Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Appleton Wisconsin; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

Vacation/Paid Time-Off

Paid Holidays

Job summary

City of Appleton is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator to operate and maintain equipment in wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal. You will monitor plant processes, collect samples, run tests, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations while supporting maintenance and safety programs. The role involves 10-week rotations, day shifts (7:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m.), and weekends. Associates or technical training plus WDNR certification preferred; valid driver's license required;

Qualifications

• Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater technology, environmental science, or related field preferred.
• Possession or the ability to obtain WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification within 48 months preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, motors, valves, and other process equipment in wastewater treatment facilities.
• 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

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater technology or related field

WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification (A1, B, C, D, L, P and SS) preferred within 48 months

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Job Description

The Wastewater Plant Operator is responsible for the operation of and maintenance support for equipment utilized in wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal. The operator ensures compliance with environmental regulations by monitoring and adjusting plant processes to optimize performance and maintain water quality standards.

This position is comprised of 10 full-time staff within a unified operations group. Each team member works a 10-week rotation with the majority shifts being the 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm dayshift along with multiple three-to-four-day long weekends during the shift rotations. The Wastewater Plant Operator is directly managed by the Operations Supervisor and works closely with other operators, laboratory technicians, an instrumentation and controls systems technician, maintenance specialists, and master electrician.

Examples of Duties

• Operate and monitor pumps, motors, valves, and other process equipment in wastewater treatment facilities.


• 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.

Typical Qualifications

• Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater technology, environmental science, or related field preferred.


• Possession or the ability to obtain WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification (certification subgrades A1, B, C, D, L, P and SS) preferred within 48 months of employment and maintain the certificate when employed.


• Prior experience in wastewater treatment, plant operations, or maintenance is preferred but not required.


• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are advantageous.


• Valid driver’s license.


• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and related regulations.


• Ability to use various tools, equipment, and technology related to plant operations (e.g., SCADA systems).


• Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting.


• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.


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


• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and handle physically demanding tasks.

Competencies

• Customer Focus


• Adaptability/Flexibility


• Technical Skills


• Communication


• Positive Attitude

To learn more about these competencies click here

Supplemental Information

Employees in this class are afforded full benefits including, but not limited to:

• Health Insurance


• Dental Insurance


• Vision Insurance


• Life Insurance


• Long-Term Disability Insurance


• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan


• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)


• Vacation/Paid Time-Off


• Paid Holidays

To view the current Benefits Booklet online, click here.

For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click here.