KWU LEAD OPERATOR - WATER PRODUCTION PLANT

City-of-Kenosh; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kenosha Water Utility is seeking a Lead Operator to work under the Director of Water Production. This role performs skilled and semi-skilled work to ensure water treatment processes and equipment operate efficiently and safely.

It includes planning and reviewing maintenance work with the Plant Director and providing guidance to the Operator-on-Duty. The position requires strong technical knowledge, the ability to respond to emergencies, and a commitment to regulatory compliance and team

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Five years of experience in water treatment operations.
• WI Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification with Subclass S & D is required.
• Associates degree in water/wastewater or related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, and review operator maintenance work with the Plant Director.
• Provide technical guidance to the Operator-on-Duty to improve process efficiency.
• Read and interpret gauges; maintain logs and reports.
• Troubleshoot equipment, order parts, and oversee repairs.
• Coordinate with contractors for repairs and new installations.
• Monitor sampling and review lab results for process control changes.
• Develop operational procedures and maintenance manuals.
• Identify training needs and schedule instruction.

Skills

Lead supervision

Process control

Troubleshooting

Instrumentation

Data reporting

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification (WI)

Associates degree in related field

Tools

SCADA systems

Maintenance tools

Job description

The Lead Operator works under the Director of Water Production and requires specialized knowledge and the ability to work independently. This positions performs skilled and semi-skilled work to help ensure water treatment processes and equipment operate efficiently and effectively. The Lead Operator also works with the Plant Director to plan, assign, and review Plant Operators’ maintenance work. In addition, the Lead Operator provides technical support and guidance to the Operator-on-Duty when needed. The regular weekly work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however the incumbent will need to be available to respond to plant emergencies. The Water Production Plant is staffed 24/7 with 3 Operator-on-Duty shifts.

The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the Kenosha area of southeastern Wisconsin. KWU offers a full benefits package, including a Wisconsin Retirement System pension contribution, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, health, dental and life insurance, overtime and compensatory time for emergency work outside regular hours, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits. More information is available at www.kenosha.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In coordination with the Plant Director, determines proper operation and process parameters and assists in their implementation.
• Under advisement from and/or in conjunction with the Plant Director, plans, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of Plant Operators when engaged in the operation and maintenance of water treatment processes or associated equipment.
• Provides technical and functional guidance related to optimal process efficiency to the Operator-on-Duty. Such guidance may need to be provided after normal work hours.
• Reads, monitors, interprets and records information taken from gauges, dials, and other instrumentation. Prepares and maintains logs, reports and other documentation.
• Troubleshoots, analyzes, and diagnoses malfunctioning equipment. Orders replacement parts and performs needed repairs or modifications; inspects and tests repaired or new equipment.
• Consults with outside contractors/vendors regarding specialized repairs or new installation; coordinates the scheduling of repair/installation work with assistance of the Plant Director or Utility Maintenance Supervisor.
• Coordinates sampling during the water treatment process and reviews laboratory results. Identifies and implements process control changes.
• Assists in the development of operational procedures and maintenance manuals.
• Identifies training needs; provides instruction or schedules training; works with Operators to correct any deficiencies.
• Compiles data and prepares regulatory, maintenance and other required reports.
• Provides feedback to the Plant Director on problems or concerns regarding Plant Operator performance or knowledge comprehension as it relates to water treatment processes.
• Adheres to and enforces proper and safe work practices in compliance with appropriate regulatory and department policies.
• Monitors and maintains inventory of supplies, such as parts, tools, equipment and materials; submits purchase order requisitions as necessary.
• Responds to emergency situations as required, which may occur after normal working hours. Ensures appropriate managers or personnel are notified.

OTHER REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs the duties of Plant Operator as needed or during emergency situations.
• Directs and oversees plant operations in the absence of the Director.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from customers and the public; notifies management of those inquiries which are non-routine or require higher authority or more technical involvement.
• Participates in budget preparation.
• Provides input and participates in the interview process to fill Operator vacancies.
• Oversees and may assist with snow and ice control.
• Conducts plant tours.
• Attends seminars, meetings and conferences.
• Performs other related work 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 & Experience

• High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience and certification in water treatment plant operations.
• Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification from the State of Wisconsin must be maintained and include Subclass S – Surface Water and Subclass D – Distribution.
• Associate's degree in water/wastewater treatment, industrial or automotive mechanical repair, supervisory management or related field from an accredited institution highly desired.
• Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of conventional (rapid sand) and/or ultrafiltration membrane-system water treatment operations and maintenance, including plant procedures, the maintenance of facilities, and the operation of equipment.
• Ability to perform as a lead person, including the ability to persuade, convince, influence, train and monitor work activities in favor of a desired outcome.
• Knowledge of and skill in using the tools, equipment, materials, methods and procedures related to the duties of Plant Operator.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical difficulties or malfunctions in plant equipment.
• Ability to perform minor and major mechanical repair or installation work, using a variety of tools and equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of instrumentation used for control and monitoring of processes.
• Knowledge of appropriate safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapters NR 809, 810 and 811.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and perform analyses to improve plant operations and reduce costs.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to read and utilize a variety of reference, descriptive and/or advisory information and standards such as equipment inspection reports, diagrams, schematics, blueprints, equipment and technical operating manuals, safety regulations, and other guidelines and documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers, vendors, contractors and the public.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to determine such factors as surface area, volume, weights and measures; may require the ability to perform computations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to enter and manipulate data in a computer to create reports and maintain records and other files.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, resourcefulness and creativity in developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
• 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 continuously 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.
• Ability to climb stairs or ladders and work at an elevated height which may be 100+ feet.

Sensory Requirements

• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
• Verbal and written communications ability.

Environmental Requirements

• Tasks may require exposure to hazardous work environments where a risk of injury or illness exists, such as live electrical wires, noxious fumes and odors, dust, toxic chemicals, wet or slippery conditions, etc.
• Tasks may require exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Other Requirements

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