Process Specialist – Utilities

City of Appleton•Appleton, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for supporting the Appleton Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP) and Appleton Water Treatment Facility (AWTF) through advanced process monitoring and process optimization. This position serves as a technical and operational bridge between Operations, Lab, Safety, Maintenance and Management. The Process Specialist monitors and evaluates biological, chemical, and physical treatment performance to support regulatory compliance objectives and overall facility reliability at both the AWWTP and AWTF. The position also assists with treatment-related capital projects, equipment improvements, asset documentation, and operational process evaluations, in addition to providing departmental safety program support. This position is intended to function primarily as a day-shift technical and project support role. The position may occasionally assist operations staff during abnormal operating conditions, startup activities, or significant process events. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Utilities Department Deputy Director.

Requirements

Minimum of an Associate’s degree in Wastewater or Water Treatment, Environmental Sciences, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater or water treatment operations, process optimization, infrastructure systems, or related industrial operations.
Working knowledge of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, systems, processes, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of WPDES and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance reporting, including discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and permit documentation.
Working knowledge of treatment equipment, pumps, blowers, valves, instrumentation, electrical systems, and process controls.
Knowledge of preventative maintenance principles and equipment reliability concepts.
Knowledge of applicable safety standards.
Knowledge of asset management principles including lifecycle planning, condition assessment, and infrastructure prioritization.
Knowledge of CMMS or enterprise asset management systems.
Ability to analyze operational and process data and develop practical operational recommendations.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, technical specifications, and equipment documentation.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with operations staff, maintenance staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and management.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Working knowledge of SCADA systems and operational data analysis tools.
Ability to work independently while supporting collaborative team objectives.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.
Certification or training in confined space entry, lockout/tagout, CPR, First Aid, and related safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Possession or the ability to obtain WDNR Wastewater Operator (certification subclass A1, B, C, D, L, P and SS) and Water Operator certifications (certification subclass D, L, and S) preferred within 48 months of employment and maintain the certificate when employed.

Responsibilities

Monitor and evaluate wastewater and water treatment process performance to support regulatory compliance, operational reliability, and process optimization.
Analyze SCADA data, laboratory data, operational trends, and equipment performance to identify process improvement opportunities.
Assist Operations Supervisors in troubleshooting treatment process issues and coordinating corrective actions.
Coordinate and assist with process startups, shutdowns, operational transitions, and treatment process changes.
Assist in evaluating treatment system capacity, redundancy, and operational resiliency.
Develop operational and laboratory process recommendations based on process data analysis, equipment condition, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with laboratory, maintenance, and operations staff to investigate and resolve treatment performance concerns.
Support implementation and optimization of new treatment technologies, pilot testing, and equipment upgrades.
Assist with coordination of assigned treatment and infrastructure improvement projects.
Review and comment on P&IDs, shop drawings, specifications, operational sequences, and construction drawings.
Research and evaluate treatment equipment, technologies, and operational improvements for potential implementation.
Provide technical support and guidance to operators and maintenance staff regarding treatment processes and equipment operation.
Assist with operational training activities related to treatment process optimization and new equipment implementation.
Support implementation and continued development of the Utilities Department Asset Management Program (AMP).
Assist with maintaining treatment asset inventories, condition assessments, equipment records, and related documentation.
Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance staff to identify critical asset risks, equipment deficiencies, and lifecycle replacement priorities.
Assist the Safety Coordinator with developing, reviewing, and updating confined space entry and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in accordance with OSHA standards.
Support departmental safety initiatives and programs, including participation in safety committees, hazard assessments, and corrective action follow-up.
Maintain and update safety-related documentation across treatment operations, maintenance, and infrastructure activities.
Prepare and communicate technical reports, operational summaries, and process evaluations to management, regulatory agencies, consultants, and vendors.
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to operations, projects, and asset management, including procedures and training materials.