WATER QUALITY OPERATIONS MANAGER

Recruitment #2108-4839-001

Introduction

What Milwaukee can offer YOU

 

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 City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.


Purpose

The Water Quality Operations Manager provides operational oversight to the Water Quality Section laboratories to ensure strict compliance with local, state and federal regulations in all quality assurance, testing and monitoring activities.

Essential Functions

Employee Supervision

  • Ensure adequate staffing of the two Water Quality laboratories. Monitor job assignments and ensure deadlines are being met with accuracy and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Conduct staff orientation and on-going training programs.
  • Provide direct supervision of laboratory staff for Water Quality section operations.
  • Provide Water Quality section personnel administration for hiring and retention of talent, alignment of goals and work rule administration.
  • Provide policy and procedural direction with the Water Quality laboratory, as well as monitor action plan implementation.
  • Establish, implement and updated standard operating procedures.

 

Quality Assurance
  • Conduct and document training for Water Quality and Plants section employees in regard to the online instrumentation program and laboratory analyses.
  • Maintain strict quality control of all sampling and laboratory processes and procedures to ensure continuity of laboratory certification.
  • Develop and implement scientifically sound approaches to validate quality of data, including establishing concentrations and frequency of control sample testing and ensuring data generated are within acceptable ranges.
  • Conduct research projects, develop new methods, devise method manuals and oversee projects that perform specialized water quality analyses on raw, treatment plant, and distribution system samples for plant optimization.
  • Document water quality to comply with local, state and federal standards and regulations.
  • Ensure laboratory adheres to strict quality control programs to provide scientifically defensible data.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records of tests; summarize and interpret results.
  • Meet quality criteria by scheduling and passing performance tests of known and unknown samples.
  • Complete raw, plant effluent and distribution water quality annual reports, including compiling and organizing data needed to be included in the annual Consumer Confidence Reports.

 

Laboratory Administration

  • Ensure Safety Data Sheets are filed and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) codes are affixed to new materials.
  • Order materials and supplies.
  • Ensure all Water Quality section staff maintain required certifications.
  • Research and develop new methods to improve operational efficiency.
  • Plan and coordinate projects involving analytical chemistry and instrumentation.
  • Conduct annual proficiency testing for all Plant Operators to document competency in performing routine laboratory analyses.

 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process 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

  • Individuals who complete an application for general City employment on or after September 1, 2021 and are subsequently appointed to a position must provide proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 (i.e., received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) or have an approved religious or medical accommodation within ten business days of their employment start date.
  • This position is subject to 24-hour emergency call-out response, extended hours, and weekend coverage as required to meet the operational and maintenance needs of Milwaukee Water Works.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Five years of laboratory experience in a clinical, environmental, public health or private sector setting.
  3. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Municipal Water Supply Operator Certification (Water Surface Grade) within twelve months of appointment and throughout employment.
  4. Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment. An Automobile allowance is provided.

 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, however the Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, 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 the following information:  the university or college name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date the degree was completed.  Student copies are acceptable.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry and microbiology as applied to research principles, processes and techniques.
  • Knowledge of water quality control, treatment and drinking water regulations.
  • Knowledge of laboratory operation, instruments, test equipment, and lab safety.
  • Ability to direct lab and field activities, adapt scientific methods to potable water, develop new procedures and provide accurate defensible data.
  • Ability to proficiently use computer programs such as Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite (primarily Access and Excel).
  • Ability to review, analyze and prepare technical reports and studies.

 

Leadership and Management Skills

  • Knowledge of management practices and principles to effectively manage direct reports.
  • Knowledge of leadership principles.
  • Supervisory skills, including the ability to assign and direct work, assess performance, make hiring decisions and take corrective action as needed.
  • Training and motivational skills; ability to provide guidance and training and to coach team members to success.
  • Ability to handle emergency situations in a calm and professional manner.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within deadlines.
  • Ability to accomplish goals in a changing environment.

 

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Verbal communication skills to effectively provide clear, accurate and concise instructions to employees and to present information to various individuals and groups including within the organization, the public and elected officials.
  • Interpersonal skills to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with a variety of individuals including the public, elected officials, laboratory staff, co-workers and management.
  • Written communication skills to prepare business correspondence, technical reports and procedure manuals.
  • Effective listening and negotiating skills to work efficiently and effectively with contractors and others.
  • Ability to collaborate for the successful completion of projects in the best interest of the utility and its customers.

Current Salary

The current salary range (1FX) is $62,338-$87,270 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $64,209-$89,889 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

 

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

 

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

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 the deadline listed above. 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.

Additional Information

Applications and further information can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.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.

Conclusion

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.