Job Requirements
Original Entrance - Examination
Minimum Requirements: Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and two years of sub-professional experience in engineering, scientific or treatment plant operations activities or two years of laborer experience in wastewater treatment plant operations at a facility with a Group 1 designation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Substitution: The following may be substituted for the required experience:
· Full time study at an accredited college or university majoring in engineering or science may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
· Completion of the one-year full-time certificate program for wastewater treatment system operators such as that offered by the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) may be substituted for the required experience.
· Completion of comprehensive wastewater treatment plant operations courses as defined in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wastewater operator certification guide may be substituted for three months of the required experience for each course taken to a maximum of one year.
· Possession of a Class 4 or higher certificate of competency in wastewater treatment works operations issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Examination: The examination will consist of a written test weighted 100%. The minimum passing score on the written test will be 70% unless determined otherwise by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates must achieve a passing score to have their names placed on the eligible list.
The written test will assess candidates’ knowledge, skill, and ability in areas such as basic principles of biological, chemical, and physical sciences; basic wastewater treatment processes such as water sampling, lab testing, sludge sampling, pH, and suspended solids; proper operation and troubleshooting of equipment and mechanical systems such as pumps, wet well gauges, gas detection systems, and fine and coarse screens; performance of basic mathematical conversions, calculations including measurement units and proper use of computational concepts; laboratory and field safety procedures; following and understanding written directions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Examination Process: All applicants will be advised by email if they have been admitted to the examination process. Applicants who do not receive a response to their application by Friday, October 4, 2024 should contact the Employee Selection Office at (312) 751-5100.
WRITTEN TEST: The written test will be administered on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655. Candidates should report at 9:00 a.m. with the approved (printed) admission letter and driver's license or other form of photo identification. Calculators will be provided. The use of books, study guides, cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops or other aids during the test is prohibited.
Original Entrance - Appointments
Appointments will be made from an eligible list with three categories: A (Exceptionally Well Qualified), B (Well Qualified) and C (Qualified). Candidates in the highest category will be given first consideration for appointment. The eligible list has a duration of three years. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a physical examination, a drug test and a criminal history background investigation.