Water Station Operator - University Housing

Updated: about 3 hours ago
Location: Urbana, ILLINOIS


Housing Facilities Maintenance

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions.

With 26 residence halls, three apartment complexes, nine dining locations, multiple storage facilities, miles of sidewalk, a quad and so much more to care for - our Facilities team has its hands full. University Housing Facilities include maintenance, facility planning, engineering, interior design and building service.


Job Summary
Operate and maintain the water distribution system, water softeners, carbon filters and cooling towers; conduct pest control inspections and treatment; and water treatment for chilled water and heating water systems. All University Housing staff will engage and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion within University Housing.
Duties & Responsibilities

Pest Control

  • Pest control shall be applied using Integrated Pest Management standards.
  • Inspects infested areas. From visual examination of pest or evidence such as eggs, larvae or damage, determines specific type of insect or rodent and appropriate control measures.
  • Employee uses knowledge and experience in determining treatment.
  • 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.
  • Applies control measures, which may include chemical powers, solids, liquids, traps, poisons or fumigation.
  • Repairs and maintains pest control equipment.
  • For pest control operations, work locations are assigned by supervisor.
  • All pest control operations work under general direction and supervision of Sub-Foreman with operator license from Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Agriculture

Water Softeners, 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.
  • Regenerates as necessary using appropriate chemicals.
  • Makes minor equipment repairs and adjustments and assists other crafts in major repairs or overhauls.
  • Follows specified procedures to monitor equipment operations, including water testing and treatment.

Chiller Water and Building Heating Systems

  • Analysis for appropriate inhibitor concentrations and biological activity in Chilled Water systems. Provide appropriate corrective measures.
  • Analysis Absorbers appropriate chemical levels and provide needed corrections.
  • Analysis building Heating and Radiation systems and provide needed corrections.
  • Analysis Abbott Boiler systems for chemical levels and provide needed correction recommendations.
  • Follows specified procedures to monitor equipment operations, including water testing and treatment.

Other duties as assigned.


Physical Demands
  • Lifting/Carrying : Frequently
  • Standing/Walking : Frequently
  • Bending/Stooping : Frequently
  • Reaching/Stretching : Frequently
  • Pushing/Pulling : Frequently
  • Physical Endurance : Occasionally
  • Manual Dexterity : Frequently
  • Balance/Coordination : Occasionally
  • Climbing : Occasionally
  • Operating Machinery : Occasionally

  • Working Conditions
  • Extreme cold : Occasionally
  • Extreme heat : Occasionally
  • Humidity : Occasionally
  • Wet : Occasionally
  • Noise : Frequently
  • Hazards : Occasionally
  • Temperature Changes : Occasionally
  • Inclement Weather : Occasionally
  • Tight Spaces : Occasionally
  • Work Outdoors : Occasionally

  • Minimum Qualifications
    • High school diploma or equivalent.

    Preferred Qualifications

    Two (2) years of work experience utilizing integrated pest management processes for pest control applications


    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
    • Working knowledge of the chemistry involved in water treatment, the tests to determine chemical or mineral content, allowable tolerances and procedures to bring treated water within the tolerances.
    • Sufficient mathematical ability to calculate chemical quantities, make temperature corrections, converts units of measure and determine consumption and rate of consumption from meter reading.
    • Involves a working knowledge of hydraulics involved in water flow and distribution, ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems used in, cooling towers and other water treatment equipment.
    • A working knowledge of insects and rodents common to this area, including identification, feeding habits, habit and life cycle, plus pesticides used in their control. Includes knowledge of toxic effects of each chemical, limitations, effects on pests and precautions in use. Demonstrate sound judgment in determining appropriate application method as influenced by environmental conditions.
    • Involves a working knowledge of simple first aid for chemical and pesticide exposure. Ability to work with a diverse student and staff population in a professional and productive 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 the close of the search. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $22.90/hr.  

    For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

    Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

    For more information regarding employment at University Housing, please visit our recruitment website at University Housing Recruitment .


    Application Procedures & Deadline Information

    Applications must be received by 6:00 pm(Central Time)on May 10, 2025.

    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 https://jobs.illinois.edu 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.

    When submitting your application, please submit a:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Names/Contact information for three professional references
  • For further information about this specific position, please contact University Housing Human Resources at careers@housing.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

    The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .


    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 accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


    Requisition ID: 1030380
    Job Category: Crafts & Trades
    Apply at:https://jobs.illinois.edu



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