Job Information
Operations Specialist in Woodridge, Illinois
Posted Range:
$29/hour-$32/hour
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Primary Role
The Operations Specialist provides operational, administrative, analytical and technical support for entire Chicago Metro operations. This role may include payroll back up support, internal meeting arrangements, processing purchase orders, invoices and disbursement request, monthly accruals, maintaining various supplies, maintaining various contact list for external stakeholder, communicating with other departments, safety, assisting management staff with various requests, handling customer inquiries, etc., completing related paperwork and/or handling Public Utility inquiries. The percentage of time spent performing the key accountabilities of the job may vary based on the manager, operational or functional unit needs.
Key Accountabilities
- Coordinate or review operations processes and practices and assist in developing tactical plans for the team.
- Receive and distribute operational workflow requests and work orders.
- Enter data and perform analysis in information systems.
- Respond to external stakeholders inquiries, which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from operations leadership, speaking with customers and explaining company processes.
- Prepare, analyze and evaluate reports on a wide variety of items including variances related to specific department work processes, regulatory requirements, budgets, capital expenditures, work orders, departmental and/or organizational performance, etc.
- Provide general administrative support for day-to-day managerial and departmental needs and special projects, which may include but are not limited to, composing correspondence, obtaining permits, preparing and distributing meeting minutes, processing purchasing card and fleet related expenses, initiating purchasing transactions, document preparation, etc.
- Work collaboratively with other functions to optimize business performance and customer satisfaction.
- Reinforce leadership activities and decisions.
- Contribute to effective communication and culture by listening and providing feedback, supporting an open and honest work environment and cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to employees.
- Assist with training and development, knowledge transfer, instilling safe work practices, regulatory and environmental compliance activities.
- Audit work zones and operations facilities for safety, security, environmental compliance, productivity and efficiency.
- Performs activities to monitor and maintain inventory control of various office items, evaluates inventory levels and reorders as necessary.
- May perform receiving, stocking, distributing, and packing in addition to inventory control.
- Maintains inventory records and prepares reports.
- May work with vendors to resolve routine supply and distribution discrepancies.
Knowledge/Skills
- Demonstrated organization ability and administrative skills.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks.
- Effective problem solving and analytical ability.
- Knowledge of water or relevant utility industry operations, water and/or wastewater distribution regulations,
- Thorough understanding of standard business practices and principles, including basic accounting and budgeting.
- Strong knowledge of computers, in-depth knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications and other pertinent software.
- Understanding of collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), safety and regulatory requirements.
Experience/Education
- High school diploma or equivalency required.
- Associates level degree in business or related field of study preferred Distribution and relevant State licenses preferred.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass motor vehicle background check.
Other helpful experience includes:
- SAP, Powerplan, Waterly, various AW systems, construction management.
Travel Requirements
- Local and occasional regional travel may be needed.
Work Environment
- Indoor and outdoor work required.
Other
- The percentage of time spent performing the key accountabilities of the job may vary based on the manager, departmental or functional unit needs.