Location: Kenosha,WI, USA
General Overview of Position
The Director of Wastewater Treatment is a critical component of the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) management team in its efforts to provide and protect our greatest natural resource. The overall purpose of this position is to plan and manage the operations of the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations in compliance with the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit, coordinate related services and programs, and assure that all requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are met. There is an approved Master Plan which lays out capital projects for the wastewater treatment plant for the next 20 years that the incumbent will be responsible for implementing. Assistance in carrying out these responsibilities is provided by the following direct reports: Environmental Programs Supervisor, Utility Maintenance & Operations Supervisor, and Lead Operator. This position receives direction and guidance from the Director of Operations (currently vacant) and/or the Assistant General Manager with administrative oversight and evaluation of performance conducted by the General Manager. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED UPON RECEIPT FOR POTENTIAL IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW, and this recruitment will close when the position is filled. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at ...@kenosha.org or 262-###-####.
The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) is a municipally-owned, fiscally independent public utility organized under authority of 66.0805 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and Chapter XXXII of the City of Kenosha General Ordinances. KWU provides water and wastewater services to more than 100,000 people in the Kenosha area, including the City of Kenosha and the Villages of Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers. Kenosha is ideally located off Interstate 94 on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information may be obtained at www.kenosha.org.
KWU maintains the sanitary sewer system consisting of the wastewater treatment plant, 332 miles of pipe and 13 lift stations. During heavy rain events, the flow to the KWU wastewater treatment plant increases as much as five times the average flow. The KWU wastewater treatment plant treats an average of 21 million gallons of sewage a day and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. KWU uses a 2-step process: primary treatment to separate the solid and liquid portions of wastewater for further treatment, and secondary treatment which uses biological and anaerobic digestion processes to remove pollutants from the liquid portion and breakdown the solids portion before discharging the final effluent into Lake Michigan. In the event flow exceeds plant capacity, there is a 30 million gallon equalization basin for additional storage for later treatment. The wastewater plant laboratory is responsible for collecting, preparing and analyzing wastewater samples before, during and after treatment and at various points in our collection system which includes monitoring the wastewater discharge from industrial users.The pay range shown on this job posting reflects Steps 1 and 17 of the 17-step compensation plan for this job classification, and employees receive a step increase annually based on satisfactory performance. The Kenosha Water Utility (under the City of Kenosha) offers a full benefits package including employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday and other leave, paid health/dental/life insurance, overtime compensation (compensatory time or paid overtime) as authorized.
Example of Duties & Responsibilities
* Implements and maintains operational standards in compliance with all regulatory agency mandates and WPDES permit requirements; develops plant policies and procedures related to such standards; oversees plant performance in accordance with monitoring requirements and accreditation purposes and analyzes plant data and reports to make appropriate adjustments; participates in the development and implementation of goals and objectives.
* Oversees the design and construction of capital infrastructure projects for plant and lift station modernization or upgrade.
* In conjunction with direct reports, manages and monitors overall plant operations and maintenance activities by prioritizing, coordinating, and assigning daily work flow including monitoring, sampling and testing.
* Ensures adequate staffing for 24/7 Operator shift coverage; reviews employee time sheets and approves requests for time off.
* Monitors and evaluates employee performance during probation and annually thereafter; investigates and documents employee concerns or misconduct; develops corrective action plan or carries out discipline as appropriate.
* Participates in the recruitment and interview process for hiring or promoting plant staff.
* Prepares reports and other documentation required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or other regulatory agencies, such as monthly operating reports, sludge reports quarterly and annually, Tier II, Risk Management Plan for Chlorine, Capacity Management Operation and Maintenance Program, Facility Safety Plan with the County, and Risk and Resiliency. Reviews and approves reports produced by the Environmental Programs Supervisor.
* Prepares Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit renewal.
* Develops, prepares and administers annual plant operating and capital improvement budget.
* Oversees sewerage metering and monitoring stations, and prepares monthly summary reports for invoicing.
* Prepares specifications and obtains price quotes for equipment and services; orders and maintains inventory of supplies and equipment; approves and signs purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
* Inputs data into computer programs; prepares and maintains custody of a variety of analytical and statistical reports, correspondence, logs, charts and other documentation.
* Coordinates and monitors contracted services, including sampling and billing with waste haulers and disposal of waste.
* Maintains safety training programs that fulfill requirements of regulatory agencies and Utility standards.
* Adheres to and enforces proper and safe work practices in compliance with appropriate regulatory and department policies.
* Responds to rain events and emergency calls affecting the wastewater treatment plant during and after normal working hours; participates in the supervisory emergency on-call rotation for both wastewater and water treatment plants.
* Responds to inquiries and complaints related to wastewater plant operations; records information and prepares needed documentation.
* Establishes and maintains effective relationships with employees, other departments, contractors, governmental agencies, elected officials and the general public.
* Serves as subject matter expert regarding wastewater treatment plant operations on behalf of KWU.
* Attends meetings, technical conferences and seminars.
OTHER REQUIRED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive):
* Performs the duties of supervisory or lead staff as needed.
* Answers inquiries regarding KWU services in general; directs inquiries to appropriate KWU division as necessary.
* Schedules and conducts plant tours.
* Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Note: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.
Requirements
Required Education, Training and Experience:
* Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology, business management or related field from an accredited institution;
* Supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years experience in water or wastewater treatment operations or engineering of which at least two (2) years were in a supervisory capacity;
* Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
* Project management experience with capital projects of five (5) years is desired.
