What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Supervisor position at City of Ripon, WI?
Department: Department of Public Works Location: 560 Aspen St.
Reports to: Assistant Director of Public Works Supervises: Operators
Background Check: Yes Medical/Physical: Yes
Workweek: Typical workweek Monday-Friday, 6:30am – 3:00pm. On-call rotation. Weekend rotation. Potential for year-round call-ins for sewer backups and other emergencies.
Pay Grade Classification: Non-Exempt / U2
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Public Works and in close collaboration with the Wastewater Laboratory & Process Supervisor, the Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for the management and oversight of wastewater treatment plant operations, collection systems, lift stations, equipment maintenance, and operational staff. This position oversees the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment and collection infrastructure while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational reliability, workplace safety, and efficient system performance.
The Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Supervisor works collaboratively with the Wastewater Laboratory & Process Supervisor to oversee the overall wastewater treatment and collection system, ensuring efficient plant performance, regulatory compliance, equipment reliability, and high effluent quality standards.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
• Manage and oversee daily wastewater treatment plant operations, collection systems, lift stations, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate and supervise preventative and corrective maintenance activities for pumps, motors, blowers, valves, instrumentation, vehicles, generators, and mechanical equipment.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules and asset management programs for treatment and collection system infrastructure.
• Coordinate collection system maintenance activities including sewer cleaning, televising, root control, inflow and infiltration reduction efforts, and manhole inspections.
• Monitor treatment system operations and collaborate with the Wastewater Laboratory & Process Supervisor regarding process adjustments and operational optimization.
• Supervise wastewater operators and maintenance personnel including scheduling, training, performance evaluations, and workflow coordination.
• Assist with SCADA monitoring, operational troubleshooting, alarm response, and emergency system repairs.
• Maintain compliance with Wisconsin DNR regulations, EPA requirements, permit conditions, safety regulations, and department policies.
• Coordinate emergency response activities involving equipment failures, sewer backups, bypasses, lift station failures, or treatment process upsets.
• Oversee equipment inspections, troubleshooting, repair coordination, contractor management, and equipment replacement recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, operational logs, inspections, safety documentation, and regulatory compliance information.
• Assist with preparation of operational reports, maintenance reports, capital improvement planning, and regulatory reporting.
• Participate in budgeting, procurement, inventory management, and purchasing of equipment, tools, parts, fuel, chemicals, and maintenance supplies.
• Coordinate department safety programs including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, chemical handling, and OSHA compliance requirements.
• Assist with biosolids handling operations, hauling coordination, storage management, and related compliance activities.
• Participate in weekend rotations, overtime assignments, and 24-hour emergency response as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Thorough working knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, collection systems, lift stations, pumps, motors, mechanical equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes, operational troubleshooting, and process control strategies.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices, asset management systems, and equipment lifecycle planning.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin DNR regulations, EPA requirements, wastewater permit compliance standards, and OSHA safety regulations.
• Ability to supervise staff, coordinate workflow, provide technical training, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to diagnose operational and mechanical problems and implement corrective actions efficiently.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), spreadsheets, and reporting software.
• Ability to coordinate emergency response operations and make operational decisions during emergencies or system failures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational, maintenance, and safety records.
• Availability for overtime, weekend work, and emergency on-call response.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science, Mechanical Maintenance, Public Works Administration, or related field preferred.
• Wisconsin Wastewater Operator Certification subclasses A1, B, C, D, P preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred or ability to obtain within established timeframe.
• Minimum of five years of experience in wastewater operations, maintenance, or collection systems with progressive responsibility preferred.
• Supervisory or lead worker experience preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator’s license required.
• Residency within 30 minutes of Ripon preferred.