Operator

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is seeking a Wastewater Operator to manage daily plant operations, monitor SCADA, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role involves documentation, sampling, and responsive troubleshooting to maintain safe and reliable treatment processes.

The position emphasizes proactive maintenance, safety, and collaboration with Operations and Maintenance teams to support district goals and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Oversees daily plant operations across wastewater treatment phases.
• Performs routine inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Collects and analyzes samples following standard protocols.
• Maintains accurate process documentation and shift notes.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarms and emergencies following ERP.
• Operate and monitor treatment processes and equipment to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Document operational activities and report to Supervisors.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering staff.

Skills

SCADA operation

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures (LOTO, PPE)

Documentation and communication

Mechanical/electrical aptitude

Driver's license

Education

Formal wastewater treatment training program

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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  45% - Assistance with Treatment Plant Operations & Maintenance Execute daily operations across all phases of the wastewater treatment process (e.g., preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary treatment, and solids handling) to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations. Monitor, assess and adjust treatment processes, chemical dosing, equipment operation, and process parameters through field observations, inspections, and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to optimize plant performance. Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment, including pumps, blowers, valves, mixers, and instrumentation. Apply Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) principles to support maintenance planning, shutdown activities, ensuring critical assets are prioritized to prevent adverse impacts on operations, environmental compliance, or safety. Collect, preserve, document, and analyze water, wastewater, and sludge samples at various stages of the treatment process (e.g., pH, DO, TSS, BOD, COD) in strict accordance with standard protocols and laboratory procedures. Diagnose and swiftly resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and operational issues during shifts to prevent treatment process upsets. Monitor and adjust treatment processes to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

  
  


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  35% - Assistance with Documentation, Communication, and Compliance Communicate operational conditions, process concerns, equipment deficiencies, and recommended actions to the Operator Supervisor and appropriate Operations, Maintenance, or Engineering personnel.. Follow, review and provide feedback on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) safety protocols, Emergency Response Plans and operational documentation to support consistent and effective plant operations. Actively share critical information, document comprehensive shift notes, and maintain clear verbal and written communication with incoming shifts and the Operator Supervisor. Maintain precise, legally defensible documentation of plant activities, chemical usage, equipment statuses, shift activities, regulatory records, and required reports. Identify equipment deficiencies, create detailed work requests, and track maintenance tickets through the plant's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Utilize the CMMS to document equipment deficiencies, operational problems, corrective actions, work performed, and follow‑up activities.

  
  


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  10% - Decision Making and Problem Resolution Make sound, timely, and independent operational decisions during shifts to maintain safe, reliable, and continuous plant operations and mitigate emergency situations. Prioritize completing tasks effectively during routine operations, changing conditions, or emergencies to maintain facility safety and compliance. Respond swiftly to plant alarms, severe weather events, spills, or system failures following established Emergency Response Plans (ERPs). Recognize when additional support is required and communicate promptly to appropriate personnel.

  
  


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  5% - Learning and Self-Improvement Obtain and maintain certification in CPR, and First Aid. Must obtain initial certification within the first six months of employment. Complete training in forklift operation, respiratory protection, lockout/tag out, and fire extinguisher operation, and other safety‑related programs within the first year of employment. Pursue technical training, continuing education units (CEUs), and higher‑level operator wastewater certifications to support professional growth and expand technical knowledge. Actively participate in safety meetings, training activities, wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and confined space entry protocols, and proactively report workplace hazards. Reflect on operational performance, and seek opportunities to improve technical p oficiency, process knowledge, operational performance and decision‑making effectiveness.

  
  


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  5% - Other Duties as Assigned Provide backup support for operations as needed to ensure reliable service, including coverage during planned and unplanned absences as required or assigned. Perform other related duties consistent with the responsibilities and expectation of the Wastewater Operator position. Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through clear communication, collaboration, and responsive engagement. Support the District's Strategic Plan and special projects associated with organizational goals.

  
  

Other Experience and Qualifications

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.

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. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Valid driver's license and ability to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Wisconsin.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.


• Knowledge of workplace safety practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Effective verbal and written communication skills to document operational activities and communicate with supervisors and coworkers.


• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and equipment, or the ability to learn through on‑the‑job training.


• Knowledge of computer applications, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn wastewater operational software such as SCADA or Process Control Systems (PCS).