Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

County•Milwaukee, WI

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Milwaukee is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee to join the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW), a leader in providing high-quality drinking water. This trainee position is the first step in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series, offering the opportunity to learn and gain experience to progress through various levels. The trainee will assist with the operation of a surface water treatment plant, water distribution system, and pumping stations under the direction of experienced operators, preparing them for promotion to Water Treatment Plant Operator 1. The Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 role involves maintaining process control of the water treatment plants and distribution pumping systems to ensure sufficient high-quality drinking water.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, environmental health and water quality technology or a closely-related field from an accredited college OR two years of experience operating or maintaining drinking water, wastewater or beverage processing treatment plant facilities, performing duties closely related to this position.
Valid Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record at time of application, appointment, and throughout employment.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Operator Certification Grade T for either Surface Water (Subclass S) or Distribution (Subclass D) within one year of appointment and throughout employment.
Technical knowledge of basic mathematical principles to analyze data.
Knowledge of chemistry to perform chemical analyses.
Ability to learn the mechanical systems used in a water treatment facility.
Knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety practices.
Ability to learn to operate the equipment used in a water treatment facility.
Ability to understand flow diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedures, and technical materials.
Proficiency using standard computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to learn and use sophisticated programs, such as SCADA systems and computerized maintenance management programs.
Ability to learn and adhere to the regulatory and compliance standards required by MWW, the WDNR, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as best practices by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
Verbal skills to effectively report information to plant team members and supervisors.
Written communication skills to accurately write documentation and provide reports such as plant operation notes, laboratory testing information, and water treatment data.
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, interpret complex data, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to take decisive action in real time under pressure.
Ability to safely handle hazardous chemicals used in the water treatment process.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
Honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City of Milwaukee resources.

Nice To Haves

Students in the final semester of a related Associate degree may apply for this position, however may not be appointed until the degree has been completed.
MWW certification for assignment as the System Operator or a Treatment Operator at either water treatment plant within one year of appointment and throughout employment.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university OR An associate degree in an aforementioned field from an accredited college PLUS two years of experience operating or maintaining drinking water, wastewater, or beverage processing treatment plant facilities, performing duties closely related to this position.

Responsibilities

Assist in conducting inventory and preventative maintenance on safety equipment and storage.
Locally operate valves, pumps, instruments, and other equipment under supervision to maintain operations.
Conduct routine or system changes and operate, troubleshoot, and maintain chemical feed systems, pumps, and ancillary equipment under supervision.
Perform manual labor tasks such as basin flushing and filter maintenance.
Assist with inspection of machinery and facilities across pumping districts.
Use tools like SCADA, GIS viewers, hydraulic modeling information, energy optimization software, and backup power systems to assess and adjust the water distribution system and treatment processes.
Monitor and operate the water distribution system, including filtration plant clear wells, storage tanks, and pumping stations, to maintain flow and pressure.
Maintain optimal function of chemical feed delivery systems.
Identify and isolate chemical malfunctions with guidance.
Inspect machinery and facilities across pumping districts.
Monitor security at water plants, pumping stations, and booster stations and take corrective measures.
Perform appropriate notification of emergency events to supervisors and other City agencies.
Make decisions about the safest and most efficient operation of the water distribution system and treatment processes.
Participate in training to understand and execute water treatment processes and distribution system requirements.
Attend safety training, including confined space, lockout/tagout, chemical hazardous materials, GHS, and PPE.
Assist with monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing SCADA data for chemical feed systems and filter operations.
Perform minor preventive maintenance and routine plant upkeep.
Perform visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and monitoring instrumentation, and report results.
Learn and become proficient at operator-required laboratory testing.
Perform chemical and physical laboratory analysis and interpret results.
Perform sampling and minor chemical testing at booster stations.
Identify and report problems using the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).