Operator

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 72,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Madison Metro Sewerage District is seeking an Operator to ensure safe, efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Under supervision, you will monitor plant performance, operate SCADA systems, and coordinate with maintenance and engineering staff to keep processes compliant and reliable.

The successful candidate will diagnose issues, follow safety practices, and support emergency response plans. The role requires physical work, lifting up to 50 pounds, and night shifts.

Qualifications

• Diagnose operational issues quickly and respond to alarms.
• Follow safety practices including lockout/tagout and use of safety gear.
• Preferred: experience in wastewater operations.
• Formal wastewater treatment training or related education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant and SCADA systems.
• Identify performance gaps and adjust operations for reliability and efficiency.
• Maintain safety and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams.

Skills

Emergency Response Plans

Alarm response

Safety practices

Education

Wastewater treatment training program

Tools

Lockout/Tagout procedures

Mechanical equipment operation

Job description

Organization Local and Tribal Governments:Madison Metro Sewerage District

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 435,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 191 square miles. The District owns and operates 151 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 38 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources before returning clean water to the environment.

Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. We are 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 our community and protecting one of our most valuable resources: water. When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Operations Supervisor and works closely with other Operators, Operations Engineers, the Treatment Plant Manager, Automation Systems Integrators, and maintenance teams. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and effective, operation of the treatment plant by consistently evaluating system performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments to maintain regulatory compliance, reliability, and process efficiency. This role requires a proactive, adaptable individual who can operate and maintain equipment, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges in a timely manner while adhering to safety protocols. Through close monitoring of plant systems, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the Operator ensures that all processes are functioning optimally, while maintaining clear communication and documentation for seamless team collaboration.

A successful Operator fosters a positive, team-oriented environment by actively engaging with the Operations and Maintenance teams, sharing insights, and offering solutions to ongoing operational challenges. Continuously seeking professional development, the Operator works to enhance personal skills and expertise in the field, contributing to the continuous improvement of plant operations. By being self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to quality, the Operator plays a crucial role in maintaining the plant’s reliability, efficiency, and safety. The successful candidate must demonstrate a growth mindset in navigating a dynamic, mission-driven operation, while remaining committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Salary Information

Salary Range: $72,363.20 - $80,891.20 Annually

Want to know what it's like to work with us?

This position works five (5) days, eight (8) hour night shifts from 6:30 PM to 3:0 0 AM Sunday evening through Friday morning. During the first five (5) to six (6) weeks of training the Operator will work the day shift.

Work is performed 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. Work may occasionally require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

The District participates in the federal E-Verify program. As required by law, all newly hired employees will have their Form I-9 information submitted to the federal government through E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without District sponsorship) at the time of application and must maintain work authorization throughout their employment. The District does not provide employment visa sponsorship.

As part of the hiring process, finalists maybe required to successfully complete a background check and, if applicable, a pre-employment physical. Employment may be contingent upon the results of these screenings. Any criminal conviction record will be evaluated in accordance with applicable law, including whether the circumstances of the conviction are substantially related to the duties of the position.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience rapidly and accurately diagnosing operational issues, respond to alarms, and execute Emergency Response Plans (ERPs).
• Experience using mechanical equipment and safety practices (e.g. lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher, etc.)

Preferred:

• Experience working in wastewater operations.
• Completion of formal wastewater treatment training program or related education.

Deadline to Apply