual starting salary is negotiable, and will be dependent upon qualifications, experience, and professional achievement.  The pay offered for this position will depend on which role will be filled. The applicant will start at one of the below positions based on experience and certification with opportunity to move up in range with gained experience and certification. In addition, the position does include/require regular paid overtime in addition to the rates listed. 

Operator in Training  No IEPA Wastewater Certification Salary Range E: ($26.72 – $37.41/Hr.)
Plant Operator IV  Class 4 IEPA Wastewater Certification Salary Range F: ($28.06 – $39.29/Hr.)
Plant Operator III  Class 3 IEPA Wastewater Certification  Salary Range G: ($29.47 – $41.26/Hr.)
Plant Operator II  Class 2 IEPA Wastewater Certification Salary Range H: ($30.95 – $43.33/Hr.)

 

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and employment application (click here) to applicants@glenellyn.org. Hard copies (faxed, mailed, hand-delivered) of resumes will be declined.
  2. Applicants must indicate (Job ID: #17-25 Plant Operator) in the subject line of their e-mail. 
  3. The selected finalist will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check, reference check, and a post-offer medical physical with a drug and alcohol screen.
  4. The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will begin on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Human Resources at 630-469-5000.

 

THE GLENBARD WASTEWATER AUTHORITY IS

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

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