Night Operator
About the Position
The Operator is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and effective, operation of the treatment plant by consistently evaluating system performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments to meet regulatory standards. This role requires a proactive, adaptable individual who can operate and maintain equipment, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges in a timely manner while adhering to safety protocols. Through close monitoring of plant systems, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the Operator ensures that all processes are functioning optimally, while maintaining clear communication and documentation for seamless team collaboration.
A successful Operator fosters a positive, team-oriented environment by actively engaging with the Operations and Maintenance teams, sharing insights, and offering solutions to ongoing operational challenges. Continuously seeking professional development, the Operator works to enhance personal skills and expertise in the field, contributing to the continuous improvement of plant operations. By being self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to quality, the Operator plays a crucial role in maintaining the plant’s reliability, efficiency, and safety.
This position will work under the direction of the Operator Supervisor and work closely with other Operators, Operations Engineers, the Operations Manager, Automation Systems Integrators, and maintenance teams.
This position will be expected to work nights, between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. working Monday - Friday.
This position under the Operator 1 title has a starting pay range of:
$70,260.32 - $78.526.24
Through internal progression an employee can advance up to an Operator 5 title with the following pay:
Operator 2: $74,393.28 - $82,659.20
Operator 3: $78,526.24 - $86,792.16
Operator 4: $82,659.20 - $90,925.12
Operator 5: $86,792.16 - $95,058.08
In addition, employees are eligible for a merit-based raise every July, as well as a market adjustment raise in the month of January.
Who We Are
Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 429,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 187 square miles. Organized as a municipal corporation, the District is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the communities we serve.
The District owns and operates 145 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources from the wastewater we receive before returning clean water to the environment.
Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. The District is dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities.
Working at the District is more than just a paycheck. It is about taking care of the communities we live in and giving back to the environment that surrounds us. We are trusted leaders working together to protect one of our most valuable resources- our water. When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!
Check us out here!
A successful Operator brings the following qualities to the work:
- Self-Starter. Strong initiative to identify, analyze and resolve issues in a timely mannerwhile maintaining a focus on safety.
- Mechanical ability: Demonstrates basic aptitude and competence in a broad range of trade skills through the use of hand tools, power tools, and the operation of equipment.
- Problem Solver: Demonstrates ability to use basic math skills and practical thinking to solve unique problems which may not have been encountered in the past. Looks for innovative solutions and has the confidence to present ideas to the rest of the team.
- Adaptable: Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change, projects a positive demeanor regardless of changes in working conditions, and shows the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities without loss of composure.
- Computer Skills: Able to interact with SCADA system to make plant adjustments and assess trending data to operate the plant.
- Improvement Oriented: Recognizes the difference between high and low quality; between suitable and unsuitable outcomes. Looks for ways to continually improve results and to help others do the same.
Results
The following results fulfill the purpose and meaning of the Operator’s work:
- Continuously evaluate the treatment plant to determine that it is operating efficiently and that needed improvements are identified and adjustments are made to maintain regulatory requirements.
- Providing feedback to the Operator Supervisor and Operations Engineers regarding plant operations, highlighting issues that may need further evaluation
- Continuously being a team player while receiving and passing information about plant operations with the Operations and Maintenance team. This includes active listening, documentation of shift notes, identifying and submitting work requests, and verbal communication.
- Seeking additional information and knowledge to continually grow and improve as a person and as a professional, enhancing skills and expertise and a strong commitment to safety in the field
For a complete list of the duties, please click here.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- At least 2 years post-high school education and a year of experience in a position which included physical work and the use of hand tools.
- Two years of directly related work experience may be substituted for the post-high school education requirement.
- Wastewater operations experience preferred.
- Completion of a two or four-year program in wastewater treatment or a related science degree is desirable.
- State wastewater treatment plant operator certification is preferred.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Operator work group, and other District personnel.
- Strong ability to review, analyze data, and identify trends, for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
- Ability to prioritize and manage time to efficiently and effectively complete tasks.
- Skilled in the safe use of hand and power tools.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Good computer and mathematics skills. Process Control System (PCS) experience preferred.
- Proficient with computers and computer programs related to wastewater plant operations and general word processing documents and data spreadsheets
- Candidates must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or be able to legally drive in the State of Wisconsin.
- Applicants who are scheduled for an interview will be given a written test.
- Employees must be certified in confined area entry procedures, CPR, and First Aid within the first six months of employment and must successfully complete training in forklift operation, respiratory protection, lockout/tag out, and fire extinguisher operation within the first year of employment. Failure to complete the necessary certifications/training may result in removal from the position, absent extenuating circumstances.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Work is performed inside and outside the wastewater treatment facilities with exposure to a variety of weather and working conditions. Required to use light hand tools and heavy power tools. Must be able to occasionally lift loads up to 50 pounds unassisted. Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, crawl, sit, twist, turn, climb ladders, work from scaffolding or lifting equipment, and work in very awkward positions for extended periods. Individuals in this position will primarily work either day or night shifts and may be subject to filling in for coworkers.
This position offers permanent 8-hour night shifts. Shift schedules are based on available positions within the Operator roster. Operators fill shifts, always seeking at least two-person coverage for plant operations and monitoring of the collection system.
Work may occasionally require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals. Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climactic conditions. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks at elevated levels. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks in confined areas. Additional requirements may be specified depending on the needs of department and/or tasks required to complete work efforts.
This position is not eligible for remote work, consistent with District policy.