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Water Worker I Apprentice - Municipal Water Distribution and Sewer Conveyance Systems Maintenance in Evanston

Remote, USA Full-time Posted 2025-11-03

Join the City of Evanston's Water Department as a Water Worker I Apprentice

Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging role that allows you to work outdoors and contribute to the maintenance of essential municipal services? The City of Evanston is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Water Worker I Apprentice to join our team. As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills in the maintenance and repair of water distribution and sewer conveyance systems, as well as water treatment plant operations.

About the City of Evanston and Our Water Department

The City of Evanston is a vibrant and diverse community located just north of Chicago, Illinois. Our Water Department is responsible for providing safe and reliable drinking water to our residents, businesses, and institutions. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the health and well-being of our community. Our team is dedicated to maintaining and improving our water infrastructure, and we are looking for a talented and dedicated individual to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the repair of water mains, water service lines, valves, and fire hydrants using hand and power tools
  • Participate in the installation, repair, and maintenance of the municipal sewer conveyance system, including pipelines, manholes, and catch basins
  • Dig ditches and holes, and repair and restore streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parkways
  • Work with a crew to make point repairs on sewer mains, inspect manholes, and clean and repair inlets, catch basins, and manholes
  • Operate and maintain backhoe and heavy equipment, power tools, and hand tools
  • Assist mechanics in making repairs to pumps, compressors, and small gasoline engines
  • Compact excavation trenches using air, gasoline, and hydraulic powered compactors
  • Measure distances of excavation sites and mark outline of areas to be trenched
  • Replace manhole and catch basin covers, and assist in providing information to update sewer atlas maps
  • Cut sections of pipe with a cut-off saw and remove damaged sections from ditch
  • Replace broken pipes and reconnect pipe sections using pipe sleeves or repair clamps
  • Inspect joints to ensure tightness and seal before backfilling
  • Assist with sewer cleaning, including use of a power rodder, high velocity water jetting, and catch basin cleaning equipment
  • Post and remove temporary street signs, and notify residents of water service disruptions caused by emergency repairs

Essential Qualifications:

  • Must be a resident of the City of Evanston (zip code 60201 or 60202)
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be eighteen years of age or older
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions communicated in English
  • Ability to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the public
  • Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in a related field, such as construction, maintenance, or repair
  • Knowledge of water distribution and sewer conveyance systems
  • Experience operating heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift parts, climb in and out of trenches, sit or stand for extended periods of time in confined spaces
  • Ability to detect and recognize odors; focus on small and/or distant objects
  • Frequent exposure to dangerous equipment, loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, extreme weather conditions, vibrations, poor lighting, fumes, wetness, gases, dirt, dust, and odors
  • Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Work Environment and Company Culture:

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We are committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities and provide accommodations as needed.

Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the health and well-being of our community. We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages learning, growth, and professional development. As a Water Worker I Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented and experienced team, receive comprehensive training and guidance, and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our water infrastructure.

Compensation and Benefits:

The City of Evanston offers a competitive salary range of $18-$22 per hour, depending on experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Opportunities for professional development and training

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits:

As a Water Worker I Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills in a variety of areas, including:

  • Water distribution and sewer conveyance systems maintenance and repair
  • Heavy equipment operation and maintenance
  • Safety procedures and protocols
  • Teamwork and communication

We are committed to providing comprehensive training and guidance to help you succeed in your role and advance in your career. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and providing support and mentorship throughout your apprenticeship.

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated and enthusiastic individual looking for a challenging and rewarding role, please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to the City of Evanston's Human Resources department. We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply now and join our team as a Water Worker I Apprentice!

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