OUR ORGANIZATION
As an employer, the City of Appleton is a steadfast organization who values, recognizes, and appreciates employees for the unique talents and abilities they bring to our team. We seek out the potential in each employee and encourage growth and diversity of thought. We are constantly exploring ways that we can continue to offer an exceptional, positive work culture that focuses on flexibility for all of life, valuing employees, taking pride in providing great customer service, and progressive, collaborative leadership and teams. Listen to what our employees have to say about their experience with us!

OUR OPEN POSITION

This is a technically skilled, professional, state certified position responsible for successful continuous, real-time operations of integrated water transmission, treatment, and distribution systems in accordance with local, state, and federal water quality and operations standards.

Systems include:

• Lake Station (source water intake, chemical addition, screening, and transmission pumps).
• Water Treatment Facility (chemical mixing and feed systems, lime softening system, residuals pumping, recarbonation, granular activated carbon dual media filtration, ultraviolet light and chloramine disinfection systems, stand-by electrical energy generation, metering and sampling systems).
• Distribution (multiple pressure zones, water storage facilities, high service, booster and transfer pumps, pressure regulating valve stations, chemical addition systems, and metering).

Work involves comprehensive monitoring, testing, and control of all phases of the water transmission, treatment, and distribution processes including maintaining appropriate water quality and storage facility elevations, pressures, flows, and chemical dosages. Based on standard operating procedure, control parameter analysis, and independent judgment, an incumbent places system components in or out of service, adjusts chemical dosages and water flows, and initiates maintenance work processes. Quality control analyses are performed according to DATCAP-certified laboratory procedures and protocols. This position reports to the Water Operations Supervisor.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and controls plant processes via a SCADA system and checks the operation of testing and recording systems.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors flow rates for pumping, treatment, and distribution processes to satisfy system demand and storage targets.
• Identifies equipment malfunctions and unusual operating or mechanical conditions
• Starts and stops treatment processes and pumping equipment.
• Retrieves samples and performs required laboratory analyses to comply with regulatory monitoring and process control guidelines including but not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, alkalinity, pH, hardness, turbidity, taste, odor, etc.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors dosage and feed rates for treatment chemicals including but not limited to lime, sodium hypochlorite, carbon dioxide, sodium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, aqua ammonia, fluoride, polymer, phosphates, potassium permanganate, activated carbon, and other chemicals necessary for water treatment.
• Performs laboratory bench testing of treatment chemicals (i.e., jar testing) and scale process simulation tests to optimize treatment.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors unit process subsystems to optimize treatment process performance and efficiency including but not limited to mixer speeds, pump speeds, backwash rates and duration.
• Makes process observations and maintains accurate records and reports.
• Completes log sheets and communicates relevant information to co-workers and supervisor.
• Compiles and enters computer data from system monitoring activities using standard and process specific software.
• Initiates repair and maintenance processes based on identified malfunctions and conditions.
• Monitors and responds to security system alerts as appropriate.
• Serves as a point of contact and assists during unusual or emergency conditions.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding the water supply and water treatment as appropriate.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Contributes to research, optimization, and engineering studies.
• Checks valves, gauges and mechanical apparatus for working condition.
• Performs routine cleaning tasks.
• Takes inventory of chemicals and other supplies
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Post-secondary education or training in water treatment technology with college degree preferred.

• WDNR Surface Water Operator 1 certification within 18 months of employment.
• Two or more years of operating experience in a water treatment facility, manufacturing environment, industrial maintenance environment or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Working shift rotations including weekends and holidays as assigned.
• A valid Wisconsin driver license.
• Local, state and federal regulations governing operation of drinking water treatment and distribution facilities.
• Hydraulic, physical, chemical, and/or biological principles underlying water treatment processes, distribution, storage, and laboratory analyses used in the water treatment industry.
• Operations practices and procedures related to mechanical systems including large capacity pumps, drives, engine-generators, and control mechanisms.
• Safety requirements in an industrial environment including precautions associated with working with electrical systems, mechanical equipment, confined spaces, and chemicals.

• Exercise independent judgment based on available information when necessary. • Analyze and diagnose treatment and pumping process problems and anomalies.

• Read blueprints, reports, memoranda, and other written communications in English.
• Perform arithmetic calculations to determine process flow, level, and pressure set points, process loadings, treatment performance, and chemical feed requirements.
• Utilize computer interfaces for SCADA and reporting software to enter data, modify process set points, analyze production trends, and produce process and regulatory reports.
• Understand and follow oral or written instructions.
• React promptly and efficiently in emergencies.
• Perform laboratory analytical procedures according to method protocols and quality standards.
• Perform tasks requiring frequent standing, climbing, reaching, squatting, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying for extended periods.
• Maintain effective relations with other employees and deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner consistent with department and city safety policies and procedures.
• Follow confined space procedures.
• Use a variety of personal protective equipment effectively, including respirators.

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES
Customer Focus
Adaptability/Flexibility
Technical Skills
Communication
Positive Attitude

To learn more about these competencies click here