Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Appleton; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Appleton is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator responsible for operating and maintaining equipment in wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal. The role ensures compliance with environmental regulations by monitoring plant processes and data from meters, SCADA, and lab results, while maintaining water quality standards.

The position supports a 10-week rotation for a team of operators and collaborates with lab technicians, maintenance staff, and supervisors to ensure safe,

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 of employment.
• Prior experience in wastewater treatment, plant operations, or maintenance preferred but not required.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license.

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.
• 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.
• Ensure that wastewater treatment processes meet regulatory requirements under the facility's WPDES permit and other 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 PPE use.
• Participate in safety training, emergency response drills, and related activities.
• Maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid and 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

SCADA systems

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Data entry

Basic computer skills

Knowledge of wastewater treatment

Valid driver’s license

Education

Associate degree or higher in wastewater technology or related field

WDNR Advanced Wastewater Operator certification

Tools

SCADA systems

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.

• 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.

• 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