Plant Operator I - Night Shift

Plant Operator I

The starting salary for this position is $56,698 to $66,701, depending on qualifications. The complete salary range for the position is currently $56,698 to $90,171. This posting is for the weekend night shift position. Town of Normal Water Department The Water Department is responsible for providing a safe and reliable supply of water to the citizens of Normal. The Department operates and maintains 13 wells, a lime-soda water softening treatment plant, three booster pump stations, four elevated storage tanks, one ground storage reservoir, over 202 miles of water mains, and over 17,800 meters. The Water Department also reads meters, produces bills, provides customer service, and provides water with adequate pressure and volume for fire protection. The Plant Operator I position performs skilled work in the operation of a lime-soda water softening treatment plant. Employees in this position are responsible for maintaining process control by 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. The treatment plant is a 24-hour operation with operators assigned to all shifts. Successful candidates for this position are able to work independently and must be capable of exercising good judgment in routine operational duties. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Duties/Essential Job Functions

• Controls the influent and effluent of the water treatment 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 the treatment process based upon laboratory analysis.
• Computes chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feed machines for proper operation and application rates.
• Mix chemicals into chemical feeders which requires occasional lifting.
• Maintains surveillance of plant operating machinery and equipment to insure proper and safe operating conditions.
• Performs general maintenance and custodial work during shift as time permits.
• Works on an assigned shift based upon a 24 hour per day 7 days per week operation including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Must be capable of assuming night shift responsibilities based on a 12 hour work day.
• Must be capable of acquiring basic chemistry and mechanical knowledge needed to understand and maintain plant quality control.
• Ability to perform calibration of analytical instruments.
• Ability to read and interpret meters, charts, graphs, indicators, and other control gauges.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with superiors, associates, and the public.
• Ability to remain on one's feet and walk for lengthy periods of time, climb up and down concrete stairs, occasionally lift modestly to moderately heavy objects, and considerable stooping or bending at the waist.
• Ability to utilize technology, including Microsoft Office and departmental software systems.

Desirable Training and Experience

Graduation from a standard High school or GED equivalent is required. Previous experience in environmental related work is desired. Required to obtain certification as a Class C Public Water Supply Operator from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency within two years of employment.

Benefits

Town of Normal Employee Benefits Summary Progressive Salary Administration With acceptable performance, automatic increases at six months (end of probation), twelve months, and twenty-four months. Employees then receive an annual merit step on April 1st each year until they reach the top of the position's salary range. The salary schedule may be modified for cost of living adjustments in April capped at 5% annually.

Group Health Plan The Town has a comprehensive self-funded medical plan with UMR Preferred Provider Option (PPO). Employees may choose among two plan design options: a traditional PPO plan with a $500/person and $1000/family deductible or a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) component. The Town currently pays the monthly insurance premium for full time employees who participate in the wellness program. The Town may contribute to employee HSAs based on an employee's plan selection. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the dependent premium.

Group Dental Plan The Town has a comprehensive self-funded dental plan that provides payment of 80% of eligible expenses for preventive and 70% of basic & major care. Preventive dental benefits are not subject to the deductible. The Town pays the monthly premium for full time employees. The maximum benefit is $2,000 per person per calendar year and covers orthodontics, 50% up to $2000 per lifetime per covered individual. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the premium.

Vision Plan VSP is the provider of the Town's vision plan. There are two plans for employees to choose from. The plans cover a portion of the cost of exams, contacts, lenses and frames. Refer to for more information about benefits, discounts and doctor listings.

Pension Programs The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) is the pension system for all classified civilian employees. Retirement benefits are based on two factors, the years of service and each member's highest 48 months of earnings as an IMRF member. This plan includes short and long-term disability and death benefits. Employees contribute about 4.5% of earnings annually in addition to the Employer's contribution. By state statute, sworn Police Officers and Firefighters are eligible for pension programs administered by independent pension boards.

Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA Plans The Town offers a voluntary 457 retirement savings plan through MissionSquare Retirement. Per IRS regulation, employees have the option of contributing a portion of their salary up to a predetermined dollar limit in effect for that year or 100% of gross salary, whichever is less. Town employees also have the option of making Roth IRA contributions through payroll deduction.

Flexible Spending Plan This is a salary reduction plan in accordance with IRS regulations. Participants selecting pre-tax payment of their dependent health and dental premiums, day care expenses or non-covered medical expenses will have those payroll deductions sheltered from taxable income.

Life Insurance The Town provides a $30,000 term policy with Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage to all full time employees. Optional dependent coverage for spouse ($10,000), and children over 6 months ($3,000) is available. The Town offers two voluntary life insurance programs. One is a decreasing term life insurance program sponsored by IMRF. The other is a term life program from The Standard that can be purchased for employee, spouse and dependent children. Evidence of insurability may be required.

Holidays Eleven paid holidays are provided each year. They are New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and one Floating Holiday.

Personal Convenience Days Full time and regular part time employees receive three paid days per fiscal year. New hires receive a pro-rated share of PC time at hire. Increases of one additional day occur after reaching 20 years of service then again after reaching 25 years of service.

Vacation Leave Full time employees earn vacation monthly based on the following: Less than 5 years of service 2 weeks Between 5-9 years of service 3 weeks More than 10 years of service 4 weeks Regular employees working less than full time accrue a prorated share of leave time.

Sick Leave Classified employees earn sick leave at the rate of one day per month, twelve days per year. Maximum accumulation is 120 days. Employees may use sick leave for personal illness, injury, or doctor's appointments. Employees may also use sick leave for needed care of a spouse, dependent less than 18 years of age, or parent. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1992, all eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave for qualifying events. Parental Leave Eligible employees may take up to four weeks of paid leave to provide care immediately following the birth or adoption of a minor child. Education/Training Full time employees may be eligible to apply for tuition reimbursement. For pre-approved classes or courses the Town will pay up to $ per calendar year. Some positions may have opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, or other on-going professional development.

Employee Assistance Program The Town's EAP provides professional counseling services and specialty referral for employees and dependents. Services include meeting with employees or dependents to determine