Water Utility - Water Utility Superintendent

Fortatkinsonwi; Fort Atkinson (WI); On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Robust time-off program

Wisconsin Retirement System

Job summary

The City of Fort Atkinson seeks a Water Utility Superintendent to lead the safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and oversight of the community's water system. You will plan strategically, ensure regulatory compliance, and supervise daily personnel to deliver potable water for public consumption and fire protection.

Responsibilities include overseeing system operations, maintenance planning, permits and reports, water quality testing, and budget/capital planning, plus supervising staff and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate degree in a related field is preferred.
• Five years of distribution system and/or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin DNR Water Distribution certification.
• Valid driver's license; ability to obtain Wisconsin Class B CDL is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily water treatment and distribution operations.
• Develop and direct a comprehensive maintenance plan for all utility assets.
• Ensure regulatory compliance as Operator-in-Charge and manage permits/reports.
• Assist in annual budget planning and long-term capital improvements.
• Lead staff scheduling, training, and safety programs.
• Maintain public relations and lead service replacement program.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Integrity

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree

Tools

SCADA

GIS

Job description

Water Utility Superintendent

The Community

The City of Fort Atkinson is a full-service community ideally situated between the Madison and Milwaukee metropolitan regions in southern Wisconsin. Combining a small-town ambiance with big-city amenities, Fort Atkinson offers a bustling downtown, historic districts, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities along the Rock and Bark Rivers. The city is a great place to live, work, and play, priding itself on high-quality municipal services and a school district that serves as a cornerstone for local families.

The Municipal Organization

The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Water Utility is a key division within the Department of Public Works (DPW), which also oversees Streets, Stormwater, Wastewater, and Engineering. The Water Utility Superintendent reports directly to the Director of Public Works and serves as a vital member of the City’s Management Team.

Position Overview

The Water Utility Superintendent is the lead professional responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation, maintenance, and oversight of Fort Atkinson’s water system. This role encompasses long-term strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and daily personnel management to ensure the delivery of potable water for public consumption and fire protection.

Key Responsibilities

• System Operations: Overseeing the daily performance of the water treatment and distribution infrastructure, including wells, pumps, and towers.
• Maintenance Management: Developing and directing a comprehensive maintenance plan for all utility assets, including exercising valves and hydrant flushing.
• Regulatory Compliance: Serving as the Operator-in-Charge; ensuring compliance with Wisconsin DNR regulations, managing permits, and submitting all required reports.
• Water Quality: Collecting samples and conducting or coordinating laboratory testing to maintain rigorous water quality standards.
• Strategic & Financial Planning: Assisting in the development of the annual operating budget, overseeing expenditures, and planning for long-term capital improvements such as water main replacements and lead service identification.
• Personnel Leadership: Coordinating staff schedules, providing training, and managing employee performance and safety programming.
• Public Relations: Implementing excellent customer service by responding to public inquiries and managing the lead service replacement program.

The Ideal Candidate

• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in SCADA systems and GIS technology, alongside a solid understanding of Wisconsin DNR regulations.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen and understand various stakeholders.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team-oriented approach, utilizing active listening and emotional intelligence to work across City departments.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Sound judgment and the ability to diagnose operational issues and implement creative, "out of the box" solutions.
• Integrity: High personal and professional integrity with a positive, productive attitude toward citizens.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Five years of distribution system and/or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Certifications: Must possess a valid Wisconsin DNR Water Distribution certification.
• Driver’s License: Valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required; ability to obtain a Wisconsin Class B CDL is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The Water Utility Superintendent is a full-time, exempt position with a hiring range of $77,520 – $96,900 annually, depending on qualifications and experience and a full Salary Range for the position of $77,520 - $116,280.

• enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Pension
• health insurance
• robust time-off program

The City of Fort Atkinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.