Job Description
POSITION PURPOSE:
Exciting opportunity for those with technical ability and care about the environment. Come join the Racine team keep the Great Lakes healthy by becoming a Treatment Plant operator. This position monitors treatment, adjusts equipment parameters, protects regional water quality.
Essential Duties
Essential Duties
- Assists in operating bar screens, conveyors, blowers, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, ultraviolet disinfection systems, belt filter presses, gravity belt thickeners, and other equipment used to treat wastewater by settling, aeration, disinfection, and solids digestion.
- Abides with treatment methods prescribed by State regulations, as well as Utility SOPs.
- Assists with starting and stopping pumps, valves and gates (manual or remote control), engines, and generators to control flow through filtering, settling, aeration, and solids digestion processes.
- Assists with monitoring variations in operating conditions and interprets meter, analyzer, and gauge readings to determine volume and mass loading requirements to various plant processes; including timing for the initiation of plant blending processes and adding treatment equipment to remediate elevated wet weather flows, and vice versa.
- Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings of various plant processes; detects equipment malfunctions.
- Removes obstructions from screens to accelerate influent flow velocity.
- Collects wastewater samples and performs basic laboratory tests.
- Assists with troubleshooting, performing minor repairs, and assist mechanics in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on plant equipment.
- Assists with lubricating equipment such as pumps, chains, valves, conveyors.
- Assists with unloading chemicals from tank trucks into proper storage tanks.
- Cleans and maintains buildings and equipment such as filter screens, processing tanks, walkways and other areas of plant using hose, brushes and chemical solutions.
- Assist with checking plant boiler systems for proper operation and water levels.
- Adheres to all safety procedures as defined by the Utility work and safety rules.
- Navigates a computer screen, and interprets SCADA system data.
- Works cooperatively with other departments and staff to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Assist in conducting tours for City, schools, and public groups; addresses concerns and questions.
- Shadowing of other departments to gain a full understanding of the wastewater process
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Wet laboratory skill and knowledge is a plus.
- Proficiency with computer applications is required; including desired knowledge of programmable logic controllers.
- Valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
- Strong mechanical skills, including a working knowledge of electro-mechanical functions, principles and techniques; as well as demonstrated aptitude in the areas of mathematics and life sciences.
- Willingness to work a rotating shift schedule, including weekends and holidays.
Language and Interpersonal Communication.
- Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, classify, compute, tabulate, measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information.
- Ability to utilize, interpret, and apply a variety of advisory data and information such as blueprints, line diagrams, meters, gauges, charts, graphs, Safety Data Sheets, and technical operating manuals.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing with varied and diverse contacts, such as Utility personnel, consultants, vendors, general public, and regulatory personnel.
- Ability to communicate and follow instructions both orally and in writing; and perform duties with a minimum of direct supervision.
- Ability to maintain effective and professional working relationships with fellow employees.
Judgement and Situational Reasoning.
- Ability to apply rational and ethical judgment, tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when dealing with Utility staff, public customers, and city representatives.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands Of The Job
- Must have good dexterity with ability to hand operate equipment and instruments, some requiring complex and rapid adjustments in coordination with eye movement.
- Ability to exert strenuous physical effort to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing steps and ladders, and extensive walking.
- Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarity or difference between characteristics of color, sound and odors as associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks
Work Environment And Conditions
- The operations control room is a computerized climate-controlled environment.
- Ability to work at times under moderately safe outdoor climatic conditions and indoor multi-floor buildings where exposure to environmental factors such as water treatment chemicals, noise, odor, pathogens, biogas, ultraviolet light, electric currents, confined spaces, and machinery poses a slight risk of injury; exposure to large wastewater basins with fall risk, and numerous step climbing and tripping hazards.
- Ability to work at times in less than desirable conditions (such as preliminary treatment (bar screens, grit removal), process pumping/piping tunnels with low head clearance and tripping hazards, and solids handling facilities) under potentially unsafe and uncomfortable conditions, where exposure to environmental factors such as heat, odors, dampness, chemicals, noise, pathogens, electrical currents, organic and mineral decomposition gases, confined spaces, and/or machinery can cause a moderate risk of injury.
Equipment Used
- Wastewater treatment machinery and equipment including: pumps, motors, engines, blowers, barscreens, conveyers, motorized gates/valves, gas compressors, electric switchgear, belt filter presses, gravity belt thickeners, ultra-violet disinfection systems, chemical mixing and feed equipment, laboratory apparatus and analytical equipment, meters, gauges, chart recorders, computer control stations, electronic instrumentation, personal protective equipment.
- Miscellaneous hand tools, wrenches, sockets, manhole cover removing device, confined space entry equipment, gas detector, lifting equipment hoist/crane; snow removal equipment, housekeeping equipment, tanks, drums.
