Equipment/Plant Operator I

Equipment/Plant Operator I

Salary

$56,698.00 - $66,701.00 Annually

Location

11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761, IL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

464

Department

Water Department

Opening Date

05/21/2026

Closing Date

6/12/2026 5:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

The starting range for this position is $56,698 to $66,701, depending on qualifications. The full range is $56,698 to $90,171.

The Water Department is responsible for providing a safe and reliable supply of water for the citizens of the Town of Normal. In addition, adequate pressure and volume must be maintained for fire protection purposes. The department has three main divisions: Administration/Billing, Distribution and Treatment.

The department seeks candidates who are passionate about community service to join the Treatment team in the Equipment & Plant Operator I position. This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a lime softening water treatment plant. Employees perform skilled mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic plant equipment repair and preventive maintenance. Duties include 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. Operators 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

• Maintains surveillance of plant operating machinery and equipment to ensure 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 documents equipment maintenance and repair records.
• 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.
• 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 in every six 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.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Must possess or be able to acquire a basic understanding of chemistry.
• Must possess strong mechanical knowledge necessary to understand and maintain a complex water treatment plant.
• Must possess high level of mechanical plumbing and electrical aptitude, a working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic principals.
• Must possess or be able to acquire electronic and control system knowledge needed to maintain Scada systems in the treatment plant and the well system.
• Must possess or be able to acquire an understanding of HMI (Human Machine Interface) graphics and programming code.
• Must possess strong basic mathematics skills.
• Must be able to operate a cutting torch, welder, voltmeter, ammeter, metal working tools and electronic calibration equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with superiors, associates, and the public.
• Must be able to work independently at all times of day or night with little or no contact with other employees or the public.

Desirable Training and Experience

Graduation from a standard High school or GED equivalent, with studies in chemistry and physics, must have a strong working background in mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic areas. Previous experience in environmental related work is desired. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Class "B" Illinois drivers license within two years of employment. Ability to obtain a class "C" Water Supply Operators certificate issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency within two years of employment.

The Town of Normal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Town of Normal does not use artificial intelligence to screen applications.

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 employees 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 Towns 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 www.vsp.com 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 members 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 Employers 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 Years 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 doctors 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 $2500.00 per calendar year. Some positions may have opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, or other on-going professional development.

Employee Assistance Program

The Towns EAP provides professional counseling services and specialty referral for employees and dependents. Services include meeting with employees or dependents to determine the proper course of treatment, providing some counseling services free of charge, or referring the client to an appropriate outside counselor. The Towns health plan may pay for a portion of counseling services.

Wellness Program

The Wellness Program includes an annual health risk appraisal screening. The Town also offers a wellness program to all employees covered on the group health insurance. This program provides fun, interactive challenges, in addition to access to personal health coaching, a trainer, and a dietician.

Employee Credit Union

The Town supports the Normal City Employees Federal Credit Union (NCEFCU). NCEFCU provides an alternative institution for personal savings through payroll deductions. Employee/members may be eligible for a signature loan and for collateralized loans.

Miscellaneous Benefits

Other benefits may include an Employee Appreciation Luncheon, Length of Service recognition, Holiday Gift Certificates, Employee Holiday Luncheon, employee outings and other tokens of appreciation.

• This is a summary highlighting some of the Town benefits. It is intended as an overview. The Town reserves the right to amend or end any or all benefits under its control. Benefits for Police and Fire employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement are detailed in the C.B.A. These agreements must be consulted to ascertain any benefit eligibility or benefit details. For specific questions on benefits contact the Human Resources Department.

Employer Town of Normal

Address 11 Uptown Circle

Normal, Illinois, 61761

Phone 309-454-9518

Website http://www.normalil.gov