Filtration Technician (Union AFSCME)

Filtration Technician (Union AFSCME) JobID: 1376

Position Type:

Public Works/Filtration Technician

Date Posted:

5/8/2026

Location:

Water Plant

Date Available:

TBD

Closing Date:

05/22/2026

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Salary: $44.706 - $54.943/hour*

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

Nature of Work:

This is advanced, skilled, master-level mechanic work installing, maintaining, rebuilding, and repairing a wide variety of water treatment plant equipment, pumps, instruments, and systems. Work involves repairing, maintaining, rebuilding, installing, and servicing equipment such as compressors, pumps, motors, valves, chemical feeders, chlorinators, filters, refrigeration equipment, instrument panels, and electrical equipment, following blueprints, schematics, and maintenance manuals, using hand tools, welding equipment, and testing instruments associated with water plant operations. Work includes performing all the essential functions of a Water Plant Operator. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, gloves, steel-toed shoes, SCBA, respirator and other protective equipment is worn.

Essential Functions (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs instrumentation and telemetry equipment in the Water/Sewer Division such as transmitters; operates, maintains, and repairs plant pumps, and motors; maintains and repairs electrical switchgear, motor starters and protective devices.
• Designs, builds, wires, and installs relays, controls and telemetry equipment; overhauls and rebuilds large and small hydraulic valves and pumps; fabricates parts, brackets, performing welding and other mechanical repair work.
• Repairs and maintains water plant building, infrastructure and equipment, flow meters and gauges; designs and rebuilds interior structures performing carpentry and concrete work.
• Performs the installation of new equipment and machinery related to water treatment.
• Recommend new equipment, instruments, tools, and methods.
• Maintains and repairs 110v, 240v, 480v and 4160v switchgear, motor starters and protective devices.
• Performs plant operator duties on a rotational basis and may serve as a lead worker over relief operators and Water Workers as required.
• Welds, brazes, and solders parts.
• Tests equipment to locate causes of trouble, using standard test meters.
• Dismantles equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
• Repairs and replaces pipes and equipment, using pipefitting tools.
• Repacks valves and pumps.
• Troubleshoots and maintains large internal combustion engines.
• Aligns machinery to required tolerances.

Minimum Requirements of Work:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record at the time of hire.
• Must pass an annual respiratory surveillance examination.
• Must remain appropriately shaven to safely use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Must have the ability to be licensed by IDPH to perform bacteriologic tests on water samples.

The following requirements are preferred at the time of hire, or are required to be obtained within the time frame listed:

• Universal Refrigerant License, within 6 months of hire
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800 Certification within 18 months of hire.
• Demonstrate proficiency in 2 of the five following areas within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrate proficiency in 3 of the five following areas within 18 months of hire.
• Demonstrate proficiency in 4 of the five following areas within 30 months of hire.
• Demonstrate proficiency in all five of the following areas with 42 months of hire.
• Electricity / Electrical work
• Basic electronics and controls

3) HVAC theory, installation, and repair

4) Plumbing

5) Welding, fabrication, and metalworking

Proficiency to be demonstrated through in-house testing.

• Minimum of three years of related experience in mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Thorough knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, materials, and technical equipment used in water plant operations.
• Thorough knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water plant operations and high and low voltage switchgear.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of all processes and trades associated with the repair of water plant equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of metal fabrication, power distribution, electrical wiring, general construction, process control, pipe fitting, hydraulic systems, air conditioning, electric motors, pumps, chemistry, microbiology, and other areas associated with water plant operations.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, applications, drafting and design.
• Ability to troubleshoot, assess problems, and determine course of action.
• Ability to lead, guide or train other employees on special crews or projects.
• Ability to repair and maintain equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, refrigeration, high and low voltage switchgear, and other equipment associated with water plant operations.
• Ability to read, understand and follow instructions using blueprints, schematics, and maintenance manuals.
• Ability to understand plant processes and operations.
• Ability to operate test equipment and understand test readings.
• Ability to operate calibration equipment, test equipment, welders, oxy-acetylene equipment, drills, grinder, pipe bender, pipe threader, lathe, scoring machine, hand tools, and other equipment necessary for performing the essential functions.

Physical Requirements of Work:

Ability to transfer, transport, and manipulate parts for assembly.

Ability to stand for long periods of time and climb under, around, pumps, motors, and other equipment and work in confined spaces.

Ability to work in cold, damp locations for extended periods of time.

Ability to hear, see and converse about machinery problems.

Frequent exposure to dangerous equipment works situations, loud noise levels, chemicals, poor lighting, fumes, humidity, dust, gases, and odors.

Ability to operate calibration equipment, test equipment, welders, oxy-acetylene equipment, drills, grinder, pipe bender, pipe threader, lathe, scoring machine, hand tools and other equipment necessary for performing essential functions.

Supervision:

Work is performed under the direction of a supervisor. Considerable latitude is provided for correct diagnosis and assessment of repair work methods and requirements. Work assignments are given through work orders, verbal instructions, or identification of required repair, with the employee responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules, and OSHA. Additional guidance is provided through the Illinois EPA lab certification, national electrical codes, and federal water acts. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard. Employees may serve as lead workers over Water Plant Operators, relief Operators, and Water Workers I and II.

Public Contact:

The employee has regular contact with other City employees regarding maintenance and repairs, as well as occasional contact with the public regarding complaints.

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Structured Oral Interview Two (2) years To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).