- Software technology used may include Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Time Management Software (TMS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Software (SCADA); other software may be applied.
This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee to be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the Utility or City of Racine.
The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Summary Of Fringe Benefits - 2021
Water & Wastewater Utilities - Health Insurance
- High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) – 92.5% of the Premium is paid by the City of Racine - either single or family. Monthly employee share is $53.55 for Single and $141.38 for Family
- UnitedHealthcare administers the Preferred Provider Option Plan with a wide selection of providers throughout the United States.
- $3,000/$6,000 annual deductible for single/family (In-Network)
- $4,000/$8,000 annual maximum out-of-pocket single/family (In-Network)
- $200 co-pay for emergency room, waived if admitted to the facility
- CVS Caremark Prescription Plan
- Payment of $50 per month to employees who waive health coverage
- Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
- A Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is a tax beneficial savings account that can be used in conjunction with a qualified High – Deductible Health Plan. The funds put into an H.S.A. may be used on future, eligible health care expenses without any taxation. The City makes a prorated, one-time contribution to an employee’s Health Savings Account, with the amount of the contribution determined at the time of hire.
- Racine Employee Health and Wellness Center
- The Employee Health and Wellness Center run by Ascension Wisconsin is available to you and your dependent(s) if enrolled in the medical insurance. The Health and Wellness Center provides accessible health and wellness resources that improve the well-being of our employees and their dependent(s). It provides comprehensive services including clinic visits, health coaching, and preventative exams and health screenings. Each non-preventative office visit costs $4.00 and each 30 – day prescription costs $4.00.
- Life Insurance
- City provides one unit equal to your annual earnings
- Employee may buy additional insurance – each unit is equal to your annual earnings.
- Maximum additional life insurance is four units
- Cost depends on age and annual salary
- Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance is available – maximum coverage is $20,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependents, The Water/Wastewater Utility pays for 1 unit and the cost is $1.75/month for an additional unit.
- Pension
- Wisconsin Retirement System, the contribution rate for 2021 is 13.5% Funded 50% by the City of Racine and 50% by the employee
- Vacation
- 15 days as of January 1st the year following your start date
- Some time may be earned in your first year depending on your start date
- Holidays
- 12 paid holidays, 11 scheduled and (1 floating – after 6 months)
- You must be employed for 30 days before being eligible for holiday pay
- Sick Leave
- Accrues at the rate of 1 day per full month worked.
- You are eligible for paid sick time after you complete six full months
- Dental Insurance
- MetLife, two options. Employee pays the premium with pre-tax dollars
- Vision Insurance
- Superior Vision, one option. Employees pay the premium with pre-tax dollars
- Flex Plans
- Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts by UnitedHealthcare
- Deferred Compensation
- Provided through Nationwide, Security Benefit or Wisconsin Deferred Comp.
- Funded by payroll deduction with pre-tax dollars
- Maximum contribution for anyone under 50 is the lesser of $18,500 or 100% of gross income
- Supplemental Insurance
- Provided through AFLAC Funded by payroll deduction
- Accident, Short Term Disability, Hospital & Cancer policies are available
- Tuition Reimbursement
- $1,000 per year, or 80% of the employee's total tuition cost, whichever is lower.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- The PSLF Program promotes full-time public sector employment. Public Employees, may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after making 120 payments toward their student loans while working full-time in public service. This means that nurses, policeman, firefighters, public health, and government employees can be eligible for participation. The Forgiveness Program was designed uniquely to provide relief to those who are doing the best for our communities every day. To find out if you qualify for a forgiveness program call 866-706-5005.
- Wellness Incentive
- Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan who complete the Wellness Incentive requirements are eligible to receive $200, spouses receive $100.
- Fitness Reimbursement
- The City of Racine will reimburse full-time employees, retirees, spouses or retiree spouses (that carry City of Racine health insurance) for 50% of the annual membership fee for a fitness center membership, exercise program (i.e. Spin, Jazzercise) or weight reduction program (WW, Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, Inc. and Jenny Craig) up to a maximum of $200 per employee/retiree/spouse per household.
- Paid Leave
- Eighty hours of paid leave shall be granted for any employee eligible for using Family and Medical Leave for the birth of a child or for the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care.
01
Are you currently a City of Racine employee?
02
Do you have a valid Wisconsin driver's license?
03
Are you proficient in computer applications or electronic instrumentation?
04
What is your highest level of education?
- High School
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate (PHD)
- Other
05
Do you posses a valid commercial drivers license ( CDL), if not are willing to obtain one within 6mths of hire?
06
Are you able to work a rotating shift schedule, including weekends and holidays.