What are the responsibilities and job description for the CHEMIST (Wastewater Treatment Plant) - Kenosha Water Utility position at City of Kenosha, WI?

Salary : $64,788.00 - $96,600.00 Annually

Location : Kenosha, WI

Job Type : Regular - Full Time

Job Number : 202201934

Department : Water

Division : KWU Wastewater Treatment

Opening Date : 02 / 26 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 16 / 2025 12 : 00 AM Central

General Overview of Position

The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information is available at . Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at or 262-653-4308.

The Kenosha Water Utility intends to fill a full-time CHEMIST position at the wastewater treatment plant (7834 3rd Avenue). The incumbent would primarily work at that location, but may be cross-trained at the water production plant (100 51st Place). The regular work schedule is Monday-Friday (1st shift) plus participation on the Saturday rotation to oversee the residential household hazardous waste drop-off site as well as Saturday / holiday rotation for regulatory wastewater sampling / testing.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED UPON RECEIPT FOR POTENTIAL IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW. SO THOSE INTERESTED IN THIS RECRUITMENT ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY ONLINE PROMPTLY. This posting may close early or be extended depending on the number of qualified applications received.

The Kenosha Water Utility (City of Kenosha) offers a full benefit package including pension, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, health / dental / life insurance, paid compensatory time and overtime for emergency work outside of regular 8-work day, tuition reimbursement and other provisions. Appointment to this position requires satisfactory completion of a 12-month probationary period to acquire permanent status. The Kenosha Water Utility has a 17-step compensation plan and the above pay scale reflects the first and top steps of this plan. Starting pay will be based on the candidate's related experience as compared to current incumbents and any budgetary constraints. Future pay (step) increases are at 1-year intervals, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations.

The purpose of the Chemist position is to collect and analyze wastewater, sludge and / or drinking water samples and perform other laboratory operations for the Kenosha Water Utility Wastewater Treatment Plant and / or Water Production Plant in compliance with applicable rules / standards from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WI-DATCP), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The incumbent in this position reports to the Environmental Programs Supervisor or designee.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

REQUIRED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

Perform required testing and generate accurate, defensible data by following established methods and quality assurance protocols.
Analyze wastewater plant influent and effluent, industrial samples, or other municipal samples for chemical analyses such as BOD (biological oxygen demand), solids, ammonia, pH, phosphorus. Analyze effluent for bacteria.
Analyze sludge and other wastewater plant samples for process control.
May analyze wastewater plant influent, effluent and sludge, industrial samples or drinking water for trace metals using an AA spectrometer.
May analyze wastewater samples for cyanide.
Maintain and calibrate dissolved oxygen sensors in aeration tanks.
Calibrate the turbidimeters at the water production plant.
Collect and analyze water samples from the water production plant and distribution system; test for chlorine, pH, fluoride, bacteria, polyphosphate, and physical characteristics. Collect samples in compliance with the lead and copper program.
Prepare and maintain records, logs and quality control data; collect and input analytical results to computer programs for reports and data management.
Prepare reagents and mix chemicals necessary to perform work; may prepare reagents for other workers.
Wash and sterilize glassware; maintain cleanliness of workstation and equipment.
Participate in a Saturday rotation with other chemists to oversee the household hazardous waste (HHW) drop off site. Monitor the drop off from customers and segregation of materials. Provide direction and act as a supervisor to other employees working at HHW.
Required to participate in Saturday / holiday rotation with other chemists to comply with regulatory sampling / testing. Weekly work schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the hours worked in this rotation.
Attend training, meetings and conferences as required.
Respond to inquiries from customers.

OTHER REQUIRED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES : (illustrative only)

May reconcile industrial waste hauler daily incoming load sheets with solids, BOD, and phosphorus analysis performed.

May maintain and calibrate portable gas monitors.

May conduct plant tours.

May assist with environmental programs such as industrial wastewater pretreatment, mercury minimization, lead and copper, and / or fats, oils and grease.

Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

Note : The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.

Requirements

Required Education, Training and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related field from an accredited institution; plus

A minimum of two (2) years of related experience; or

Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

The incumbent will be required to pass the general exam and subclass exam to obtain State of Wisconsin certification as a Wastewater Operator with subclass L - Laboratory prior to completion of probation unless extended by management.

The incumbent is also encouraged to obtain the following additional State of Wisconsin certification :

A1 - Biological Treatment

B - Solids Separation

C - Solids Treatment

D - Disinfection

P - Nutrient Removal, Total Phosphorus.

