Special Projects Coordinator

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Special Projects Coordinator in the Wastewater Department. The ideal candidate derives work satisfaction by helping make the community of La Crosse a better place to live and work. You will assist the community by evaluating regulatory criteria and compliance options, organize safety training, coordinate data collection and analyze data, to coordinate the wastewater utility industrial pre-treatment program, and to sample, test and analyze test results of wastewater and sludge. You will work with a dedicated team of employees whose actions improve the lives of the citizens of La Crosse daily. The work is performed under the direction of the Superintendent-Wastewater Utility. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $28.65 to $32.81 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly) depending on candidate qualifications, with potential to earn up to $37.58 per hour with career advancement. 

Requirements: A passion for helping others. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science with one to two years wastewater experience or vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment operations and environmental science/regulation with three to five years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment plant operation or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license, DNR grade 4 wastewater treatment plant operator’s license with laboratory subclass J, and certifications in CPR, First Aid and confined space entry required.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and physical capacity screen. Applications must be received by March 9, 2025. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to assist the Superintendent in evaluating regulatory criteria and compliance options, organize safety training, coordinate data collection and analyze data, to coordinate the wastewater utility industrial pre-treatment program, and to sample, test and analyze test results of wastewater and sludge.   The work is performed under the direction of the Superintendent-Wastewater Utility.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 
Evaluates utility operational data.
 
Enters data to computer records for trucked waste report.
 
Communicates, orally and in writing with persons responsible for problem discharge to resolve problem.
 
Prepares plant operations manual. Develops techniques and procedures for specific operations.
 
Monitor biological and chemical treatment processes.
 
Calibrates and maintains plant equipment.  Schedules meter calibrations.
 
Organizes city-wide backflow prevention program.
 
Evaluates alternates sludge processing options for effectiveness and costs. Evaluates new equipment options and costs.
 
Participates in on-going training. Attends seminars and technical sessions regarding wastewater treatment.
 
Reviews and files new DOC and DNR codes.
 
Analyzes various duties for job safety. Analyzes personal protective equipment for purchase.
 
Works with restaurant operators regarding proper grease trap maintenance.
 
Calculates charges and notifies industries/waste haulers of charges.
 
Performs a variety of routine chemical, physical, and biological tests of wastewater.
 
Communicates with Department of Natural Resources (DNR), industrial users, Board of Public Works and the public regarding industrial pre-treatment programs.
 
Collects industrial pre-treatment samples for analysis.
 
Prepares required industrial pre-treatment program reports and submits to DNR.
 
Verifies industrial user data.  Corrects and enters data to computer records.
 
Inspects and monitors industrial user operation.
 
Develops industrial user permit parameters for discharge limits.
 
Administers various programs related to industrial pre-treatment such as leaking underground storage tanks, pollution prevention, solvent management, pre-treatment equipment operation, wastewater billing.  Reviews user reports.
 
Enforces pre-treatment program permit standards.  Prepares non-compliance notifications and semi-annual reports.  Submits notifications for publication and provides proof of publication to appropriate authorities.
 
Calculates pre-treatment program user fees based on plant and user data.  Develops local permit limitations.
 
Collects and tests sample in response to special needs, spills, and other incidents.
 
Maintains knowledge of rules, regulations, ordinances and statutes regarding industrial pre-treatment.
 
 
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
 
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
 
Assists training plant personnel.
 
Attends city and plant committee meetings. Participates on various safety committees.
 
Assists Superintendent in coordinating conferences and seminars.
 
Tests and repairs D.O probes, gas meters, computers and other equipment.
 
Conducts plant tours.
 
 
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
 
Bachelor's degree in environmental science with one to two years wastewater experience or Vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment operations and environmental science/regulation with three to five years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment plant operation or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid motor vehicle operator's license, DNR grade 4 wastewater treatment plant operator's license with laboratory subclass J, and certifications in CPR, First Aid and confined space entry required.
 
Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards.  Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information.  Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
 
Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
 
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as lab reports, blueprints, meter readings, sludge reports, trucked waste reports, environmental fees, surcharge, job safety assessments, operations manuals, DILHR codes, DNR regulations, computer software operating manuals, wastewater periodicals, chemical hazards guides, statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
 
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with utility personnel, safety committee members, state regulatory agency personnel, discharge standards violators, environmental scientists and tour groups.
 
Mathematical Ability
 
Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes and ratios.  Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
 
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
 
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
 
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria, as opposed to criteria, which are clearly measurable. 
 
Physical Requirements
 
Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, computer terminal, typewriter, calculator, fax machine, backflow prevention test equipment, mechanic's tools and calibration equipment.
 
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring moderate skill, such as typing.
 
Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some stooping, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
 
Ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of colors, shapes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
 
Environmental Adaptability
 
Ability to work under conditions which require exposure to environmental factors such temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, irate individuals, noise, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards, and disease.  This exposure may cause some discomfort and presents a risk of injury.
 
The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $29 - $33