Career Opportunities

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Public Works, the employee will perform all duties related to the operation of the plant and treatment facilities to control wastewater processing, sludge management, and effluent quality. This includes monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the employee will assist in laboratory testing and other tasks to ensure efficient and cost-effective plant operation.

Examples of Work

Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities, including pumps, wells, tanks, and related equipment, in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks to ensure the proper functioning of equipment and facilities.
Perform water quality sampling and testing, analyze results, and make necessary adjustments to treatment processes to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Assist in the implementation of the preventive maintenance program, including scheduling and performing maintenance tasks as directed by the Lead Operator.
Assist in the operation of the SCADA system for the wastewater system, monitoring process parameters and responding to alarms or system malfunctions.
Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot equipment issues, identify root causes of problems, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance, laboratory test results, and operational data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Participate in training programs and professional development opportunities to enhance technical skills and knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
Make independent operating decisions when necessary, ensuring continuous plant operation.
Collect samples and conduct routine laboratory tests and analyses.
Interpret variations in operating conditions and test results to determine processing requirements.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues regarding equipment performance and operational adjustments.
Collaborate with supervisor to procure treatment chemicals and supplies.
Maintain collection systems and lift stations.
Participate in weekend shifts and 24-hour emergency on-call rotations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Wastewater Operator.

Required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

Proficiency in monitoring and adjusting equipment control systems to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes and associated interactions.
Effective communication skills to convey processing issues and operational changes.
Ability to work independently and maintain equipment and structures in optimal condition.
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with colleagues, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public as needed.
Availability for overtime, weekend work, and 24-hour emergency calls, with a prompt response time to the treatment plant.
Proficiency in computer skills, including SCADA systems and general operations.
Mechanical and electrical aptitude for equipment maintenance and repair.

Employment Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a relevant field preferred.
Wisconsin Wastewater Operator Certification with sub-classes in various processes preferred, or ability to obtain within four years.
Proficiency in computer skills, including SCADA systems and general operations.
Residency within 30 minutes of Ripon.
Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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 regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, carry, twist, crouch; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, or smell, and may be required to work in high places. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to adjust from one schedule to another at short notice and be able to maintain attention to task in overtime situations. Ability to work under adverse weather conditions.

Environmental Adaptability

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions; regularly walks over uneven terrain such as construction sites; near heavy construction equipment and trucks during site inspection work. The noise level in the office work environment is generally low, however, exposure to very loud noises may occur during the inspection of construction sites as well as being exposed to fumes and airborne particles.