UTILITY MECHANIC I - Kenosha Water Utility

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 regarding our organization may be obtained at www.kenosha.org. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at shill@kenosha.org or 262-653-4308. This recruitment is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED UPON RECEIPT FOR POTENTIAL IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW.  So those interested in this recruitment are encouraged to apply online promptly.

Appointment to this position requires successful completion of the pre-employment process which includes a background  and driving record review, physical examination, audiogram and drug test. The appointee must also successfully pass a 6-month probationary period which includes acquiring a commercial driver's license (CDL) if not already possessed (see "Additional Requirements" below).

The Kenosha Water Utility (under the City of Kenosha) offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid compensatory time and overtime for emergency work outside of regular 8-hour work day, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.

The pay rates shown above reflect Step 1 and Step 17 of the 17-step compensation plan for UTILITY MECHANIC I. The person selected for this vacancy will be placed at the appropriate step based on related experience, KWU policy  and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance. Future pay raises are at 12-month intervals until the incumbent
reaches top step, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations. Any other pay increases (i.e., cost of living) are subject to approval by the Board of Water Commissioners. In the event KWU determines the incumbent meets the requirements for the UTILITY MECHANIC II (Step 1 - $31.14/hour to Step 17 - $46.66/hour) in the future after passing the initial probationary period, this person may be considered for promotion to that position at the appropriate step in accordance with KWU policy .

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION
Under the supervision of the Utility Maintenance & Operations Supervisor or designee, the incumbent is responsible for the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of utility vehicles and related construction equipment.  This position may also assist with the maintenance and repair of other equipment and pumps at the water and wastewater treatment plants, lift stations and booster stations as needed.

• Maintains and repairs automobiles, trucks, backhoes, dump trucks, service vehicles and other equipment.
• Maintains maintenance and service records for all vehicles and equipment.
• Operates heavy equipment and standard/specialized hand and power tools.
• Inspects, repairs, replaces, services and maintains water and wastewater treatment plant equipment, pumps, motors, engines and compressors.
• Inspects and services lift and booster station structures and equipment.
• Replaces and repairs bearings, valves, actuators, pipes, chains, sprockets, flights, etc.
• Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on the membrane treatment system at the water plant.
• Maintains chemical treatment systems in water and wastewater treatment.
• Performs skilled machine shop work using lathes, milling machine and related equipment.
• Attends and participates in safety and other KWU mandated training.

• Assists with after-hours mechanical emergencies.
• May haul sludge to the landfill as needed.
• May clean grit, primary, final, aeration, digester and settling tanks as needed.
• May be required to assist in snow and ice removal activities.
• Performs other maintenance or related duties as 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.

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the mechanical maintenance and repair of industrial or utility plant equipment and machinery and/or automotive repair and maintenance.
• Additional training in welding, machine shop, automotive or plant maintenance and repair is desirable.

• Knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations related to the maintenance and repair of utility vehicles and water and wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety work practices associated with the trade.
• Ability to diagnose problems and perform routine and complex maintenance and repairs on related equipment.
• Skill in the use of various types of welding equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret vehicle/equipment manuals, mechanical drawings, specifications and schematics.
• Skill in the use of standard and specialized hand and power tools
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

Physical Requirements:

• Task may involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items and infrequently lifting or moving very heavy items (75 pounds or more).
• Task may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation of associated equipment.
• Task may involve the continuous operation of hand tools, calling for full coordination of sensory and manipulative ability in order to achieve full production to acceptable standards.
• Task may involve entering confined spaces.
• Task may involve ascending and descending stairs or ladders.

Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work under conditions that 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 discomfort or a risk of injury.

• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires color perception and discrimination.
• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
• Task requires texture perception and discrimination.
• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.

• Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) (Wisconsin Classes A/B/C) which allows for the use of air brakes and manual transmission.  
  • If an applicant does not have this type of CDL at time of application, KWU may still review the applicant's experience to determine if applicant is a qualified candidate.  If the applicant is then offered this position, acquiring a CDL learner's permit will be required before hire and the actual CDL must be obtained during the 6-month probation or other period of time designated by KWU management.
• Good driving record.
• May be required to work overtime as needed.
• Will be required to participate in the random drug & alcohol testing program.

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 www.kenosha.org 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.

Salary : $59,560 - $88,820