Wastewater Plant Operations Technician

Salary : $52,748.80 - $69,659.20 AnnuallyLocation : Wausau, WIJob Type : Full-timeJob Number : 202500446Department : Public Works DepartmentDivision : Wastewater DivisionOpening Date : 01 / 06 / 2025Closing Date : 1 / 22 / 2025 11 : 59 PM CentralFLSA : Non-ExemptPurpose of the Position This position provides services to the City of Wausau Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System by assisting with the daily operations, inspections, and maintenance on a variety of plant and lift station mechanical and electrical systems. General plant operation, record keeping, system testing, and system controls will also be required to achieve maximum operating efficiencies of the treatment plant and its entirety. This position is required to be on-call on a rotating basis and to respond to emergency call out situations while on-call.Additional InformationStarting hourly rate of $25.36 or higher depending on related qualificationsStandard hours are 6 : 50 a.m. to 2 : 50 p.m., Monday through FridayAny work in excess of 8 hours per day is considered overtime (paid at 1 1 / 2 times regular rate of pay)Receive $230 per week when designated on-callCDL training provided (see "Additional Information" section for more information)Excellent benefits including starting vacation accrual of 15 days per year, 3 personnel holidays upon hire, generous sick leave accrual, and 10 paid holidaysEnrollment in the ; Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance available at affordable rates; Life Insurance and Income Continuation Insurance also available Essential Duties and Responsibilities Independently trouble shoot any electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic breakdowns that occur within the plant or lift stations, and report to the Wastewater Superintendent or immediate Supervisor as to what course of action is necessary to resolve issue.Independently maintain maintenance records on all major equipment at the plant, lift station locations, and provide assistance with the scheduling of preventive maintenance activities.Independently perform preventive maintenance tasks to include, but not limited to; lubrication, pump alignment, balancing, pump repair / replacement, and daily inspection of valves, pumps, motors, screens, supporting equipment and flow meters. Preventive Maintenance is performed throughout the plant and at lift stations to ensure all equipment is operating correctly and efficiently.Independently responsible for operating and cleaning all equipment, facilities, and processes related to the plant and lift stations.Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor monitor and operate biogas collection and conditioning systems to ensure corrosion or malfunction doesn't occur.During Lab Technicians absence independently perform required laboratory testing to include; pH, total suspended solids, BOD, nitrogen-ammonia, fecal coliform, orthophosphate and total phosphorus.Independently operate plant generators during routine scheduled maintenance to ensure generators function properly when called for during emergency power outages. Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor maintain and repair motor control centers, automated process control systems, remote telemetry monitoring systems, and process control software systems.Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor independently operate wastewater treatment plant equipment to include pumps, air compressors, motors, generators, solids removal equipment, chemical feed systems, and monitor process control systems.Independently organize work assignments and perform follow-up inspections to ensure that work performed was successful. Independently operate biosolids equipment to include; biosolids hauling trucks, front end loader, farm tractor, and tow behind spreader. Under the direction of the Superintendent or immediate Supervisor communicate with farmers to obtain WDNR site approval for the purpose of biosolids spreading, and ensure that sludge being land applied meets WDNR regulations and requirements.Independently perform general housekeeping as necessary to maintain plant cleanliness to include; sweeping mopping floors, washing windows, and painting of facilities and or equipment as needed.Additional Duties and ResponsibilitiesWhile the following tasks are necessary for the work of this position, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other Plant Operations Technicians. Performs other tasks and projects as assigned by the Wastewater Superintendent or immediate Supervisor.Maintain a flexible schedule and be on-call on a rotating basis. Minimum Requirements Education and Experience RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent, andOne (1) or more years of progressively increasing professional experience in the repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment or automotive equipment, and / orOne (1) or more years of progressively increasing professional experience repairing and maintaining industrial electrical equipment, including motor control centers / VFDs, automated process control systems, remote telemetry monitoring systems, and process control software systems, andPossession of, or the ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire, a State of Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License (Class B with N endorsement).An equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work may be considered.Preferred Qualifications : Associate Degree in wastewater or environmental sciences or related field of study.Experience working as a wastewater treatment plant operator or working in the water / wastewater industry.Experience operating farm equipment or in agricultural nutrient managementCollege coursework or degree in Industrial Mechanical, Electrical Mechanical, or related fields.Wisconsin DNR Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Advanced Certification with the following subclasses : (1.) Biological Solids / Sludge Handling, Processing & Reuse, (2.) Biological Treatment : Suspended Growth Processes, (3.) Disinfection, (4.) Laboratory, (5.) Nutrient Removal, (6.) Solids Separation, and (7.) Collection Systems.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must have excellent communication skills and work well with others under general oversight and direction.Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in wastewater treatment plant operations. Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, and materials used in the operation of pumps, blowers, valves, and related equipment. Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant equipment. Knowledge of the operation and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and supporting equipment used at a wastewater treatment plant. Knowledge of the wastewater treatment process. Knowledge of the safe operation of specialized large and small construction equipment typically used at a municipal public works department. Ability to do manual labor such as shoveling.Knowledge of the proper methods, tools, materials, and equipment used for the repair and maintenance of sewer equipment and structures. Availability to be on-call during a rotating basis to respond to emergencies. Must be able to report to work within one (1) hour of being called out. Must be able to frequently lift and / or move up to 60 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds. Possess a basic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems. Ability to work in confined spaces in accordance with OSHA standards and City policies.Ability to work in a safe manner through a variety of high stress situations during high flows, inclement weather, and emergency response situations.