Water Station Operator

Water Station Operator

Facilities & Services

Job Summary
To operate and maintain the water distribution systems under a Certified Water Operator. To operate and maintain pools, softeners, cooling towers, water treatment for chilled water and boilers and complete pest control inspections and treatment.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Water Distribution System:
  * Assist with operating and maintaining valves and flushing water lines under direction of Certified Operator.
  * Assist with periodic organic, inorganic and bacteriological testing for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Public Health.
  * Assist with reading water meters, recording readings, maintain utility grid maps, and calculation of water consumption.
  * Assist with locating service for the underground piping in the water distribution system.
  * Assist with emergency call backs on water distribution systems for leaks, repairs, tie-ins, and water quality issues per EPA requirements under direction of a Certified Water Operator.
• Water Softeners, demineralizers, dealkalizers and Carbon Filters:
  * Responsible for inspection, testing and chemical treatment of water softeners, demineralizers, dealkalizers and carbon filters.
  * Tests for water softness, specific gravity, purity, conductivity and/or alkalinity and adds appropriate chemicals as necessary.
  * Makes minor equipment repairs and adjustments and assists other crafts in major repairs or overhauls.
• Pest Control:
  * Inspects infested areas, determines specific types of insect or rodent and applies appropriate control measures.
  * Schedules pest control activities. Inform occupants about the pest control methods being employed.
  * Mixes insecticides with solvents, emulsifiers and diluents as necessary for proper application.
  * Apply control measures, which may include chemical powders, solids, liquids, traps, poisons or fumigation.
• Swimming Pools:
  * Conducts the following tests on a daily basis at each of two heated indoor pools in continuous operation and one outdoor heated pool operated during spring and summer months: chlorine (free and total chlorine), PH, alkalinity, hardness, phenolphthalein alkalinity and chloride, records results and makes necessary adjustments to correct any deficiencies noted by the above tests.
  * Operates and maintains electronic programming for automatic feed of chlorine liquid to the pools.
  * Adjusts heat valves and heat controls to maintain constant water temperature.
  * Vacuums pools, switches re-circulating pumps, cleans strainers/filters, collects samples, and cleans electrodes.
  * Maintains daily record of number of swimmers, liquid chlorine consumption and chemicals used.
  * Prepares pool-operating reports to be forwarded to State of Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Cooling Towers:
  * Responsible for inspection, testing and chemical treatment of water in the campus' cooling towers during summer and winter months.
  * Conducts lab analysis for mass-balancing by testing for TDS, alkalinity, PH, TSC, calcium carbonates, magnesium and molybdenum according to approved laboratory standards. Performs biological inoculants and plate counts.
  * Controls algae growth through the use of chemicals and re-circulates water in towers (blow down) as needed.
• Chiller Water, Boiler Systems and Building Heating Systems:
  * Analysis and corrective measures for appropriate inhibitor concentrations and biological activity in Chilled Water systems.
  * Analysis building Heating and Radiation systems and provides needed corrections.
  * Analysis Abbott Boiler systems for chemical levels and provide needed correction recommendations.
• Employee to be available through callback assignment to respond to emergency work during off normal
  working hours to handle problems relating to the building issues and water distribution needs.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Physical Demands
Lifting/Carrying : Occasionally Visual Acuity : Constantly Standing : Constantly Walking : Frequently Kneeling/Crawling : Frequently Sitting : Occasionally Bending/Stooping/Crouching : Frequently Above Shoulder Reaching/Forward Reaching : Frequently Climbing : Occasionally Bilateral grip and grasp : Frequently

Additional Physical Demands
1. Work is assigned through the Foreperson, Work Management Group, Service office, or via the Director of Building Maintenance or their designee.

2. Interacts with Campus Customers, Supervision, and peers. Creates a work environment which develops accountability for performance and develops team work and unity within the shop and throughout the University campus.

3. May work in extreme weather conditions.

4. Must be aware of potential danger from moving parts and equipment.

5. May be exposed to dust, loud noise, smoke, chemicals, and cleaning compounds.

6. May work in temperature extremes ranging from freezing weather to steam tunnels.

7. May work at heights to inspect equipment located on platforms or hung above tall ceilings.

8. May work amid hazards of work sites such as dust, noise, and in areas such as coal fired power plants, animal rooms, and laboratories.

9. May be exposed to radiation and chemical fumes. Use of Personal Protective Equipment is required when hazards exist.

5. May be exposed to dust, loud noise, smoke, caustic or toxic chemicals, and must ensure all applicable safety requirements are followed.

6.The workload associated with the position can be stressful at times.

7. May work in temperature extremes ranging from freezing weather to steam tunnels.

8. May work at heights to inspect equipment located on platforms or hung above tall ceilings.

9. May work amid hazards of work sites such as dust, noise, and in areas such as coal fired power plants, animal rooms, and laboratories.

10. Use of Personal Protective Equipment is required when hazards exist.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Certification as a Public Water Supply Operator in the class
appropriate to the work assignments of the position to be filled, as
required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

3.Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver's license at time of hire and maintained throughout employment.
Preferred Qualifications

1. Water License (A, B, C, D).

2. Structural Pest Control license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A working knowledge of OSHA safety procedures as related to the Water/Pool Systems.
• Knowledge of the Water Distribution trade, in the use of tools, mechanical systems, and distribution/pool systems.
• Skilled in math in the use of mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and overall general distribution.
• Ability to take directions both orally and in written form to complete assigned work.
• Ability to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services.
• Ability to exemplify high standards of professionalism, loyalty, craftsmanship, and dedication.
• Ability to work with limited supervision provided.
• Ability to ensure work is completed properly in accord with statues and codes in a safe and timely manner.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3003 - Water Station Operator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/20/2026. Starting salary is $23.36/hour, after 18 months the salary increases to $32.18/hour.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 5, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Weaver [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1035059

Job Category : Crafts & Trades

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