The starting salary range for this position is $55,218 to $64,960; the full range is up to $87,817.

The Water Department is responsible for providing a safe and reliable supply of water to the citizens of Normal. The Water Department operates and maintains 15 wells, a lime softening treatment plant, 3 booster pump stations, 4 elevated storage tanks, 1 ground storage reservoir, over 200 miles of water mains and over 17,800 meters. The Water Department also reads meters, produces bills, provides customer service, and supports the municipal fire suppression system.

The Plant Operator I position performs skilled mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic equipment repair and preventive maintenance in the water plant. Successful employees in this position are capable of working well independently and exercising good judgement while performing routine operational duties. Some of these operational duties include collecting and recording data; starting, stopping, and adjusting chemical feed equipment, filters, and pumping equipment for proper operation; and maintaining quality control of the public water supply. This position reports to the Water Plan Supervisor.

The work hours for this position are Thursday mornings from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM, Thursday evenings from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM, Friday evenings from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and Saturday evenings from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

• Maintains surveillance of plant operating machinery and equipment to insure proper and safe operating conditions.
• Repairs and maintains a variety of complex specialized mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, electronic and pneumatic machinery and Scada control systems, and keeps equipment maintenance and repair records.
• Serves as a temporary shift Plant Operator performing the following:
  • Controls the influent and effluent of the plant by selecting well combinations and selecting and adjusting flow rates of filters and distribution pumps.
  • Performs process control laboratory analysis and records and updates data as directed by the Plant Chemist.
  • Makes adjustments to treatment process based upon laboratory analysis.
  • Computes chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feed machines for proper operation and application rates.
  • Conducts public tours of the facilities when required.
• Must be on call one week per month to respond to emergency conditions.
• Assists with calibration of electronic and analytical instruments.
• Performs general maintenance and custodial work during shift as time permits.
• Performs other duties as assigned.