Wastewater Plant Operator (In Training or Certified Operator)

The City of Sun Prairie is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator due to a recent retirement.  Plant operators need to provide a high level of problem-solving abilities combined with skill and knowledge necessary to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The city can be subject to disciplinary action from the state, including fines, if these regulations are not met. This position protects public health and safety by ensuring that wastewater is efficiently and effectively cleaned to a high-quality prior to discharge to the environment. This position requires a solid understanding of many pieces of equipment related to wastewater treatment combined with operational understanding of aerobic and anaerobic biological processes.  This position is also required to understand the collection system and liftstation operation to ensure successful conveyance of sewage sludge away from homes and businesses to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Pay Scale:
Operator in Training: starting $26.68 per hour
Certified Operator: starting $32.51 per hour

Incentive Pay:
There is an incentive of up to $2.00 per hour above the pay range listed if all wastewater certifications related to the Sun Prairie Wastewater Treatment Plant are obtained at the Advanced level.

Work Schedule:
40 hours per week
8 Hrs./day
On call rotation for nights, weekends and holidays

Pre-Employment:
Candidate must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and physical examination.

 

Operator is responsible for the operation of the wastewater treatment facility processes including all liquids, thickening, and dewatering, and solids processing and the associated equipment to provide quality customer service, while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency. Responsible for organizing, planning, and professionally implementing operational strategies to ensure compliance with all State and Federal permit requirements. This is a highly responsible professional position that involves the application of a wide range of advanced skills and knowledge of basic and advanced wastewater principles. Operators will coordinate with others to troubleshoot process and equipment problems as needed. Manage and collect data to prepare reports for use by management and external consultants on the performance of processes and equipment. 

 

Must regularly make decisions that have or are likely to have significant impact on the City of Sun Prairie WWTP operating expenses such as: energy management (electricity and natural gas usage), chemical usage (polymer and Ferric Sulfate), and biosolids generation (impact on hauling and land application). This position is expected to work 8- or 10-hour shifts, respond to call-ins throughout evenings while on the rotating on-call schedule, work assigned weekends and holidays, all while in a self-directed work environment without supervision for extended periods.

For an in-depth detail of job duties, please click here: Full Job Description - WWTP Plant Operator in Training

Associate Degree in wastewater or environmental sciences or related field of study.  An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will also be considered.  Two years of operational experience at a wastewater treatment facility preferred.  Related experience will also be considered.

Training that is recommended for the position:   

• Must possess a current and valid Commercial Drivers License with tanker endorsement or will need to obtain within one year of hire.
• Wisconsin DNR Basic General Wastewater certification, National Incident Management System (NIMS) training, Forklift Operation training, Chainsaw operation training, Bloodborne Pathogen training, Portable fire extinguisher training, Confined Space Entry Training, Lock-out/Tag-out Training, Personal Protective Equipment training, and Hazard Communication training within one year of hire.

The following is highly recommended prior to hire and is encouraged to be obtained within six years of hire:

• Wisconsin DNR Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Advanced Certification with the following subclasses:   A1, B, C, D, L, P, and SS.
• Microbiology/Microscopy Training

Other Necessary Requirements:

• Considerable knowledge in mechanical working and repair/maintenance of pumps, motors, gear reducers and associated equipment with a minimum of two years of experience working in a wastewater treatment plant or equivalent mechanical experience.
• Considerable knowledge and skill in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and recommending appropriate repair options
• Must have good knowledge related to installation of pipes, valves and associated equipment.
• Must have good knowledge related to computer data entry.
• Considerable knowledge in the proper use of hand and power tools.
• Must posses the ability to make sound and logical decisions based on observations and work experience.
• When on call or working scheduled weekend, this position requires a sense of responsibility and the initiative to work independently.
• When on emergency call, must respond to all emergencies within 30 minutes from time when call was received.  Must take appropriate action to ensure Permit compliance and to protect the health and safety of the customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to read plant and collection system schematics.
• Good knowledge related to equipment and techniques used for identifying sources of inflow and infiltration of clearwater entering sewer system.
• Considerable knowledge in the proper used of safety related equipment
• Good knowledge and skill related to operation of equipment used to maintain the sanitary sewer system.
• Good knowledge and ability to perform routine laboratory analysis of wastewater and biosolids.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret meters, gauges and charts.
• Within the probationary period, must have a good knowledge and understanding related to the operation and maintenance of the treatment plant and collection system.  
• Ability to learn and comprehend operation of plant processes through in-house and classroom training sessions.
• Valid Wisconsin Drivers license and ability to obtain Wisconsin Commercial Drivers (CDL) within six (6) months of the first day of employment. (CDL Class B and Tanker N Endorsement.)
• Valid First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certifications within six (6) months of the first day of employment and ability to maintain certifications throughout employment with City.

WORK CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing 8-10 hr./day, climbing ladders, heavy lifting, bending, crouching, able to shovel snow or dirt for at least 6 hrs./day, be able to work in extreme weather conditions, be able to work in an atmosphere containing sanitary sewer odors, and be able to work long hours with little notice.
  • Will be working around moving equipment and in wet and damp environments.
  • Will be working outdoors in various adverse weather conditions.
  • At times, will be working under emergency conditions when quick response/repair is essential to maintain Permit compliance and protection of health and safety of customers.
  • Will be working in traffic when performing maintain/inspection of sanitary sewer collection mains.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds(weight of a manhole cover).
  • Must be able to assume awkward positions while working in plant and collection system.
  • Must be able to sustain prolonged squatting, stooping and crouching while working in plant and collection system.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces and use respirator, as needed, to perform necessary work.
  • The workers must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
  • The worker must be able to work in damp/wet conditions.
  • The worker must be able to safely carry a bucket or bag (weighing 50 pounds) for variable distances.
• An Operator is required to be on call throughout the year including weekends and holidays. When on call, operators respond to any after-hours alarms or emergencies which occur at the treatment plant, lift stations, or collection system. Emergency calls must be responded to within a reasonable amount of time to prevent potential losses or damage to public or private property.
  • Work is performed in a potentially hazardous environment.  Incumbent must take appropriate precautions to reduce risk of exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, and mechanical and electrical exposures.
  • When assigned Emergency Call duty, shall report to plant within 30 minutes from time when call was received.  Must at all times, be physically able to respond and take appropriate corrective action to resolve emergency condition.  Must respond to emergency call in all weather conditions and at all hours of the day or night.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. EEO

Salary : $2 - $33