Wastewater Treatment Operator

About the Position

The Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for process control, including troubleshooting, monitoring and operation of the wastewater treatment plant. This position works 12-hour night shifts.  Operators fill shifts to maintain 2-person coverage of plant operating and collection system monitoring. This work involves a variety of light maintenance duties.

This position will work under the direction of the Operator Supervisor and works closely with other operators, operations engineers, the Operations Manager, automation systems integrators, and maintenance staff.

This position under the Operator 1 title has a starting pay range of:
$68,209.44 – $76.234.08

Through internal progression an employee can advance up to an Operator 5 title with the following pay:

Operator 2: $72.221.76 – $80,246.40
Operator 3: $76,234.08 – $84,258.72
Operator 4: $80,246.40 – $88,271.04
Operator 5: $84,258.72 – $92,283.36

In addition, employees are eligible for a merit-based raise every July, as well as a market adjustment raise in the month of January.

Who We Are
Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 429,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 187 square miles. Organized as a municipal corporation, the District is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the communities we serve.
 
The District owns and operates 145 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources from the wastewater we receive before returning clean water to the environment. 
 
Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. The District is dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities. 
 
Working at the District is more than just a paycheck. It is about taking care of the communities we live in and giving back to the environment that surrounds us. We are trusted leaders working together to protect one of our most valuable resources-our water. When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, make the choice to do Work Worth Doing!    

Check us out here!  

A complete application will include a resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications for this position.   

We will be reviewing applications weekly on Friday and will proceed with qualified candidates at that time. The position may be filled prior to the closing date of the posting so please apply right away if you want full consideration.  

Duties

A successful Operator brings the following qualities to the work:

• Self-Starter.  Strong initiative to identify, analyze and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Mechanical ability:  Demonstrates aptitude and competence in a broad range of trade skills through the use of hand tools, power tools, and the operation of equipment.
• Problem Solver: Demonstrates ability to use basic math skills and practical thinking to solve unique problems which may not have been encountered in the past. Looks for innovative solutions and has the confidence to present ideas to the rest of the team.
• Adaptable: Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change, projects a positive demeanor regardless of changes in working conditions, and shows the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities without loss of composure.
• Computer Skills: Able to interact with SCADA system to make plant adjustments and assess trending data to operate the plant.   
• Improvement Oriented: Recognizes the difference between high and low quality; between suitable and unsuitable outcomes. Looks for ways to continually improve results and to help others do the same.

Results
The following results fulfill the purpose and meaning of the Operator’s work:

• Continuously evaluate the treatment plant to determine that it is operating efficiently and that needed improvements are identified and adjustments are made to maintain the districts regulatory requirements.   
• Providing feedback to the Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager and Operations Engineers for treatment plant operations that may arise that need further evaluation.
• Continuously being a team player while receiving and passing information about plant operations with the Operations and Maintenance team.  This includes active listening, documentation of shift notes, identifying and inputting work requests, and verbal communication.
• Seeking additional information and knowledge to grow and improve as person and as a professional.

Duties

• For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, see the job description here.

Requirements

Hours

• This position works 12 hour night shifts from 6:30am – 6:30pm. 

Education and Experience

• At least 2 years related post-high school education and a year of experience in a position which included physical work and the use of hand tools.
• Two years of directly related work experience may be substituted for the post-high school education requirement.
• Wastewater operations experience preferred.
• Completion of a two or four-year program in wastewater treatment or a related science degree is desirable. 
• State wastewater treatment plant operator certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• For a complete list of knowledge, skills, and abilities, see the job description here.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is performed during night core hours inside and outside the wastewater treatment facilities with exposure to a variety of weather and working conditions. Required to use light hand tools and heavy power tools. Must be able to occasionally lift loads up to 50 pounds unassisted. Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, crawl, sit, twist, turn, climb ladders, work from scaffolding or lifting equipment, and work in very awkward positions for extended periods. Individuals in this position will work day and night shifts and may be subject to filling in for coworkers.

Work may occasionally require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals. Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climactic conditions. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks at elevated levels. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks in confined areas.