• Job Description

  Req#: 4595137

  The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information may be obtained at www.kenosha.org. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at shill@kenosha.org or 262-653-4308.

  This recruitment is for a full-time position and is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements. This recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies which occur within the next 6 months of the closing date of this posting.

  
  

  The Kenosha Water Utility (under the City of Kenosha) offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, health/dental/life insurance, compensatory time and overtime pay for emergency work outside of regular work day, tuition reimbursement and other benefits. Appointment to this position requires satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period to acquire permanent employment status.

  
  

  The pay rates shown above reflect Step 1 and Step 17 of the 17-step compensation plan for this position. The person selected for this vacancy will be placed at the appropriate step based on related experience, KWU policy and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance. Future pay raises are at 12-month intervals until the incumbent reaches top step, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations. Any other pay increases (i.e., cost of living) are subject to approval by the Board of Water Commissioners.

  
  

  The LABORATORY TECHNICIAN is responsible for collecting and performing semi-skilled laboratory testing and analyses on wastewater and industrial samples taken throughout the Kenosha sewer system. Such samples are collected to comply with requirements of Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (WPDES) permit and for compliance monitoring and invoicing of industrial users and adjacent towns that discharge to the Kenosha sewer system. This position also maintains sampling equipment and appropriate records and logs, and assists with laboratory operations and preparations. The incumbent is supervised by the Environmental Programs Supervisor and also receives direction from the Lead Chemist. The current weekly work schedule for this position is 1st shift Monday-Friday with the option of assisting with the Saturday morning Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrative only) :

  • Collects wastewater treatment plant influent, effluent and sludge samples for laboratory testing and analysis.
  • Collects wastewater samples from industries for compliance with terms of Discharge Permit.
  • Collects samples from hauled waste and from collection system monitoring sites for laboratory analyses and surcharge invoicing.
  • Assists Lead Chemist with preparing industrial pretreatment sampling schedule to ensure all monitoring is conducted per the Discharge Permits.
  • Assists Chemists and independently performs semi-skilled laboratory testing and analyses such as total solids, volatile solids, chlorine, bacteriology, alkalinity, volatile acid and pH.
  • Follows defined sampling protocol, including sample chain-of-custody documentation. Reports any sampling anomaly promptly and completely.
  • Follows established Q&A procedures for sampling and testing.
  • Prepares and maintains forms, records and logs as required by department and regulatory authorities.
  • Collects and inputs data into computer program, and generates reports.
  • Performs general maintenance on lab equipment, samplers and other in-plant monitoring equipment.
  • Cleans, washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware, sample collection containers and equipment.
  • Maintains clean and orderly workspace.
  • Mixes reagents and fill out log books for reagents and hardware maintenance.
  • Prepares chain-of-custody form and packs/ships samples to commercial laboratories.
  • Maintains Household Hazardous Waste facility (i.e. inventory, cleanliness).
  • Assists with other related activities or duties as required.

  Note: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.

  Required Education, Training and Experience :

  • Minimum of an Associate’s degree in chemistry, science or related field;
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in laboratory testing;
  • Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the essential knowledge skills and abilities.

  Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

  • Knowledge of basic wastewater sampling and testing methods and requirements.
  • Knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment and terminology.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices associated with this type of work.
  • Ability to perform semi-skilled wastewater laboratory tests and analysis.
  • Ability to perform mathematical equations, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, fractions and decimals.
  • Ability to read, write and comprehend simple and semi-skilled instructions.
  • Ability to enter data into computer system and generate reports.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain thorough and accurate logs and records.
  • Ability to use sampling equipment and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to operate standard office and field equipment associated with this position, such as computer, copier, calculator, cell phone, and motor vehicle.
  • Ability to work independently with thoroughness and confidentiality.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers, sampling site staff, and the general public.
  • Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

  Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in the operation of related equipment, machinery and tools.
  • Ability to manipulate, assemble, lift, push, pull, or move objects.
  • Ability to lift objects and materials weighing 1-20 pounds; frequently 20-50 pounds; occasionally 50 or more pounds.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods, occasionally over rough terrain.
  • Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch, occasionally working in such positions for an extended period of time.
  • Ability to enter and work in confined spaces.

  Environmental Requirements:

  • Tasks may require exposure to hazardous work environments where a risk of injury or illness exists, such as noxious fumes and odors, dust, wet or slippery conditions, etc.
  • Tasks may require exposure to inclement weather conditions.
  • Due to risk of exposure, incumbent is encouraged to be immunized with Hepatitis-B series (employer provided if needed).

  Sensory Requirements:

  • Ability to recognize and discriminate similarities and differences between job-related objects, materials and tasks. Such sensory characteristics include: colors, shapes, textures, sounds, odors and depth/distance.
  • Ability to verbally communicate effectively.

  Additional Requirements :

  • Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record.

  Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at www.kenosha.org and click on the “Job Opportunities” link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the “Work Experience” section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

  
  

  An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

  
  

  Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.

  
  

• About the company

  The City of Kenosha website helps citizens and visitors learn about city services and conduct business, including permit applications and online payments.

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