* Wisconsin Wastewater Operator Certification (Operator-In-Training/OIT) with the subclasses of A1 - Biological Treatment, Suspended Growth Processes; B - Solids Separation; C - Biological Solids/Sludge Handling, Processing, and Reuse; D - Disinfection; P - Nutrient Removal, Phosphorus required prior to end of probationary period unless already possessed. Advanced certification with the same subclasses must be obtained within a time period determined by management.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
* Knowledge of the processes, policies and regulations related to municipal wastewater treatment and sanitary sewer collection systems.
* Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and reference information such as federal/state/local regulations and statutes, DNR and plant operation reports, blueprints, operating and maintenance manuals, trade journals, Federal Register updates, financial statements, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), policies and procedures, and other documentation.
* Ability to perform mid to upper-level data analysis to develop and implement decisions based on such data, and oversee the executive of these decisions.
* Ability to advise and interpret regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
* Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
* Ability to utilize computer applications/programs to include database administration, word processing, spreadsheet and other related software.
* Ability to perform mathematical and statistical calculations related to job duties.
* Ability to plan, schedule, assign, delegate and supervise the work of subordinates.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city/county departments, regulatory agencies, elected officials, contractors, suppliers and the general public.
* Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques for problem resolution.
* Ability to handle reasonable necessary stress.
Physical Requirements:
* Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing essential functions such as operating computer and other office equipment, laboratory equipment, plant machinery and equipment, tools, air monitors, samplers, and a utility vehicle.
* Ability to exert moderate physical effort involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects of light to moderate weight (up to twenty pounds).
* Ability to sit or stand for an extended period of time.
* Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
* Ability to ascend and descend stairs or ladders.
* May require the ability to enter confined spaces.
Environmental Requirements:
* Some tasks are performed in an office environment requiring no or limited exposure to adverse conditions.
* Some tasks are performed in plant facilities requiring exposure to adverse conditions such as raw sewage, continuous noise, strong odors, chemical or electrical hazards, or wet/slippery conditions.
* Some tasks may be performed outdoors requiring exposure to adverse environmental conditions including inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces, allergens, insects and traffic.
* Some tasks may be performed on construction sites requiring exposure to moving objects and equipment, uneven surfaces, extreme noise, and dust or debris.
Sensory Requirements:
* Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, depth, sounds, tastes, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
* Requires oral and written communications ability.
Other Requirements:
* Possession of a valid driver's license plus good driving record.
When assigned to emergency call duty, must be able to respond to emergencies within a reasonable amount of time determined by Utility management.
Method of Selection
Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at www.kenosha.org and click on the Job Opportunities link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the Work Experience section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.
An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.
Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.
Why the City of Kenosha?
We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees!
The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we love -- Join us!
Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually.
We offer health, dental, vision, a pension & more!
We offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) as of the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who complete an annual health risk assessment enjoy access to the City's health & wellness clinic (family members too!) and premium-free health coverage.
Employees and their families may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic & 24/7 Virtual Primary Care. There is no co-pay nor cost to employees and their families to access Virtual Primary Care. The onsite clinic may be accessed for a $0-$25 co-pay based on type of visit.
Dental insurance is effective after the first of the month following 30 days of employment. There is no premium for this coverage.
We participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found here.
Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees.
Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through Mission Squared Retirement Corporation, Nationwide Retirement Solutions or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program.
Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off.
Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment.
Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment)
Years of Service Days/Hours per Year
Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours)
After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours)
After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours)
After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours)
After 16-20 years 21 days (160 hours)
After 20 years 25 days (200 hours)
Employees may carry over eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year.
We observe 12 paid holidays & additional paid floating holidays!
New Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's Eve Day
Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving
Juneteenth
Employees receive at least two (2) paid floating holidays per year. Holiday observance schedule may vary by department.
Additional benefit offerings include tuition reimbursement, professional development & training opportunities, health savings account (HSA), vision insurance, supplemental critical illness/hospitalization coverage, and more!
* Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.
01
What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
* Some High School
* High School Diploma/GED/HSED
* Some College
* Associate Degree
* Bachelor Degree
* Masters Degree
* Doctorate (PHD)
* None of the Above
02
If you indicated you have a degree(s), what was your major? (If you do not have a college degree, enter NA .)
03
Do you have at least five (5) years of professional experience related to water/wastewater treatment operations or infrastructure? (If yes , please make sure your application clearly outlines such related experience.)
* Yes
* No
04
Do you have experience in any of the following? Check all that apply.
* Managing water/wastewater operations.
* Involvement with contracts/projects to improve operations and/or update facilty/infrastructure.
* Preparing and submitting regulatory reports.
* Supervising, staff (e.g., planning/delegating work, training, mentoring, evaluating performance, etc.)
* Working with regulatory agencies (i.e., DNR, EPA).
* Development of policies and procedures related to plant/facility operations.
* Budget preparation and administration.
* None of the above
05
Do you possess current Wastewater Operator certification from the State of Wisconsin or another U.S. state?
* Yes
* No
06
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
* Yes
* No
07
Are you available to respond to after-hours emergency calls related to the responsibilities of this position?
* Yes
* No
* Maybe (I need more information regarding this)
Required Question
Agency City of Kenosha
Address 625 - 52nd Street
Room 205
Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53140
Phone 262.###.####
Website