What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment/Water and Wastewater Operator position at City Of Neillsville?
CITY OF NEILLSVILLE
JOB OPENING: Heavy Equipment/Water and Wastewater Operator
Water & Wastewater Department
The City of Neillsville is seeking a motivated, dependable individual to join our Water and Wastewater Department as a Heavy Equipment/Water and Wastewater Operator. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the City’s water and wastewater systems. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of the Head Sewer Operator and Head Water Operator. Time is split approximately 50/50 between both utilities.
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Water/Wastewater
Location: Neillsville, Wisconsin
POSITION SUMMARY
The Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting water and wastewater treatment facilities, equipment, and underground utilities. The position supports daily operations, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and general system maintenance to ensure safe and reliable service to the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Utility
- Perform sampling, monitoring, and testing to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Assist with installation and inspection of new water mains and services.
- Perform installation, maintenance, and repair on wells, physical plant components, and related equipment.
- Conduct routine and unscheduled maintenance on plant equipment.
- Participate in on-call rotations for emergency response.
- Perform weekend and holiday plant checks as scheduled.
- Assist with water meter installation, radio-read systems, meter reading, and troubleshooting.
- Assist with hydrant and valve installation, operation, and maintenance.
Wastewater Utility
- Conduct sampling, monitoring, and testing required for process control and regulatory compliance.
- Assist with installation and inspection of sewer mains and services.
- Maintain and repair treatment plant equipment, lift stations, and related infrastructure.
- Provide regular and emergency maintenance support.
- Perform weekend and holiday plant checks on a rotating schedule.
- Operate heavy equipment including a sewer jetter and vac truck.
- Collect and analyze samples for reporting requirements.
Other Duties
- Follow all applicable safety regulations.
- Maintain open communication with supervisors regarding operations, equipment performance, and recommendations.
- Assist with citywide snow removal operations as needed.
- Perform lawn mowing and grounds maintenance.
- Complete additional duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Working knowledge of water and wastewater treatment operations, equipment, and maintenance procedures.
- Ability to operate tools, machinery, and equipment associated with utility operations.
- Basic troubleshooting skills for electrical and plumbing issues.
- Ability to perform process control calculations and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to obtain Wisconsin Water and Wastewater operator certifications (testing opportunities every two months).
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Frequent standing, use of hands, reaching, bending, kneeling, and lifting.
- Ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs.
- Work performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and severe weather events.
- Must be available for on-call duty, emergencies, and weekend/holiday rotations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Valid Wisconsin driver’s license; ability to obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months.
- Ability to obtain required Wisconsin DNR Water and Wastewater certifications within 3 years of hire.
- Ability to work 40 hours per week, on a weekend rotation and respond to call-ins at any time.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be found here https://neillsville-wi.com/job-openings/. Interested applicants should submit a résumé, application, and any relevant certifications to:
City of Neillsville – Department of Public Works
Attn: Luke Friemoth
106 W. Division St.
Neillsville, WI 54456
Or email luke.friemoth@neillsville-wi.com