Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Electrical Operator II (#20006233)


General Statement

Has charge of, attends to, operates and cleans electrical control equipment at a sewage treatment plant or pumping station. May supervise lower level Electrical Operators.

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.

  • Supervises and directs the activities of subordinate personnel on shift.
  • Controls 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 lines and equipment to service.
  • Inspects the operation of high and low voltage electrical equipment, and checks the flow of lubricating oil.
  • Reads and records meters, gauges and charts at regular intervals and updates log books.
  • Operates telephone, portable and base radio to contact industries of canal draw down at Lockport and 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

  • Supervises a crew engaged in cleaning electrical equipment at various locations; performs general housekeeping in control room, switch rooms, and in others areas.
  • Takes water samples at Lockport Powerhouse sampling station.
  • Maintains guide bearing lubrication records at Lockport Powerhouse.
  • Provides relief for Powerhouse Dispatcher, Systems Dispatcher, Powerhouse Mechanic, and Chief Electrical Operator.
  • 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 function of components in electrical circuits and electrical distribution grids.
  • Some knowledge of the principles of electricity, electrical symbols and electrical controls.
  • Some knowledge of the operating characteristics of synchronous and other motors.
  • Some knowledge of motor driven and solid state exciters.
  • Some knowledge of safety practices including lock out/tag out.
  • Basic mechanical knowledge.
  • Basic computer skills. 
  • Skill in writing basic technical procedures.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills. 
  • Ability to read single line and simple circuit diagrams.
  • Ability to read and interpret electric meters such as indicator, graphic, kilowatt and integrator types.
  • Ability to understand and interpret data in chart or graph format.
  • Ability to read and understand technical electrical material.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
  • Ability to perform basic electrical calculations. 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and four 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 closely related fields may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as an Electrical Operator I.
  • Civil service status as an Electrical Operator I.

CLASS: 20006233; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 9/30/2022;