WATER PLANT OPERATOR-PRODUCTION-(3rd shift)

City of Kenosha•Kenosha, WI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Water Production, Lead Operator, or a designated representative, the Water Plant Operator operates and maintains water treatment plant facilities, including the treatment plant, water storage tanks, and booster stations. The role includes routine maintenance, cleaning, equipment repair, operational monitoring, laboratory testing, and recordkeeping. The primary schedule is third shift, and the employee must obtain and maintain the required Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Waterworks Operator certification. The position operates and maintains a 20 MGD conventional rapid sand filtration plant and a 22 MGD continuous ultra-filtration membrane plant. Work is evaluated through direct observation, written reports, and operational logs to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and operational standards. Employees must be able to work the 14-day plant-operator rotation, with training that includes shadowing operators on first, second, and third shifts for two weeks per shift. The standard 14-day schedule consists of three days of maintenance on first shift (6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), seven days operating the plant on third shift (10:30 p.m.–6:30 a.m.), and four days off. An optional alternate schedule, requiring an alternate schedule agreement, includes maintenance during third shift and after the operating shift, with eight days on and six days off. The Kenosha Water Utility is a municipally owned, fiscally independent public utility serving more than 100,000 people in the Kenosha area. Its Lake Michigan water treatment facilities provide drinking water through a regional distribution system.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED equivalent.
Obtain during probation and maintain a WDNR Grade T Waterworks Operator Certification, including Subclass S (Surface Water) and Subclass D (Distribution); advancement to Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification follows one year as a certified Operator.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Willingness and ability to work a rotating or fixed shift without supervision during certain periods and to work the 14-day Plant Operator rotation.
Ability to work under minimal or no supervision.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with the work.
Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, methods, and procedures related to plant operations and maintenance.
Ability to use hand and power tools and operate equipment associated with the work.
Ability to observe plant processes, identify changes or potential problems, take accurate measurements and readings, and document information.
Ability to handle public calls, provide accurate information, and refer emergencies and complex inquiries appropriately.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees and the public and reasonably handle job-related stress.
Ability to perform the physical and environmental tasks described, including lifting or carrying items weighing 20–50 pounds, working in confined spaces, climbing stairs or ladders, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

Technical school courses in machinery maintenance and repair, chemistry, water, or other subjects related to the occupation.
Previous work experience operating, maintaining, and repairing plant equipment.
Previous experience working second or third shifts and with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain the rapid sand filtration and continuous ultra-filtration membrane water treatment plants.
Read gauges and meters; start, stop, and adjust pumps; and operate valves to maintain appropriate levels in the plant, reservoir, and tanks.
Inspect plant equipment, make operational adjustments, perform laboratory testing, and adjust chemical feed systems.
Make entries in operational logs and maintain records.
Maintain plant security during nights and weekends and contact the Plant Director or on-call supervisor about after-hours emergencies or questions.
Maintain, repair, and overhaul mechanical equipment used in water treatment and pumping processes.
Clean sedimentation and sand filter basins and perform membrane maintenance and repairs, including sonic testing, pinning, and valve repair.
Inspect, clean, and maintain booster stations and related facilities.
Troubleshoot, repair, and install mechanical equipment or parts, including pumps, valves, piping, and injectors.
Change chlorine tanks and assist with chemical deliveries.
Assist with draining and filling storage tanks for inspections and flush hydrants as needed for water quality.
Handle public emergency and non-emergency calls, provide information, and refer emergencies or complex inquiries to appropriate personnel.
Perform routine and as-needed maintenance and cleaning of plant buildings; prepare and paint surfaces, pipes, and equipment.
Perform groundskeeping, landscaping, and ice and snow removal duties.
Operate Class D vehicles and a variety of hand and power tools and related equipment; perform minor tool repairs.
Load, transport, and unload materials and equipment.
Use required safety techniques and equipment and maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work area.
Maintain inventory of routine maintenance parts and supplies and order or purchase needed tools, parts, or supplies from designated vendors.
Perform minor carpentry or plumbing work and repairs.
Attend required safety and other training and acquire continuing education units to maintain WDNR Operator certification.
Perform other related duties as required.