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Equipment Operator - Water Services
City of Decatur, IL
Decatur, IL, USA
USD 27.94-29.3 / hour
Posted on May 28, 2026
Job Summary
Starting Pay: $27.94/hour
Increases to: $29.30/hour after six months
Join the City of Decatur as an Equipment Operator and build a hands-on career maintaining the essential systems that keep our community running. You'll operate heavy machinery, respond to water emergencies, and help ensure safe, reliable water service for residents. With paid CDL training and great benefits, this is your opportunity to grow your skills and make an impact every day.
Enjoy a generous package of perks including:
• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), paid vacation and sick leave, excellent health insurance, and a strong retirement pension plan
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic care, bloodwork, immunizations, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
Working hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with night and weekend call-outs for emergency situations, primarily during the winter months.Key Responsibilities
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Equipment Operation
- Operate heavy equipment, dump trucks, and small public works machinery
- Perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs as directed
- Maintain water systems by checking for leaks, installing and repairing mains, hydrants, service taps, and curb boxes
- Conduct pressure tests and sterilize water mains
- Investigate and repair water leaks in the distribution system
- Locate and operate water valves and other system components
- Perform preventive and emergency maintenance for the Water Services Division
- Respond to water system emergencies outside of regular hours
- Supervise and instruct helpers on general maintenance tasks
Qualifications and Preferred Skills
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Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some experience in general labor or equivalent training and experience
- Valid Illinois driver’s license required
- Must obtain a CDL within 6 months (City-provided training)
- Knowledge of tools and materials for water system maintenance
- Familiarity with water system safety procedures, traffic laws, and Illinois EPA/Plumbing Code regulations
- Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and maps
- Ability to safely operate and maintain public works equipment
- Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and communicate effectively with the public
- Physical ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions for extended periods
Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.
More Details
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Examination Process
The examination process will consist of the components listed below. The combination of the written examination and oral interview will constitute 100% of the final examination score.- Written Examination Applicants will be required to take a written examination tailored to this position. Applicants are required to score at least 70.00%.
- Oral Interview Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.
- Veteran Points Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.
- Seniority Points Applicable persons passing the written test and oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score.
The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.
About Decatur:- Central Illinois: Discover affordable living with easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
- Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, and the family’s first Illinois home.
- Shopping and Dining: Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
- Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
- Outdoor Recreation: Revel in Lake Decatur with boating and kayaking or explore the City’s 2,000 acres of parkland for golfing, walking, biking, dog exercising, or playing disc golf.
- Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.
- Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.
To Apply
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply by June 21, 2026 to become an Equipment Operator with the City of Decatur and gain valuable skills, long-term stability, and the satisfaction of serving your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to build a future with strong pay, full benefits, and hands-on work that makes a difference.
Complete an application at the link below with all requested relevant information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Downloading a resume can prefill some application sections but does not replace the application.