WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR 1

Recruitment #2408-0976DC-001

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Introduction

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 (MWW) is a national leader in providing high quality, healthy drinking water and comprehensive water quality monitoring. For more information, visit http://milwaukee.gov/water.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 (WTPO 1) is the first title in the WTPO series that provides incumbents the opportunity to progress through levels 1-4, based upon successful completion of a probationary period, development of competencies, and meeting performance criteria.

Purpose

With a focus on pump, treatment, and chemical filtration changes, as well as plant integration, the Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 maintains process control of the MWW water treatment plants and distribution pumping systems to meet production requirements for high quality, sufficient drinking water.

Essential Functions

Plant Operations
  • Participate in training 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, including training regarding confined space, lockout/tagout (LOTO), chemical hazardous materials, Global Harmonized System (GHS), and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Assist the Water Treatment Plant Operator in Charge with monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) 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.
  • 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.
Water Lab Analysis
  • Learn and become proficient at the operator-required laboratory testing skills.
  • Perform chemical and physical laboratory analysis and interpret results.
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

  • After initial training, an individual appointed as a Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 must be able to work a rotating shift, including first, second, and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.
  • Must be willing and able to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs., and work in confined spaces.
  • Must work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments at any time to meet the needs of plant operations.
The required pre-employment tests include the following:
  • Physical Exam with lift test
  • Vision Exam
  • Audio-Gram
  • Drug Screen - Non-DOT

Minimum Requirements

  1. 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.
  2. Valid Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment.
  3. Depending upon the WTPO-1 work assignment, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Operator Certification Grade T for either Surface Water (Subclass S) or Distribution (Subclass D) is required within the probationary period and throughout employment.
  4. MWW certification for assignment as the System Operator or a Treatment Operator at either water treatment plant within the probationary period and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
NOTE:  Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application.  The Hiring department
 will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

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.
  • 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.
Communication and Interpersonal
  • 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.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedures, and technical materials.
  • 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.
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.
  • Honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City of Milwaukee resources.

Current Salary

The current starting salary range (Pay Range 2HN) is $72,270-$81,507 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $74,438-$83,952 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 the following:
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 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 https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process 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 selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. 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 may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
  • Applications 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

                                                                                           EEO Code 206

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