WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR/SENIOR WATER TREAT PLANT OPER

Recruitment #1702-0974DC-001

Introduction

There are multiple positions open and they will be filled at either the level of Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator (PG 3PN) or Water Treatment Plant Operator (PG 3GN), depending upon the qualifications of the candidate and the needs of the Department of Public Works.

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

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

Essential Functions

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

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

Water Treatment Plant Operator:

  • Train and become proficient with understanding the water treatment process at both water plants; learn the water distribution system requirements and operator parameters.
  • Learn and become proficient at the operator-required laboratory testing skills.
  • Attend safety training to comply with Milwaukee Water Works’ Plants Safety Program including, confined space, lockout/tagout, chemical hazardous materials, Global Harmonization System, personal protective equipment.
  • Assist the senior water treatment plant operator to monitor, review, and analyze 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 chemical and physical laboratory analysis and interpret results.
  • Execute diagnosis or troubleshooting of aberrations or equipment malfunctions.
  • With guidance, identify and isolate chemical malfunctions in a safe and timely manner.
  • Perform visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems and monitoring instrumentation; report and document results.  

Both levels:

  • Locally operate valves, pumps, instruments and other equipment as necessary 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.  

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

Both levels:

  1. Selected candidates are required to successfully pass a thorough background check.
  2. Ability to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift up to 50 lbs. and work in confined spaces.
  3. Must be able to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment.  

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operators are required to work as follows:

  1. Work a rotating shift, including first, second, and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.
  2. Work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments at any time to meet the needs of plant operations.

Minimum Requirements

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

  1. Associate’s 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 Surface Water Certification within nine months of appointment and throughout employment.
  3. City of Milwaukee Boiler License within nine months of appointment and throughout employment.
  4. Medical and physical certification for use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) within nine months of appointment and throughout employment.
  5. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license at time of application and throughout employment.

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 Water Works’ laboratory training modules within six months of appointment.
  3. Medical and physical certification for use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) 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: 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

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.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Both levels:

  • 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 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.
  • Ability to operate equipment used in a water treatment facility.
  • 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.
  • Ability to learn and use sophisticated programs, such as SCADA systems, and computerized maintenance management programs.
  • Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a part of a team.
  • Communication skills required to effectively report information to plant team members and supervisors.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

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

Current Salary

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

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

Water Treatment Plant Operator:

The current starting salary (PR 3GN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $41,700 annually, and the non-resident starting salary is $40,677.

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 April 6, 2017. 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

  • 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.

BENEFITS

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

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

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit www.city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2017

EEO Code= 304  

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