OPERATOR (Wastewater Treatment Plant)

PURPOSE: The Water Pollution Control Center Operator performs process control of wastewater plant operations, preventative maintenance of plant equipment, and mechanical cleaning of sanitary sewers and lift stations.  The incumbent collects and transcribes operational and collection system data.  This position performs customer service, computer data entry, skilled and manual work.   Reports for duty in emergency situations and works a rotational on-call weekend and holiday schedule.

Shift schedule is Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitors and operates plant equipment, processes, instrumentation, and computers. 
• Identifies abnormal parameters and makes corrections to improve the treatment process. 
• Operates equipment for cleaning sanitary sewers, including sewer jet and jet/vac.  
• Performs preventative maintenance on plant and collection system equipment.  
• Makes minor equipment repairs.  Cleans and paints equipment, buildings, and tankage, including use of high-pressure hoses.
• Collects representative wastewater and sludge samples and delivers to laboratory for analysis.  
• Records operational data. 
• Records data regarding daily plant performance and performs computer data entry.  
• Reports for emergency wet weather pumping events.  
• Acknowledges SCADA alarms and notifies Assistant Plant Manager or Lead Operator. Responds to sewer complaints and forwards the information to the Assistant Plant Manager.
• Trains on the proper maintenance and operations of WPCC equipment including pumps, motors, SCADA systems, chemical dosing equipment and aeration systems.  
• Respond or assists to lift station or sewer back-up calls.
• Performs snow removal as required.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

REQUIREMENTS:

WPCC Operator II*:

1. Knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, prefer an Associate's or B.S. Degree. 

2. Advanced license Wastewater Operator by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with subclasses A1-Advanced, B-Advanced, C-Advanced, D-Advanced, P-Advanced and SS-Advanced or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment. 

3. Minimum four (4) years of hands-on experience as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.   

4.  Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement (Classes B, C, D, N) (may be obtained during probationary period).  

5. Previous mechanical experience preferred.  

WPCC Operator I*:

1. Knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, prefer an Associate's or B.S. Degree.  
2. Certification as a Basic licensed Wastewater Operator by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with subclasses A1 -Basic, B-Basic, C-Basic, D-Basic, P-Basic and SS-Basic or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment. 
3. Minimum one (1) year hands-on experience as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.   
4. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement (Classes B, C, D, N) (may be obtained during probationary period).  
5. Previous mechanical experience preferred.

WPCC Operator-In-Training*:

1. Knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, prefer an Associate Degree.  
2. Ability to pass Basic General Wastewater Exam as a licensed Operator by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (may be obtained during probationary period).
3. Ability to pass Basic Subclass Exam as a licensed Operator by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (may be obtained during probationary period).
4. Ability to learn, operate, and maintain the processes and equipment of an activated sludge wastewater treatment facility. 

Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.

* The City has the right to fill the WPCC Operator position vacancy at either a I, II, or OIT level based and knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant. 

2026 SALARY RANGE: 

WPCC Operator II:  Pay Range 123: $33.58-$38.40 per hour with excellent benefits.    

WPCC Operator I: Pay Range 121: $31.04-$35.49 per hour with excellent benefits.

WPCC Operator-In-Training: Pay Range 115: $24.53 - $28.06 per hour with excellent benefits.