SENIOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (Abolished)

Recruitment #1509-1245DC-001

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The Milwaukee Water Works is a national leader in providing high quality, healthful drinking water and comprehensive water quality monitoring. For more information, visit http://milwaukee.gov/water.

Purpose

The major focus of this position is the overall water treatment process and control, which includes chemical systems, filtration systems, pumps, and water quality and process testing. The Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator, as part of a treatment plant operating team, operates the water treatment plant and distribution pumping system to meet production requirements for high quality, sufficient drinking water. This position works a rotating shift to provide continuous oversight of the 24/7 operations of the water treatment plants.

Essential Functions

  • Operates state of the art drinking water treatment plant and pumping and booster stations to maintain an ample supply of safe drinking water that meets all regulatory and Milwaukee Water Works standards.
  • Monitors, reviews, and analyzes SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) data and alarms and takes appropriate actions.
  • Performs visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, monitoring instrumentation, and infrastructure; reports and documents results.
  • Performs laboratory analyzes and executes appropriate actions based on the results.
  • Validates and verifies the precision and accuracy of on-line water quality process and control instrumentation used throughout the water treatment process.
  • Executes safe work practices and promotes workplace safety.
  • Assists maintenance staff in diagnosis/troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions and utilizes computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for demand maintenance work requests.
  • Locally operates valves, pumps, and instruments as necessary to maintain operations.
  • Monitors security at water plants, pumping stations, and booster stations.
  • Performs minor preventive maintenance and routine plant upkeep.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

  1. Candidates who are offered positions are required to obtain medical and physical certification for use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) as part of the pre-employment process and must maintain SCBA certification throughout employment.
  2. Selected candidates are required to successfully pass a thorough background check.
  3. Senior Water Treatment Plant Operators are required to work as follows:
    • Work a rotating shift, including first, second, and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.
    • Work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments at any time to meet the needs of plant operations.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Associate’s degree in water technology or a related field from an accredited college and two years of experience in operations or maintenance in treatment plant facilities such as drinking water, wastewater, industrial food, or beverage processing; or
    Four years of experience in operations or maintenance in a treatment plant facility as described above; or
    Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Waterworks Operator Certification Surface Water Certification within nine months of appointment and throughout employment.
  3. Low Pressure Boiler Operators Permit from the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services plus a NIULPE (National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers) 5th class power engineer certification or above or an ASOPE Third Class Facility Operating Engineer license or above within six months of appointment and throughout employment.
  4. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license at time of application and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. Your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Waterworks Operator Certification Distribution Certification.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

  • Knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, mechanical systems, and safety practices.
  • Ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, interpret complex data, and exercise good judgment and take decisive action in real time under pressure.
  • Ability to learn to handle hazardous chemicals and operate equipment used in a water treatment and distribution.
  • Ability to operate backup power diesel generators at multiple locations.
  • Ability to understand flow diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
  • Proficiency with basic computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn and use sophisticated programs, such as SCADA systems, and computerized maintenance management programs.
  • Ability to wear and use SCBA.
  • Physical capability to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift up to 50 lbs. and work in confined spaces.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team.

Current Salary

THE CURRENT STARTING SALARY (PR 3PN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $48,820 annually, and the non-resident starting salary is $47,622.

The City of Milwaukee offers a collaborative, positive work environment where each employee contributes to making the city the best place possible to live and work. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a top rated pension plan, health and dental benefits, paid time off including vacation, 11 holidays, sick leave accrual, and much more.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as practical after January 6, 2016. Current deadline = January 22, 2016. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

NOTE: The City’s residency requirement set forth in City Charter 5-02 is under litigation. Even though the City is legally able to enforce the current residency requirements based on a recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, the City has agreed to continue to suspend enforcement of the ordinance until the Wisconsin Supreme Court issues a final decision. If the Wisconsin Supreme Court affirms the Court of Appeals decision, the City intends to fully enforce the residency requirement for all employees. Consequently, employees who disregard the requirements of the ordinance do so at their own risk. Applicants for City of Milwaukee positions should understand the City’s commitment to its residency requirement. During this period of uncertainty it is important to take that into account when submitting an application and more importantly when deciding to accept an employment offer. Please contact (414) 286-3751 if you have questions regarding your individual circumstances as part of the application and/or selection process.

Additional Information

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.
  • Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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