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, including internal and external customers. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Physical and Working EnvironmentEmployee performs standard activities requiring physical effort. The duties of the job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, lifting (lift and carry objects weighing 60 pounds or less, and push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds), fingering, grasping, talking, hearing / listening (perceiving sounds in order to understand signals such as spoken directions, warning alarms, or requests for information), seeing / observing, bending / twisting (of the neck, back, or torso in order to reach, lift, tend machines, move materials, etc.), reaching (extending the hands or arms in any direction in order to push, pull, or grasp an object or control), feeling (using the sense of touch in fingers, hands, or other body parts to sense the position or quality of objects) and climbing (ascending or descending steps, stairs, ladders, scaffolding, or machines). Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; the ability to adjust focus; and distinguish objects clearly at 20 inches or less with glasses, if needed. The employee may be exposed to disagreeable elements of high and low outdoor temperatures. The employee may be exposed to repetitive activities; intense or continuous noise; dirty environment; improper illumination; chemical hazards, and air contamination. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE) may be required, as there is significant exposure to hazards and conditions where there is a possible danger to life, health, or bodily injury, which may include mechanical, electrical, air contaminations, and heights. May be required to work in a physically confined worksite with cramped, small or restricted workplace making it difficult to stand, sit, or walk. Additional Information IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.SCHEDULING INFORMATION : This position is scheduled Monday - Friday, 6 : 50 a.m. to 2 : 50 p.m. with a 20-minute paid on-site meal break. Candidates hired to his position must be available to be on-call to respond to emergencies when assigned outside of regular work days / hours. Employees who are called back into work outside their regular work schedule receive a minimum of two (2) hours of pay for such work or pay for the actual time worked, whichever is greater.Candidates must be available to be part of the weekly on-call rotation schedule. Employees an additional $230 for each week they are on-call.SALARY INFORMATION : Starting hourly rate of $25.36 or higher DOQ. The full salary range is $23.91 - $33.49 per hour. Starting rate DOQ. This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Overtime for this position is defined as work in excess of eight (8) hours per day.Employees with satisfactory performance and evaluations receive bi-annual pay increases until reaching mid-point rate, and annual pay increases thereafter until reaching the maximum rate.CDL TRAINING INFORMATION : The City of Wausau will make arrangements for the Employee's enrollment in the CDL training program and ensure that all necessary payments are made directly to the training institution. The City of Wausau will directly cover the full cost of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program, including tuition, materials, and testing, as provided by an accredited training institution. As a condition of receiving this benefit, Employee agrees to comply with the following terms and conditions : Participate in the CDL training program, adhere to the program's requirements, and diligently complete all necessary coursework, training, and examinations.Take and successfully pass the Theory Training Assessment with a minimum 80% and participate in Behind-the-wheel Training to demonstrate proficiency sufficient to pass the State administered CDL skills test. Successfully pass the State administered CDL skills test and obtain a Class A CDL or Class B CDL with no restrictions.The City of Wausau will compensate regular wages for the class and test time. Any study time spent outside of class will not be compensable. Further, Employee agrees to remain actively employed with the City of Wausau for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of receipt of the certification.Should Employee fail to obtain the Class A CDL or Class B CDL, voluntarily terminate employment with The City of Wausau prior to the thirty-six (36) month date referenced in item E above or be discharged for cause prior to the thirty-six (36) month date referenced in item E above, Employee agrees and promises to repay the cost of the course noted in item A above. Costs will be prorated at 100% from 0 to 1 year, 75% from 1 to 2 years, and 50% from 2 to 3 years.This agreement shall be canceled in its entirety upon completion of thirty-six (36) months of continued employment or in the event of death, a permanent layoff, or a permanent disability of the employee prior to the thirty-six (36) month date.SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS : The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.NOTICE TO APPLICANTS : Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record : Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The City of Wausau offers competitive salaries and a range of excellent benefits for Full-Time General (Non-Represented) Employees : Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending for Health and Dependent Care Annual Biometric Health Screenings - free to employees under the health plan Optional Life Insurance Optional Long Term Disability Insurance Optional Critical Illness Insurance Optional Accident Insurance 457 Deferred Compensation Plans Employee Assistance Program - Available to all employees and family members at no cost to the employee 10 Paid Holidays Off include : New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve Day. Paid Leaves Vacation accrual starts at 4.6154 bi-weekly for a total of 15 days annually! Vacation accrual increases at 5, 10, and 15 years of service. New employees may borrow up to half of their annual vacation accrual amount during the first six months of employment. 3 Personal Holidays upon hire and every January Perfect Attendance Sick Leave accrual bi-weekly at 3.6923 hours with a maximum accrual of 1,064 hours that never expires. 01 What is the highest level of education that you have received? Some High School High School Diploma or GED Equivalent Skills Certificate / Technical Diploma Some College / No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Masters Degree Doctorate Degree 02 Check all that you have 1 or more years of professional repair and maintenance experience with : Mechanical equipment Automotive equipment Industrial electrical equipment None of these 03 Check all that you have 1 or more years of professional repair and maintenance experience with : Motor control centers / VFD's Automated process control systems Remote telemetry monitoring systems Process control software systems None of these 04 Do you possess, or have the ability to possess, a valid driver's license issued by the state of Wisconsin? Yes, I have a valid WI driver's license I have a valid driver's licensed issued by a state other than WI and have the ability to obtain a valid WI driver's license No, I do not have the ability to obtain a valid WI driver's license 05 Please indicate the class of driver's license that you currently possess (check all that apply) : D A B C I currently have a CDL learner's permit None of these 06 Are you available to be on 24 hour call to respond to emergencies? Yes No Required Question

Salary : $52,749 - $69,659