Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Electrical Operator I (#20006232)

General Statement

Attends, operates, and cleans electrical control equipment at a sewage treatment plant, in a pumping station, or a lock, during an assigned rotating shift.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Controls or assists in the electrical operation of high and low voltage circuit breakers, disconnects, switches, motors, transformers, battery charger sets, generators, relays, exciters, pumps, and similar equipment.
  • Performs power switching operations, lock out/tag out, executes clearances and places hold cards on high voltage lines and equipment; restores line and equipment to service.
  • Inspects the operation of high and low voltage electrical equipment, and checks the flow of cooling water and lubricating oil.
  • Reads and records meters, gauges, and charts at regular intervals, and updates log books.
  • Operates telephone, portable and base radio for general communication with other District personnel.
  • Operates waterway gates remotely and/or manually.
  • Performs grounding of high voltage equipment.
  • Works with electrical utilities and electrical contractors to perform shut-offs, isolations, restores, and other similar functions as needed.

Other Job Functions

  • Provides relief for Electrical Operator II.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors. May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Some knowledge of the basic principles of electricity, electrical symbols and electrical controls.
  • Some knowledge of the operating characteristics of high voltage electric lines and circuit breakers.
  • Some knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical motors and pumps.
  • Some knowledge of safety practices including lock out/tag out.
  • Basic mechanical knowledge.
  • Ability to read meters and gauges.
  • Ability to make assigned detailed checks of the components of complex electrical equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical information.
  • Ability to read single line diagrams for power distribution and controls.
  • Ability to perform basic electrical calculations. 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and two years of experience in electrical operations, electrical power distribution or commercial/industrial electrical maintenance.

Substitution

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. College or post high school technical training in electrical or electronic technology, electrical maintenance or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Promotional Requirement

  • None
CLASS: 20006232; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 9/1/2018;