CityofWausau

Wastewater Plant Operations Technician


Pay$51230.40 - $67620.80 / year
LocationWausau/Wisconsin
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 4358516
      This position provides 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 is required to be on-call on a rotating basis and to respond to emergency call out situations while on-call.

      Additional Information
      • Starting hourly rate of $24.63 or higher depending on related qualifications
      • Standard hours are 6:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., Monday through Friday
      • Any work in excess of 8 hours per day is considered overtime (paid at 1 1/2 times regular rate of pay)
      • Receive $230 per week when designated on-call
      • Excellent benefits including starting vacation accrual of 15 days per year, 3 personnel holidays upon hire, generous sick leave accrual, and 10 paid holidays
      • Enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System; Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance available at affordable rates; Life Insurance and Income Continuation Insurance also available
      Essential Duties and Responsibilities
      1. 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.
      2. Independently maintain maintenance records on all major equipment at the plant, lift station locations, and provide assistance with the scheduling of preventive maintenance activities.
      3. 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.
      4. Independently responsible for operating and cleaning all equipment, facilities, and processes related to the plant and lift stations.
      5. 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.
      6. During Lab Technicians absence independently perform required laboratory testing to include; pH, total suspended solids, BOD, nitrogen-ammonia, fecal coliform, orthophosphate and total phosphorus.
      7. Independently operate plant generators during routine scheduled maintenance to ensure generators function properly when called for during emergency power outages.
      8. 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.
      9. 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.
      10. Independently organize work assignments and perform follow-up inspections to ensure that work performed was successful.
      11. 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.
      12. 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.
      Additional Duties and Responsibilities
      While the following tasks are necessary for the work of this position, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other Plant Operations Technicians.

      • Performs other tasks and projects as assigned by the Wastewater Superintendent or immediate Supervisor.
      • Maintain a flexible schedule and be on-call on a rotating basis.
      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.IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.
      When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.

      SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
      The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

      NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:
      Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

      If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

      The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • About the company

      The City of Wausau has a population of 39,106 and is proud to be located in the center of Wisconsin.