WATER PLANT MAINTENANCE OPERATOR

Under general supervision of the Director of Water Production (or Lead Operator or other designee), the Water Plant Maintenance Operator performs a variety of manual tasks related to the maintenance and repair of the plant and associated facilities and equipment. This position’s primary work schedule is first shift Monday through Friday. The incumbent will also be required to obtain the appropriate Plant Operator certification from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to operate the plant as “Operator on Duty” on any of the three shifts (1st, 2nd or 3rd) as needed for coverage or long term absences. Shift differential is provided for 2nd/3rd shift. Work is reviewed through observation and written reports for adherence to established policies and procedures.

Appointment to this position is subject to passing a minimum 6-month probationary period which includes obtaining the required Wisconsin Waterworks Operator certification. Interested individuals who have never been certified as a Waterworks Operator are encouraged to review information provided at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/opcert/muniWaterworks.html

The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 130,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information is available at www.kenosha.org. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at aaho@kenosha.org or 262-653-4314.

The Kenosha Water Utility (City of Kenosha) offers a full benefit package including pension, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, health/dental/life insurance, paid compensatory time and overtime for emergency work outside of regular 8-work day, tuition reimbursement and other provisions. Appointment to this position requires satisfactory completion of a 12-month probationary period to acquire permanent status. The Kenosha Water Utility has a 17-step compensation plan and the above pay scale reflects the first and top steps of this plan. Starting pay will be based on the candidate's related experience as compared to current incumbents and any budgetary constraints. Future pay (step) increases are at 1-year intervals, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations.

• Maintains, repairs and overhauls mechanical equipment associated with the water treatment and pumping processes.
• Cleans sedimentation and sand filter basins using fire hose.
• Pins and repairs membrane units, sonic tests membranes.
• Performs the following duties when required to fill in as Operator-on-Duty:
• Operates and maintains 20 MGD conventional rapid sand filtration plant and 22 MGD continuous micro-filtration plant;
• Reads gauges and meters; starts, stops and adjusts pumps and operates valves to maintain proper levels in the plant, reservoir and tanks;
• Inspects plant equipment and makes adjustments for proper operation;
• Performs laboratory testing to adjust chemical feed systems;
• Makes entries into logs and maintains records.
• Maintains plant security on nights and weekends;
• Contacts Plant Director or on-call supervisor for after-hour emergencies or questions.
• Inspects, cleans and maintains, booster stations, and other related facilities.
• Troubleshoots, repairs and installs mechanical equipment or parts, such as pumps, valves, piping, injectors.
• Changes chlorine tanks and assists in chemical deliveries.
• Assists with storage tank draining and filling as needed for inspections.
• Flushes hydrants as needed for water quality.
• Performs routine and “as needed” maintenance and cleaning of plant buildings. Examples of such tasks include: mopping, scrubbing, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, trash collection, and minor repairs.
• Prepares and paints interior and exterior surfaces, pipes, and equipment.
• Performs grounds-keeping and landscaping duties; examples of such tasks include: mowing, trimming, weed prevention, planting, pruning, watering, and Operates Class D vehicles such as Utility van/truck, plow truck, forklift and skid loader.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand/power tools and equipment related to job activities; performs minor tool repair.
• Loads, transports and unloads materials and equipment;
• Assures proper safety techniques and equipment are used when required; maintains a safe, clean and orderly work area.
• Maintains adequate inventory of routine maintenance parts and supplies.
• Orders or purchases needed tools, parts or supplies from designated vendors.
• Performs minor carpentry or plumbing work or repair.
• Performs ice and snow removal activities.
• Attends safety and other training as required; acquires continuing education units to maintain WDNR Operator certification.
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

Note: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.

Required Education, Training And Experience

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Technical school courses in machinery maintenance and repair, chemistry, water or other subject matter related to this occupation is helpful but not required.
• Previous work experience in operating, maintaining and repairing plant equipment desired.
• Previous experience on 2nd/3rd shifts and with minimal supervision helpful but not required.
• Must obtain the following certification during probation and shall be required to maintain such certification during employment in this position.
• Grade T Waterworks Operator Certification from WDNR to include Subclass S (Surface Water) and Subclass D (Distribution). (After 1 year as certified Operator, advancement to Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification.)
  
  

Required Knowledge, Abilities, And Skills

• Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods and procedures related to plant operations and maintenance..
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with this occupation.
• Skill and ability to use various hand and power tools and operate equipment associated with this occupation.
• Ability to observe plant processes and differentiate when changes or potential problems are occurring.
• Ability to take accurate measurements and readings of various plant processes, and document such information.
• Ability to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and provide accurate information, while referring emergencies and complex inquiries to the appropriate personnel.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work with no or minimal supervision.
• Ability to reasonably handle necessary stress associated with this occupation.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Job tasks may involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items.
• Job tasks may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation of associated equipment.
• Job tasks may involve the continuous operation of hand tools, calling for full coordination of sensory and manipulative ability in order to achieve full production to acceptable standards.
• Job tasks may involve entering confined spaces.
• Job tasks may involve ascending and descending stairs or ladders.
  
  

Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work under conditions that require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as inclement weather, temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust. Such exposure may cause some discomfort or a risk of injury.
  
  

Sensory Requirements

• This job classification requires:
• visual perception and discrimination;
• color perception and discrimination;
• depth perception and discrimination;
• sound perception and discrimination; and
• odor perception and discrimination.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Possession of valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• When working as “Operator-on-Duty,” the incumbent must be able to work the assigned shift (1st, 2nd, 3rd). If this assignment is long-term, the incumbent must be able to work the 14-day Plant Operator rotation.
  
  

Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at www.kenosha.org and click on the “Job Available” link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the “Work Experience” section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.