Wastewater Operator - Plant

State of Wisconsin; Town of Sun Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Wastewater Plant Operator to join their team in ensuring public health and safety through effective wastewater treatment. This role requires a blend of technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to operate and maintain complex equipment while adhering to state and federal regulations. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes and the ability to work independently in a self-directed environment. With a commitment to equity and inclusion, this organization offers a supportive workplace where your contributions will directly impact the community's well-being.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Caregiver Leave

15 Days of Vacation

Sick Leave

2 Personal Days

Qualifications

• Two years of operational experience at a wastewater treatment facility preferred.
• Must possess a valid Commercial Drivers License with tanker endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate wastewater treatment facility processes and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment problems, manage data for performance reports.

Skills

Problem-solving abilities

Knowledge of wastewater treatment

Operational understanding of biological processes

Data management and reporting

Education

Associate Degree in wastewater or environmental sciences

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Commercial Drivers License

Forklift

Chainsaw

Portable fire extinguisher

Job description

Press Control+M to start dragging object

Organization Local and Tribal Governments: City of Sun Prairie

The City of Sun Prairie is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator due to a recent retirement. Plant operators need to provide a high level of problem-solving abilities combined with skill and knowledge necessary to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The city can be subject to disciplinary action from the state, including fines, if these regulations are not met. This position protects public health and safety by ensuring that wastewater is efficiently and effectively cleaned to a high-quality prior to discharge to the environment. This position requires a solid understanding of many pieces of equipment related to wastewater treatment combined with operational understanding of aerobic and anaerobic biological processes. This position is also required to understand the collection system and lift station operation to ensure successful conveyance of sewage sludge away from homes and businesses to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Position Summary

• Operator is responsible for the operation of the wastewater treatment facility processes including all liquids, thickening, and dewatering, and solids processing and the associated equipment to provide quality customer service, while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Responsible for organizing, planning, and professionally implementing operational strategies to ensure compliance with all State and Federal permit requirements.
• This is a highly responsible professional position that involves the application of a wide range of advanced skills and knowledge of basic and advanced wastewater principles.
• Operators will coordinate with others to troubleshoot process and equipment problems as needed.
• Manage and collect data to prepare reports for use by management and external consultants on the performance of processes and equipment.
• Must regularly make decisions that have or are likely to have significant impact on the City of Sun Prairie WWTP operating expenses such as: energy management (electricity and natural gas usage), chemical usage (polymer and Ferric Sulfate), and biosolids generation (impact on hauling and land application).
• This position is expected to work 8- or 10-hour shifts, respond to call-ins throughout evenings while on the rotating on-call schedule, work assigned weekends and holidays, all while in a self-directed work environment without supervision for extended periods.

Salary Information

Pay Scale: Operator in Training: starting $26.68 per hour Certified Operator: starting $32.51 per hour Incentive Pay: There is an incentive of up to $2.00 per hour above the pay range listed if all wastewater certifications related to the Sun Prairie Wastewater Treatment Plant are obtained at the Advanced level.

Full benefits including Wisconsin Retirement System, Health Insurance with a high deductible health plan that the City will pay 100% premium for family and single coverage, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Income Continuations Insurance, Paid Parental Leave (240 Hours), Paid Caregiver Leave (80 Hours), 15 Days of Vacation on start date, Holiday, Sick Leave & 2 personal days.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week 8 Hrs./day On call rotation for nights, weekends and holidays Pre-Employment: Candidate must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Qualifications

Associate Degree in wastewater or environmental sciences or related field of study. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will also be considered. Two years of operational experience at a wastewater treatment facility preferred. Related experience will also be considered.

Training that is recommended for the position:

• Must possess a current and valid Commercial Drivers License with tanker endorsement or will need to obtain within one year of hire.
• Wisconsin DNR Basic General Wastewater certification, National Incident Management System (NIMS) training, Forklift Operation training, Chainsaw operation training, Bloodborne Pathogen training, Portable fire extinguisher training, Confined Space Entry Training, Lock-out/Tag-out Training, Personal Protective Equipment training, and Hazard Communication training within one year of hire.

The following is highly recommended prior to hire and is encouraged to be obtained within six years of hire:

• Wisconsin DNR Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Advanced Certification with the following subclasses: A1, B, C, D, L, P, and SS.

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play.