Wastewater Plant Operations Technician | Wisconsin Rural Water Association

City of Wausau is Now Hiring: Wastewater Plant Operations Technician

To Apply: Submit application at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi/

Salary Information: $24.63 per hour starting or higher DOQ. This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Purpose of the Position: Provide services to the City of Wausau Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System by assisting with the daily operations, inspections, and maintenance on a variety of plant and lift station mechanical and electrical systems. General plant operation, record keeping, system testing, and system controls will also be required to achieve maximum operating efficiencies of the treatment plant and its entirety. This position requires to be on-call on a rotating basis and to respond to emergency call out situations while on-call.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Independently trouble shoot any electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic breakdowns that occur within the plant or lift stations, and report to the Wastewater Superintendent or immediate Supervisor as to what course of action is necessary to resolve issue.
Independently maintain maintenance records on all major equipment at the plant, lift station locations, and provide assistance with the scheduling of preventive maintenance activities.
Independently perform preventive maintenance tasks to include, but not limited to; lubrication, pump alignment, balancing, pump repair/replacement, and daily inspection of valves, pumps, motors, screens, supporting equipment and flow meters. Preventive Maintenance is performed throughout the plant and at lift stations to ensure all equipment is operating correctly and efficiently.
Independently responsible for operating and cleaning all equipment, facilities, and processes related to the plant and lift stations.
Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor monitor and operate biogas collection and conditioning systems to ensure corrosion or malfunction doesn’t occur.
During Lab Technicians absence independently perform required laboratory testing to include; pH, total suspended solids, BOD, nitrogen-ammonia, fecal coliform, orthophosphate and total phosphorus.
Independently operate plant generators during routine scheduled maintenance to ensure generators function properly when called for during emergency power outages.
Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor maintain and repair motor control centers, automated process control systems, remote telemetry monitoring systems, and process control software systems.
Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor independently operate wastewater treatment plant equipment to include pumps, air compressors, motors, generators, solids removal equipment, chemical feed systems, and monitor process control systems.
Independently organize work assignments and perform follow-up inspections to ensure that work performed was successful.
Independently operate biosolids equipment to include; biosolids hauling trucks, front end loader, farm tractor, and tow behind spreader. Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor communicate with farmers to obtain WDNR site approval for the purpose of biosolids spreading, and ensure that sludge being land applied meets WDNR regulations and requirements.
Independently perform general housekeeping as necessary to maintain plant cleanliness to include; sweeping mopping floors, washing windows, and painting of facilities and or equipment as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, and
One (1) or more years of progressively increasing professional experience in the repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment or automotive equipment, and/or
One (1) or more years of progressively increasing professional experience repairing and maintaining industrial electrical equipment, including motor control centers/VFDs, automated process control systems, remote telemetry monitoring systems, and process control software systems, and
Possession of, or the ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire, a State of Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (Class B with N endorsement).

An equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate Degree in wastewater or environmental sciences or related field of study.
Experience working as a wastewater treatment plant operator or working in the water/wastewater industry.
Experience operating farm equipment or in agricultural nutrient management
College coursework or degree in Industrial Mechanical, Electrical Mechanical, or related fields.
Wisconsin DNR Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Advanced Certification with the following subclasses: (1.) Biological Solids/Sludge Handling, Processing & Reuse, (2.) Biological Treatment: Suspended Growth Processes, (3.) Disinfection, (4.) Laboratory, (5.) Nutrient Removal, (6.) Solids Separation, and (7.) Collection Systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must have excellent communication skills and work well with others under general oversight and direction.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in wastewater treatment plant operations.
Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, and materials used in the operation of pumps, blowers, valves, and related equipment.
Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant equipment.
Knowledge of the operation and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and supporting equipment used at a wastewater treatment plant.
Knowledge of the wastewater treatment process.
Knowledge of the safe operation of specialized large and small construction equipment typically used at a municipal public works department.
Ability to do manual labor such as shoveling.
Knowledge of the proper methods, tools, materials, and equipment used for the repair and maintenance of sewer equipment and structures.
Availability to be on-call during a rotating basis to respond to emergencies. Must be able to report to work within one (1) hour of being called out.
Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds.
Possess a basic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
Ability to work in confined spaces in accordance with OSHA standards and City policies.
Ability to work in a safe manner through a variety of high stress situations during high flows, inclement weather, and emergency response situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, including internal and external customers.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Physical and Working Environment

Employee performs standard activities requiring physical effort. The duties of the job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, lifting (lift and carry objects weighing 60 pounds or less, and push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds), fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening (perceiving sounds in order to understand signals such as spoken directions, warning alarms, or requests for information), seeing/observing, bending/twisting (of the neck, back, or torso in order to reach, lift, tend machines, move materials, etc.), reaching (extending the hands or arms in any direction in order to push, pull, or grasp an object or control), feeling (using the sense of touch in fingers, hands, or other body parts to sense the position or quality of objects) and climbing (ascending or descending steps, stairs, ladders, scaffolding, or machines). Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; the ability to adjust focus; and distinguish objects clearly at 20 inches or less with glasses, if needed.

The employee may be exposed to disagreeable elements of high and low outdoor temperatures. The employee may be exposed to repetitive activities; intense or continuous noise; dirty environment; improper illumination; chemical hazards, and air contamination. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE) may be required, as there is significant exposure to hazards and conditions where there is a possible danger to life, health, or bodily injury, which may include mechanical, electrical, air contaminations, and heights. May be required to work in a physically confined worksite with cramped, small, or restricted workplace making it difficult to stand, sit, or walk.

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.