City of South Milwaukee Chief Operator–Water/Wastewater Utility
SALARY ~ $31.53 – $40.55 Hourly
LOCATION ~ South Milwaukee, WI
JOB TYPE ~ Full-time
JOB NUMBER ~ 25-06
DEPARTMENT ~ Water/Wastewater Utility
OPENING DATE ~ 03/13/2025
CLOSING DATE ~ 4/6/2025 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the immediate supervision and direction of the Facilities Manager and Water/Wastewater Superintendent, the Chief Water/Wastewater Operator performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. This position qualifies as emergency personnel as permitted Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.0502.
Duties/Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises and directs plant operators in day-to-day operations.
Assists with the duties and responsibilities of the Facility Manager and Superintendent and acts on behalf of the
Facility Manager in their absence.
Operates the treatment plant in the absence of regularly scheduled plant operators.
Develops and implements operational procedures for water/wastewater plant operations.
Inspects water and wastewater plants to ascertain that plant is functioning properly by observing condition of equipment, charts, and gauges.
Assigns, supervises, and performs all necessary maintenance work in the water, and wastewater treatment plants.
Ensures that proper tools and supplies are available and are in safe operating condition.
Establishes preventative maintenance schedules and procedures for pumping equipment and facilities.
Monitors, controls, and adjusts operations of the treatment plant via use of a SCADA systems.
Inspects, cleans, adjusts, and repairs all equipment associated with pump stations and treatment plant, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, and electrical equipment, including maintenance such as lubrication and oil changes.
Repairs and tests monitoring equipment.
Prepares written and computerized reports and charts and maintains all necessary records.
Performs technical and supervisory work including treatment, filtration, pumping, and laboratory functions as necessary.
Receives notification of emergencies at the plants during non-working hours that require emergency attention and responds to such notification.
Trains new plant operators and instructs operators of new methods and procedures.
Obtains and analyzes water samples as required.
Checks and determines dosages for all chemicals added to the water such as chlorine, ferric, fluoride, UV disinfection etc.
Designs, fabricates, and installs systems to modify or improve facility conditions.
Inspects condition of storage reservoirs and tanks as necessary.
Calls in and directs the work of the plant employees, as deemed necessary to maintain proper functioning of the
treatment plants in the absence of the Facility Manager.
Maintains a variety of written and computerized records and reports related to inspections, maintenance activity, water supply, treatment, etc.
Ensures that all work is performed in a safe manner.
Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Performs other related duties consistent with the function of the classification; other duties as assigned.
Other
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Post-secondary education or training in water treatment technology or chemistry with Associate degree preferred.
Five years of recent increasingly responsible experience in general maintenance work.
Four years of experience in Water Filtration Plant and or Wastewater Treatment operation desired.
Experience in the operation and programming of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software desired.
Supervisory experience desired.
A combination of education and experience that can be demonstrated to result in possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position may also be considered.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification preferred
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
thorough knowledge of water and wastewater treatment plant operations.
Knowledge of laboratory processes and procedures.
Knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment of the types found in water and wastewater treatment plants.
Ability to maintain a good safety attitude and to abide by all safety practices.
Knowledge of Water Filtration Plant and Wastewater Facility operations and the equipment, materials, methods and procedures used in water and wastewater treatment plant operation, maintenance, and repair.
Knowledge of occupational and safety hazards and precautions necessary in the workplace.
Ability to monitor, control, and adjust operations of the treatment plant via use of a SCADA systems.
Ability to maintain written and computerized records and reports accurately and independently.
Thoroughness, resourcefulness, and good judgment.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to perform tasks with strong attention to detail.
Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing.
Ability to deal with the public with tact and discretion.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
Ability to provide direction and supervision, and to work independently.
Computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office software, e-mail, and internet.
Ability to provide truthful and accurate written and verbal communications.
Additional Information
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State Driver’s License.
Possession of Grade S-1 Wisconsin DNR Certification as a Water Utility Operator and general basic Wastewater certification within one year of hire.
Basic certifications to be acquired within five (5) years of appointment including: Biological Solid/Sludge Handling, Processing & Reuse, Biological Treatment, Suspended Growth Processes, Disinfection, Nutrient Removal and Total Phosphorus, and Solids Separation
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Water Filtration Plant components; personal computer and related software; office equipment including telephone, copy machine, calculator, printer, and fax machine; motor vehicles, dump trucks, backhoe/loader, forklift, lawnmowers, ladders, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, and a variety of lab equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; climb, balance, bend, twist and reach; smell, feel, hear, and talk; push, pull, grasp, carry, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, controls, and machinery; reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electric shock and vibration, and may work in high, precarious places. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Must be able to withstand exposure to inclement weather and loud noises and exposure to laboratory chemicals.
Special Conditions of Work
Must be able to respond to work in emergencies and in all types of weather conditions at any hour of the day or night. Must be able to fulfill responsibilities of an on-call rotation. Schedule includes weekend and holiday work. Must be able to work unsupervised for extended periods of time.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview; reference check; job related tests may be required.
All applicants may be required to submit to medical examination prior to appointment, consistent with the requirements of the position. Background check of local, state, or federal authorities will be conducted for all applicants.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The City of South Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The City of South Milwaukee does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, political affiliation, or the presence of sensory, mental, or physical disability, or any other non-merit factor.
Minority applicants and Military Veterans are encouraged to apply.
RESIDENCY:
The residency requirement for all emergency city employees shall be as permitted by Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.0502.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
As outlined in the annual Salary Ordinance and General Employee Manual.
DISCLAIMER:
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to
change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. This is an “at will” position,
and no language found in this posting should be interpreted in any way to create an employment contract of any type.
Employer ~ City of South Milwaukee
Address ~ 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53172
Phone ~ (414) 762-2222
Website ~ http://www.smwi.org