Job Summary

The Wastewater Specialist I position is primarily responsible for assisting Wastewater Operators at the utility. The Specialist works independently, makes decisions, and plans daily and weekly work under the general guidance of Operators and/or management. Work is performed at the wastewater treatment facility and at remote locations associated with the collection system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary.

Perform corrective and preventive work orders as prescribed; document completed maintenance and enter necessary information into the facility maintenance database.
Inspect and maintain lift stations and collection system infrastructure.
Perform routine preventive and occasional emergency building and grounds maintenance, as well as custodial duties as necessary.
Operate a variety of hand-powered and power construction and maintenance equipment used by the department.
Perform minor electrical and HVAC repairs.
Abide by all safety regulations and contribute to the utility’s safety initiatives.
Continuously review mechanical and process operations through visual and audible observations, meter and gauge readings, and SCADA system data; interpret and respond appropriately to the information obtained.
Maintain a clean work environment and personal work areas.
Maintain and contribute to process and equipment logs.
Work schedules may vary and include rotating weekends and holidays. The 40-hour workweek is adjusted to minimize overtime.
Serve as the primary person responsible for lift station (LS) maintenance and monitoring.
Serve as the primary person responsible for collection system cleaning and maintenance.
Serve as the primary person responsible for ArcGIS corrections and data uploads.
Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve on regional, state, or staff committees related to job duties or as assigned.
Collect and preserve grab or composite samples and perform occasional laboratory analyses.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

An associate degree is preferred.
Two years of hands-on experience in wastewater operations.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment concepts, principles, hazards, and practices.
Experience in mechanics, minor electrical work, welding, pipefitting, plumbing, HVAC, construction trades, and carpentry is highly desirable.
Experience with large trucks and equipment is desirable.
A sincere interest in learning the functions of the Wastewater Utility. This position may provide an opportunity to advance to Certified Wastewater Operator.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and work cooperatively in a team setting.

Language Skills

Ability to tailor communication style and methods to coworkers, City personnel, City residents and businesses, vendors, and tour groups.
Ability to communicate openly with management and facility staff daily.
Ability to interpret, understand, and use operations and maintenance manuals, City ordinances, SCADA reports and trends, procedures, guidelines, and nonroutine correspondence.
Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record, interpret, and transcribe data and information into a usable format.
Ability to use digital media as necessary in day-to-day facility operations.
Ability to educate or train others.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, and ratios.
Ability to use software programs to organize and manage data.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common-sense judgment and understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
Ability to analyze data and/or information to identify consequences and select alternative or preferred solutions.
Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when evaluating information.
Ability to interpret plant operating characteristics and relate them to necessary plant process adjustments.

Other Qualifications

Ability to operate a manual transmission.
Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of basic electrical controls.
Knowledge of arc and oxy-acetylene welding is desired.
Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a jet machine, utility trucks, biosolids hauling vehicles, lawnmowers, pumps, shop tools, and other necessary small or large equipment.
First Aid and CPR skills; certification preferred.
Computer proficiency and working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including ArcGIS Online, Microsoft Office Suite, and the HachWIMS database.
Ability to work well under pressure, handle challenging situations, set priorities, organize work, and manage time and resources with minimal supervision.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with fellow employees as part of the utility staff team.
Ability to work independently and remain motivated.
Ability to respond to after-hours emergency situations within 40 minutes of notification.
Possession of a Wisconsin Class B Commercial Driver’s License with tanker and air brake endorsements, or the ability to obtain one within six months.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met and maintained by an employee to successfully perform all essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical strength and stamina.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear; walk; use fingers and hands to handle or operate objects, tools, and controls; and reach with hands and arms.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
Ability to operate, maneuver, and continuously adjust equipment, machinery, and tools used in performing essential functions.
Ability to recognize and distinguish colors, odors, shapes, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.
The employee must exert physical effort ranging from sedentary to continuous activity during a work shift. This may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 50 pounds regularly and 75 pounds occasionally.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, and climb.

The City of Whitewater is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, evaluation of education and experience, oral interview, and reference checks; job-related tests may be required.
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The duties listed above illustrate the types of work that may be performed. Omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Supervision Received and/or Exercised

Work under general supervision while independently performing recurring job duties.
Exercise discretion in selecting appropriate work steps, procedures, guidelines, and methods. Work is supervised less closely during execution, but results are reviewed.
Build on prior related work experience while developing a full understanding of applicable policies and procedures.
Occasionally prioritize assigned work, manage time effectively, and respond independently to questions.
May supervise volunteers, interns, seasonal employees, and part-time employees on a limited basis.