Additional Requirements :

Position requires possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

Knowledge of applicable WI-DNR, WI-DATCP, and EPA rules, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, and other industry regulations / standards, with the ability to apply such in performing laboratory analyses.

Ability to perform mid-level data analysis including the ability to audit, deduce, assess, conclude and appraise. Requires discretion in determining and referencing such to established criteria or industry standards to define consequences and develop alternatives.

Ability to utilize reference, descriptive, consulting, design and advisory data and information such as quality control charts, regulatory agency requirements and certification, laboratory analytical results, waste hauler sheets, lab documents and logs, gas monitor logs, instrument operation and maintenance manuals, material safety data sheets, trade journals, catalogs, texts, methods manuals, and non-routine correspondence.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with supervisors and co-workers, customers and the public. Includes the ability to provide guidance, assistance and / or interpretation to others (e.g. co-workers and the public) on how policies, procedures and standards apply to specific situations.

Fundamental understanding of mathematical and statistical equations involved in testing. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; may require the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; compute ratios and proportions; calculate surface areas, volumes, weights and measures. May require the ability to utilize algebra and descriptive statistics.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize safety operating practices associated with sampling, testing and other laboratory work.

Ability to direct and supervise the work of other employees.

Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Proficiency with computers and Google spreadsheets / documents. Familiarity and use of HachWIMS is a bonus.

Ability to reasonably handle necessary stress.

Physical Requirements :

Requires the ability to frequently walk or move from one work site to another.

Requires the ability to occasionally sit or stand for an extended period of time to conduct analytical bench work.

Requires physical dexterity and coordination in the movement of eyes, hands, fingers, feet and limbs to operate, calibrate, synchronize, and perform complex or rapid adjustments on equipment, machinery and tools used in performing essential functions (examples : computers, autoclaves, centrifuges, particle counters, vacuum pumps, spectrometers (including AA), pH meters, samplers, ovens, furnaces, gas monitors, DO meters).

Requires the ability to frequently lift, carry, push and pull objects or materials of moderate weight (up to thirty (30) pounds), and infrequently objects / materials over thirty (30) pounds with assistance.

Requires the ability to occasionally stoop, climb, kneel, crouch and crawl to take samples, check equipment or tank levels, obtain necessary materials, or replace / repair equipment.

Environmental Requirements :

Job duties are primarily performed in a laboratory setting within the water or wastewater treatment plant or at a field or industrial location. Such duties may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as inclement weather, temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and / or dust. Such exposure may cause some risk of injury or discomfort.

Sensory Requirements :

Job duties require the ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job related objects, materials and tasks.

Method of Selection

Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at and click on the "Job Opportunities" link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the "Work Experience" section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete.Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he / she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and / or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules / Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.

Why the City of Kenosha?

We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees!

The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we loveJoin us!

Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually.

We offer health, dental, vision, a pension & more!

We offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) as of the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who complete an annual health risk assessment enjoy access to the City's health & wellness clinic (family members too!) and premium-free health coverage .

Employees and their families may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic & 24 / 7 Virtual Primary Care. There is no co-pay nor cost to employees and their families to access Virtual Primary Care. The onsite clinic may be accessed for a $0-$25 co-pay based on type of visit.

Dental insurance is effective after the first of the month following 30 days of employment. There is no premium for this coverage.

We participate in the This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found

Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees.

Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through , or the

Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off.

Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment.

Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment)

Years of Service Days / Hours per Year

Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours)

After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours)

After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours)

After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours)

After 16-20 years 21 days (160 hours)

After 20 years 25 days (200 hours)

Employees may carry over eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year.

We observe 12 paid holidays & additional paid floating holidays!

New Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day

Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's Eve Day

Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving

Juneteenth

Employees receive at least two (2) paid floating holidays per year . Holiday observance schedule may vary by department.

Additional benefit offerings include tuition reimbursement, professional development & training opportunities, health savings account (HSA), vision insurance, supplemental critical illness / hospitalization coverage, and more!

Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?

List all 2 or 4-year (or higher) college degrees that you have completed, including your major(s). If you did not obtain a degree, enter your highest level of education (e.g., high school diploma).

Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of Chemist or related experience which includes working within a laboratory environment?

Are you willing and able to work an occasional Saturday / holiday in rotation with other Chemists?

Do you understand that if you are hired as the Chemist for the wastewater treatment plant, you must pass the general and subclass exams to obtain State of Wisconsin certification as a Wastewater Operator with subclass L (Laboratory) as a part of the probationary process?

Required Question

Salary : $64,788 - $96,600

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CHEMIST (Wastewater Treatment Plant) - Kenosha Water Utility

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