Wastewater Specialist I (Collections)

City of Whitewater•Whitewater, WI

About The Position

The Wastewater Specialist I (Collections) assists Wastewater Operators and works independently under their or management’s general guidance. The role plans daily and weekly work, performs recurring duties with limited supervision during execution, and exercises discretion in selecting appropriate work steps and procedures. Work takes place at the wastewater treatment facility and at remote locations throughout the collection system. Results are reviewed, and the employee builds on related experience while developing a full understanding of applicable policies and procedures. The position’s primary areas of responsibility are lift station maintenance and monitoring, collection system cleaning and maintenance, and ArcGIS corrections and data uploads. The employee performs corrective and preventive maintenance, monitors operating conditions, maintains records, and may conduct occasional sampling and laboratory analyses. Work schedules may vary and include rotating weekends and holidays; the 40-hour workweek is adjusted to minimize overtime. The employee must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies within 40 minutes of notification. Limited supervision of volunteers, interns, seasonal employees, and part-time employees may be required.

Requirements

Two years of hands-on experience in wastewater operations.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment concepts, principles, hazards, and practices.
Ability to adapt to change and work cooperatively in a team setting.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, City personnel, residents and businesses, vendors, and tour groups, and to communicate openly with management and facility staff.
Ability to interpret and use operations and maintenance manuals, City ordinances, SCADA reports and trends, procedures, guidelines, and nonroutine correspondence.
Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record, interpret, and transcribe data into a usable format, and to use digital media in facility operations.
Ability to educate or train others.
Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, and ratios, and use software to organize and manage data.
Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions; analyze information and consequences; identify alternatives; and exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity.
Ability to interpret plant operating characteristics and relate them to necessary process adjustments.
Ability to operate a manual transmission.
Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of basic electrical controls.
Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a jet machine, utility trucks, biosolids hauling vehicles, lawnmowers, pumps, shop tools, and other necessary equipment.
Ability to work under pressure, handle challenging situations, set priorities, organize work, and manage time and resources with minimal supervision.
Ability to work independently and remain motivated, and to work effectively and cooperatively with utility staff.
Possession of a Wisconsin Class B Commercial Driver’s License with tanker and air brake endorsements, or ability to obtain one within six months.
Physical strength and stamina to perform the job’s duties, including regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
Ability to sit, talk, hear, walk, use fingers and hands to handle or operate objects, tools, and controls, reach with hands and arms, and crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, and climb.
Ability to operate, maneuver, and continuously adjust job-related equipment, machinery, and tools; recognize and distinguish relevant colors, odors, shapes, and textures; and sustain visual concentration.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.
Experience in mechanics, minor electrical work, welding, pipefitting, plumbing, HVAC, construction trades, and carpentry is highly desirable.
Experience with large trucks and equipment is desirable.
A sincere interest in learning the functions of the Wastewater Utility.
Knowledge of arc and oxy-acetylene welding is desired.
First Aid and CPR skills; certification preferred.
Computer proficiency and working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including ArcGIS Online, Microsoft Office Suite, and the HachWIMS database.

Responsibilities

Perform prescribed corrective and preventive work orders, document completed maintenance, and enter necessary information into the facility maintenance database.
Serve as the primary person responsible for lift station maintenance and monitoring.
Inspect and maintain lift stations and collection system infrastructure.
Serve as the primary person responsible for collection system cleaning and maintenance.
Serve as the primary person responsible for ArcGIS corrections and data uploads.
Perform routine preventive and occasional emergency building and grounds maintenance, as well as custodial duties as necessary.
Operate hand-powered and power construction and maintenance equipment used by the department.
Perform minor electrical and HVAC repairs.
Follow safety regulations and contribute to the utility’s safety initiatives.
Review mechanical and process operations using visual and audible observations, meter and gauge readings, and SCADA data; interpret and respond appropriately.
Maintain a clean work environment and personal work areas.
Maintain and contribute to process and equipment logs.
Collect and preserve grab or composite samples and perform occasional laboratory analyses.
Serve on regional, state, or staff committees related to job duties or as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Respond to after-hours emergency situations within 40 minutes of notification.
May supervise volunteers, interns, seasonal employees, and part-time employees on a limited basis.