Utility Plant Operator

Wisconsin Department of Corrections; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 24,235 - 34,517; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Substantial leave time included

Exceptional pension plan

Tax-advantaged retirement savings plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is hiring for a position managing wastewater and waterworks facilities in Plymouth, England. This role requires on-site technical management, compliance with DNR regulations, and certifications in wastewater operations.

The successful applicant will enjoy starting pay at $28.47 per hour, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work in a meaningful role ensuring public safety through quality water management.

Qualifications

• Must possess necessary wastewater and waterworks certifications upon appointment.
• Candidate must maintain licensing during employment, with costs at their expense.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Daily on-site technical management of wastewater and waterworks facilities.
• Oversee operation and administration of the institution's utilities.
• Ensure compliance with DNR permits and regulations.

Skills

Certification as a Wastewater Operator in Training (OIT)

Biological Treatment-Suspended Growth Processes

Solids Separation

Solids Treatment

Laboratory

Sanitary Sewage Collection

Nitrogen Removal

Operator-in-Training Waterworks operator

Education

Basic Wastewater Operator Certification

Grade 1 Waterworks WDNR Operator Certification

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the daily on‑site technical management of the wastewater and waterworks facilities, and is certified for both as defined under the provisions of Wis. Adm. Code Chapter: NR 114. This position oversees the operation and administration of the institution’s utilities; serves as primary contact with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR); ensures compliance with any and all DNR permits and regulations; arranges for the operational needs of the utilities; plans for the upkeep and maintenance work that must be performed; performs inspections, technical laboratory analysis and tests, as well as makes collections for required testing; maintains records and prepares required reports among other assigned duties and responsibilities.

Salary Information

The starting pay is $28.47 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. The pay schedule/range is 03‑15. A 12‑month probationary period will be required.

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax‑advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well‑being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre‑employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre‑employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment. Applicants who fail or refuse the drug screen will not be given further consideration for employment.

• Must be able to work in confined spaces and wear equipment prescribed under Department of Commerce rules on confined spaces. This includes breathing apparatus and safety harness.
• Physical ability to independently perform lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in conditions of extreme heat, cold, dampness and dust.

Qualifications

• Upon appointment, must possess certification as a Wastewater Operator in Training (OIT) by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in A1) Biological Treatment‑Suspended Growth Processes, (B) Solids Separation, and (C) Solids Treatment, (L) Laboratory, and (SS) Sanitary Sewage Collection and (N) Nitrogen Removal.
• Within twelve (12) months of appointment, must possess Basic Wastewater Operator Certification, (A1) Biological Treatment‑Suspended Growth Processes, (B) Solids Separation, and (C) Solids Treatment, (L) Laboratory, and (SS) Sanitary Sewage Collection and (N) Nitrogen Removal.
• Within twelve (12) appointments, must possess (T) Operator‑in‑Training Waterworks operator, sub‑grades (D) Distribution & (G) Groundwater certification.
• Within twenty‑four (24) months of appointment, must obtain Grade 1 Waterworks WDNR Operator Certification, sub‑grades (D) Distribution & (G) Groundwater.
• Employee must maintain licensing during employment in this position. Cost for certifications, testing, and maintaining licensing will be at the employee’s expense.

Deadline to Apply

Online applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on July 7th, 2026.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affluent Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service‑connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment program. Current State employees are not eligible for non‑competitive appointment.