Day-Shift Wastewater Plant Operator - Growth & Team

City-of-Appleton,-W; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Appleton is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator to operate and maintain equipment in the wastewater treatment and sludge processes. You will monitor plant performance, adjust treatment processes, collect samples, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the facility's permits. The role involves a 10-week rotation for a 10-person team, mostly 7:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m. shifts, with long weekends during rotations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater technology or related field.
• WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification preferred within 48 months.
• Prior wastewater treatment or plant operations experience preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, motors, valves, and other process equipment.
• Adjust chemical feed rates and treatment processes as necessary to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Conduct routine inspections of the treatment plant, equipment, and surrounding areas.
• Read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, SCADA systems, and other monitoring devices.
• Collect and test water and wastewater samples for compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Perform laboratory tests such as pH, BOD, TSS, fecal coliform, and others as required.
• Maintain accurate logs of tests and analyze results to ensure proper treatment levels.
• Provide preventative and corrective maintenance support on treatment plant equipment, including pumps, blowers, belt filter presses, tanks, and valves.
• Provide observations that support troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues.
• Assist Maintenance Division staff with major repairs and maintenance projects when necessary.
• Ensure that wastewater treatment processes meet regulatory requirements under the facility's Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit and other local, state, and federal laws.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, logs, and reports of plant operations, equipment status, and regulatory compliance.
• Submit timely data required for regulatory reporting functions.
• Follow established safety protocols and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in safety training, emergency response drills, and other related activities.
• Maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid and attend periodic training in confined space entry procedures, forklift and pay loader operation, respiratory protection, lockout/tag out, and fire extinguisher operation.
• Safeguard the environment by ensuring compliance with all discharge permits and environmental regulations.
• Participate in training and development programs to stay current with advancements in wastewater treatment technologies.
• Assist with emergency repairs and plant shutdowns.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater technology

WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification (A1, B, C, D, L, P, SS) preferred

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

City of Appleton is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator to operate and maintain equipment in the wastewater treatment and sludge processes. You will monitor plant performance, adjust treatment processes, collect samples, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the facility's permits. The role involves a 10-week rotation for a 10-person team, mostly 7:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m. shifts, with long weekends during rotations.