Full-Time

System Operator 3

Water/Wastewater Utility

Posted on 5/9/2026

Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities

201-500 employees

Regulated water, wastewater, and gas utilities

Compensation Overview

$36.25/hr

+ License/Certification pay increase

Rockford, IL, USA

In Person

On-site in Poplar Grove, IL; weekly on-call rotating schedule for 24/7 operation.

Category
Building Systems & HVAC (1)
Requirements
  • Possess a High School Diploma (or Equivalent).
  • Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus!
  • Class II Wastewater License.
  • Class B Water License.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; this person will need to be able to communicate effectively (clearly, concisely, and professionally) with internal customers.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to readily read, understand, and accurately follow operating instructions (both written & verbal).
  • Possess the mathematical ability to perform calculations which determine various ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Systems.
  • Computer literate with computer database tools as well as the ability to operate plant processes through computer-controlled equipment.
Responsibilities
  • Operate / maintain the facilities & equipment related to the wastewater activated sludge treatment, lagoons, lift stations, and collection systems.
  • Operate / maintain the facilities & equipment related to the wastewater and water treatment plants, well facilities, pumping, and storage facilities (as needed).
  • Operate / maintain the vehicles & equipment used in the water and wastewater facilities.
  • Perform / record inspections & tests on the systems and facilities operations; this involves reviewing the associated data.
  • Collect, analyze, and record water & wastewater samples for regulatory compliance as well as process control monitoring for proper operation of the systems.
  • Prepare reports required by the Company, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency IEPA, the Illinois Commerce Commission, or other jurisdictional entities.
  • Respond to customer service, water distribution, and/or collection system work orders.
  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Professional experience working with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps is preferred.

Essential Utilities is a holding company for regulated water, wastewater, and natural gas utilities in the United States. Its two main subsidiaries are Aqua, which provides water and wastewater services in eight states, and Peoples, which distributes natural gas in three states. The regulated utility model means government regulators set and approve rates and service obligations, creating a stable and predictable revenue stream. The company focuses on owning and operating essential infrastructure to deliver reliable services and steady returns to shareholders.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Radnor Township, Pennsylvania

Founded

1968

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • 2025 net income rose to $616.4M, revenue up 18.6% to $2.47B.
  • Aqua acquired Greenville Water Authority for $18M, adding 2,900 customers.
  • $26M data center investment operational by Q1 2029.

What critics are saying

  • Shareholder lawsuits block American Water merger over 0.305 share ratio.
  • PUC rejects merger due to competition loss in Pennsylvania markets.
  • Environmental opposition halts Greene County data center water usage.

What makes Essential Utilities unique

  • Operates regulated water, wastewater via Aqua in eight states.
  • Peoples delivers natural gas in three states.
  • Integrates utilities for data centers like Greene County project.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Remote Work Options

Professional Development Budget

Wellness Program

Company News

MarketScreener
Mar 9th, 2026
Essential Utilities, Inc. Issues USD 500 Million 5.125% Senior Notes Due 2036

Essential Utilities, Inc. issued USD 500,000,000 principal amount of its 5.125% Senior Notes due 2036 . The Notes were issued pursuant to the indenture, dated as of April 23, 2019 , as supplemented...

Investors Hangout
Nov 22nd, 2025
Legal Rights Advisory for Shareholders of Essential, Avidity, and Third Coast

