SENIOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR AND

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.  

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.   

 The Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) has multiple openings in these titles, which will be filled at either the level of Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator (PR 2GN) or Water Treatment Plant Operator (PR 2EN), depending upon candidate qualifications and the needs of the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW).  

Eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest level eligible list for which they qualify.    

APPLICATION PERIOD AND TEST ADMINISTRATION (Subject to Change)  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Individuals appointed to the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator title work a rotating shift, including first, second and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator and Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator operate a water treatment plant and distribution pumping system to meet production requirements for high quality, sufficient drinking water, with a focus on pump, treatment and chemical filtration changes, plant integration and overall process control.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

Plant Operations

• Operate a 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 MWW standards.
• Monitor, review, and analyze SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) data and alarms and take appropriate action.
• Perform visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, filters, monitoring instrumentation and infrastructure; report and document results.
• Assist maintenance staff in diagnosis and troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions and utilize the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for demand and preventative maintenance work requests.
• Execute safe work practices and promote workplace safety.

Water Lab Analysis

• Perform laboratory analysis and execute appropriate plant operations actions based on the results.

Water Treatment Plant Operator:

Plant Operations:

• Participate in training in order to understand and execute the water treatment process at both water plants; learn the water distribution system requirements and operator parameters.
• Attend safety training to comply with the MWW’s Plants Safety Program, which includes training regarding confined space, lockout/tag out, chemical hazardous materials, Global Harmonization System and personal protective equipment.
• Assist the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator in monitoring, reviewing and analyzing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) data for the chemical feed delivery systems and proper filter operations.
• Maintain optimal function of the chemical feed delivery systems.
• Perform visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems and monitoring instrumentation; report and document results.  
• With guidance, identify and isolate chemical malfunctions in a safe and timely manner.
• Execute diagnosis or troubleshooting of aberrations or equipment malfunctions.

Water Lab Analysis:

• Learn and become proficient at the operator-required laboratory testing skills.
• Perform chemical and physical laboratory analysis and interpret results.

Both levels:

• Locally operate valves, pumps, instruments and other equipment to maintain operations.
• Monitor security at water plants, pumping stations and booster stations and take corrective measures.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance and routine plant upkeep.  

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.

Both levels:

• Please be advised that you are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to your employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to your employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here. 

• Selected candidates are required to successfully pass a thorough background and reference check.
• Ability to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift up to 50 lbs. and work in confined spaces.
• Work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments at any time to meet the needs of plant operations.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operators:

• Work a rotating shift, including first, second and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

1.     Associate degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university plus one year of experience in the operation or maintenance of water treatment plant facilities such as drinking water, wastewater or beverage processing. 

---OR--- 

Three years of experience in the operation or maintenance of water treatment plant facilities such as drinking water, wastewater or beverage processing.

2.    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Surface Water Certification within nine months of appointment and throughout employment.

3.    Valid Wisconsin driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

 Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Water Treatment Plant Operator:

1.    Associates degree in water technology, chemistry, environmental studies, or other related field from an accredited college.

---OR---

Two years of experience operating or maintaining water treatment plant facilities such as drinking water, wastewater or beverage processing.

2.    Successful completion of MWW’s laboratory training modules within six months of appointment.

3.    Valid Wisconsin driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college coursework, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Your transcript must be legible and include the university or college name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable), and the degree completion date.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Both levels:

Technical

• Knowledge of basic mathematic principles to analyze data.
• Knowledge of chemistry required to perform chemical analyses.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems utilized in a water treatment facility.
• Knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety practices.
• Ability to operate equipment used in a water treatment facility.
• Ability to understand flow diagrams, schematics, blueprints and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
• Proficiency with basic computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use sophisticated programs, such as SCADA systems and computerized maintenance management programs.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Communication skills required to effectively report information to plant team members and supervisors.

Judgment and Responsibility

• 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.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

Technical

• Ability to become proficient in plant equipment and backup systems.
• Knowledge of chemical processes required to analyze laboratory results and identify chemical malfunctions.

Judgement and Responsibility

• Ability to prioritize and direct the work of others to maximize efficiency.
• Ability to interpret data in order to respond to trends or equipment failure.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

The current starting salary (PR 2GN) is $57,270 - $72,063 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $58,988 - $74,225 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Water Treatment Plant Operator:

The current starting salary range (PR 2EN) is $45,833 - $63,426 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $47,208 - $65,329 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
• Compensatory Time Earned (CTE)/Compensatory Time Off (CTO)
• 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 https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

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 application 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.

Applications and further information may 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.

EEO Code= 304  

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