Career Opportunities

The intent of this position description is to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. This position description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This is a skilled position involving the safe and efficient use of a variety of equipment used in the operation, maintenance and repair of drinking water treatment facilities, drinking water distribution and wastewater
collection infrastructure and wastewater treatment facilities. The position also requires heavy physical labor associated with maintenance of treatment equipment and conveyance materials.

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty with proficiency. The requirements listed
below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required at the time of hire of for continuation of
employment.

- Possess excellent communication skills, clearly articulating issues and alternatives orally and in writing
- Knowledge and experience in various water and wastewater treatment methods and techniques
- Ability to perform regular preventative and reactionary maintenance work on a variety of equipment
- Knowledge and experience in operations, maintenance and repair of electric motors, motor controllers, switching gear, VFD Drives and valves normally found in water and wastewater operations
- Capable of following oral and written instructions and participating as a member of a team
- Knowledge and understanding of SCADA system operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair
- Ability to troubleshoot problems as they occur, able to quickly scan a situation and offer ideas to resolve issues
- Knowledge and experience in general mechanics, construction and electrical fields
- Capable of operating and maintaining various heavy and light equipment
- Basic knowledge of gas and diesel engine maintenance and operation
- Ability to perform heavy physical tasks under varying working conditions
- Knowledge and experience with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft OfficeRequired Education and/or Experience:
- High School graduation or equivalent is required.
- Post high school education in related field is highly desired with emphasis on electrical process controls.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Requirements:
The employee in this position must be willing to obtain the following Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources certifications:

Ability to obtain Water and Waste Water Utility Operator Certifications as per Chapter NR 114 or the possession of Wisconsin Grade 1 Surface Water Treatment and/or Distribution Operator Certifications, and/or possession of WI DNR Wastewater Operator Certification and subclasses: A1, B, C, D, P, L, SS

Required Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age by the start date of employment
- A valid Wisconsin Motor vehicle operator license, or the ability to acquire one, is a continuing requirement of employment
- Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain one is a continuing requirement of employment
- Be able to work a 40-hour work week, with overtime assigned as necessary to maintain project schedules or fulfill other special duties as assigned

Wastewater Plant
- Operate a 1.9 MGD secondary biological wastewater treatment plant and sludge processing facilities to control the flow and processing of wastewater.
- Interpretation and operations of equipment and SCADA controls
- Maintain daily log and perform data entry
- Collect samples, prepare sample reports and complete chain-of-custody records, prepare and ship compliance monitoring samples
- Start and stop treatment equipment, mix chemicals and adjust chemical feed rates, observing variations in treatment equipment and processes
- Perform needed or scheduled maintenance on equipment and other necessary tasks
- Occasionally perform laboratory analyses in an on-site laboratory
- Perform miscellaneous building and grounds maintenance including cleaning, lawn care, snow removal and other necessary tasks.
- Follow proper safety procedures for excavation and confined space entry in addition to other safety plans.
- Operate all plant equipment and vehicles in a safe manner.

Water Distribution
- Operate and maintain water distribution equipment and infrastructure
- Interpretation and operations of equipment and SCADA controls
- Hydrant, valve and service connection operation and maintenance
- Perform meter change out, repairs and testing; and premises and in-home inspection of utility owned equipment and compliance to city, state and federal regulations as they pertain to water backflow prevention and cross-connection control
- Install, repair and maintenance of buried piping and valves
- Follow proper safety procedures for excavation and confined space entry in addition to other safety plans
- Operate all distribution equipment and vehicles in a safe manner

Wastewater Collection
- Check lift stations for proper operation and cleanliness and perform needed and scheduled maintenance.
- Interpretation and operations of equipment and SCADA controls
- Install, repair and maintenance of underground sewer systems
- Flushing, jetting and televising sewer pipes and manholes
- Perform meter change out, repairs and testing, and premises and in-home inspection of utility owned equipment and compliance to city, state and federal regulations as they pertain to wastewater backflow prevention and cross-connection control
- Follow proper safety procedures for excavation and confined space entry in addition to other safety plans
- Operate all collection equipment and vehicles in a safe manner

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met in order for an individual to successfully fulfill the essential functions of the position of Utility Operator. Reasonable accommodations may be offered to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is required to walk, utilize fingers to handle, operate objects, tools, controls and reach with hands and arms
- While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, and climb
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and make continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as computers and other office machines, and or materials used in performing essential functions.
- The employee may be required to exert physical effort varying from sedentary to continuous activity during a work shift. Involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 75 pounds
- Physically capable of wearing a respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the Utility Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of his/her job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet except for areas where hearing protection is required.
- Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as bacteria and microorganisms pose limited risk of injury.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work near moving mechanical parts.
- The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
- The employee may work in high precarious places, confined spaces, and in extreme outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions as well as other temperature and weather variations.
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SECTION H

EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY USE

The Utility Operator routinely operates various tools, machinery, heavy and light equipment related to the task and will be required to operate and use the following equipment: jet truck, backhoe, skid steer, dump trucks, one-ton pickups, pipe camera and loader

The Utility Operator frequently uses a computer, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, telephone system, SCADA
system, various software programs, motor vehicle, engineering equipment, radio, and various other machinery and
mechanical equipment
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SECTION I

WAGE SCHEDULE, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Work Schedule:
The Utility Operator is a 40-hour non-exempt hourly position and shall include all aspects of the duties outlined in this position description. Normal working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Schedule will vary to cover shifts Monday through Sunday. Weekend work is required on a rotating schedule. This position has the potential for over-time to address emergencies or other tasks as assigned.

Compensation:
The City of Ashland offers a competitive compensation package dependent upon knowledge, skills, abilities and applicable WI DNR certifications. Potential wage increases are based upon meeting or exceeding goals and expectations, and dependent upon City Council budget approval.

Benefits:
The City of Ashland is dedicated to supporting employees through a robust benefits package that includes group health & dental insurance plans, life insurance, income continuation insurance (ICI Disability), flexible spending accounts (HSA/FSA), deferred compensation; and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS continues to be one of the most well-funded public employee retirement systems in the country, with unique plan design, funding discipline and strong governance contributing to its financial strength.

Paid Time Off:
The City of Ashland offers a paid time off package that includes 12 paid holidays, sick leave (8 hours/month), compensatory time in lieu of overtime and vacation leave based on years of service to the City (earned monthly).

Training Opportunities:
The City of Ashland fosters an environment that promotes education advancement opportunities. Ongoing and special training will be offered by the City to increase proficiency in specific areas associated with the duties performed by this position.
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The City of Ashland does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in employment or provision of service, programs or activities.
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Application package submissions must be received in full to be considered.

Application deadline is June 19 at 4pm

Please contact David Garrington at the City of Ashland Public Works Department at 715.682.7061, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with any questions related to this position vacancy.