Legal rights advisory for shareholders of Essential, Avidity, and Third Coast. Understanding your rights as a shareholder. In today's corporate landscape, protecting your investment is crucial, especially amid mergers and acquisitions. Halper Sadeh LLC, a dedicated investor rights law firm, supports shareholders in understanding their legal rights concerning significant transactions. Recently, this firm has been investigating potential violations involving three notable companies: Essential Utilities, Avidity Biosciences, and Third Coast Bancshares. Essential Utilities, Inc. overview. Proposed transaction with American Water Works. Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) is in the spotlight due to its proposed sale to American Water Works Company, Inc. This deal offers shareholders 0.305 shares of American Water for each share of Essential they own. If you hold shares in Essential Utilities, it's essential to be aware of your rights and options regarding this merger. Your interests can be significantly impacted, so understanding the details surrounding this transaction is vital. Avidity Biosciences, Inc. insights. Cash offer from Novartis. Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNA) is also facing a critical moment as it discusses a sale to Novartis for $72.00 per share in cash. This transaction represents a significant opportunity for shareholders, yet it requires careful consideration. If you're an Avidity shareholder, it's crucial to explore all legal avenues to ensure you receive the full value of your investment during this transition. Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. developments. Merger with Keystone Bancshares. For Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: TCBX), a merger is on the table with Keystone Bancshares, which could bring substantial changes to the share structure. Shareholders must be proactive in examining their legal rights and potential entitlements during this merger process. Being informed allows you to safeguard your investments effectively. Halper Sadeh LLC's support. Halper Sadeh LLC is committed to advocating for shareholders' rights. The firm approaches these matters with the utmost professionalism, seeking increased compensation for shareholders, additional disclosures from companies, and various other potential measures that may benefit shareholders during these transactions. They offer their services on a contingent fee basis, ensuring that shareholders can seek legal recourse without upfront costs. Contact Halper Sadeh LLC today. If you are a shareholder affected by these transactions, Halper Sadeh LLC encourages you to reach out. Discussions regarding your legal rights are conducted free of charge. Contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060, or you can email them directly. They are ready to assist you in understanding your rights and ensuring that you are adequately represented during these significant corporate changes. Global representation and investor advocacy. The attorneys at Halper Sadeh LLC represent investors worldwide who have encountered corporate misconduct or securities fraud. Their expertise is instrumental in advocating for corporate reforms and recovery from fraudulent activities. They believe in empowering investors by protecting their rights and seeking justice on their behalf. Investment warnings and guarantees. While the firm strives for favorable outcomes, it is essential to approach these legal matters with realistic expectations. Historical results do not guarantee future success, but the firm is confident in its ability to provide solid representation and effective legal counsel. Frequently asked questions. What should I do if I'm a shareholder of Essential Utilities? If you hold shares in Essential Utilities, it's advisable to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss your legal rights regarding the proposed sale to American Water Works. How can I benefit from contacting Halper Sadeh LLC? By reaching out to Halper Sadeh LLC, you can explore your options, including potential compensation and legal rights related to your investment during significant corporate changes. What does the firm charge for its legal services? Halper Sadeh LLC operates on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won't bear any out-of-pocket legal fees unless they succeed in securing a favorable outcome for you. Is there a deadline to take legal action as a shareholder? Yes, there are often specific timeframes for pursuing legal action, so it's essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet any critical deadlines. Can I represent myself in these matters? While individual representation is an option, the complexities of securities law and mergers make it advisable to work with a specialized attorney to navigate the legal landscape effectively. Hey there I'm Caleb Price, a writer and financial specialist who loves to assist others in understanding the financial world. Having years of practical experience and a solid background in finance, my area of expertise is converting difficult financial ideas into useful, doable insights for my blog and publications. My goal with my writing is to give readers the information and assurance they need to successfully negotiate their financial journeys. My ability to interact with a wide range of people - from novices starting their investing journey to seasoned investors looking for new approaches - has come from contributing to several financial blogs. Making money approachable and understandable is my goal; this will enable you to make wise choices and realize your financial objectives. Investors Hangout, LLC appreciate you coming along on this path to success and financial empowerment on Investors Hangout. Contact Caleb Price privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Caleb Price as the subject to [email protected]. About Investors Hangout. The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact Investors Hangout, LLC for corrections.

Butler Eagle
Oct 27th, 2025
American Water merging with Peoples Natural Gas owners

American Water merging with Peoples Natural Gas owners. A multi-billion dollar merger will affect two utilities that currently have customers across Butler County and Western Pennsylvania. Essential Utilities is merging with American Water. The two companies announced the deal Monday, Oct. 27, in what will create a utilities conglomerate worth $63 billion. Essential Utilities owns Peoples Natural Gas. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, one of the largest water utilities in the country. In a news release and a published frequently asked questions document, the two companies said there will be no change in customer rates due to the merger. They also claimed the combined company will be better able to maintain "an average customer water bill that is affordable." Continue reading with one of the options below.

Bloomberg L.P.
Oct 27th, 2025
American Water Works to Buy Essential in $12 Billion Deal

American Water Works Co. agreed to buy Essential Utilities Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at about $12 billion, the biggest such US deal on record.

Reuters
Oct 27th, 2025
American Water to fortify US presence with Essential Utilities deal

American Water Works on Monday agreed to buy Essential Utilities in an all-stock deal to create a combined company worth $63 billion, including debt, strengthening its position as the top regulated water utility in the country.