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WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR 1

Recruitment #2611-0980DC-002

List Type Original

Requesting Department DPW-WATER-HOWARD

Open Date 11/3/2026 3:40:00 PM

Filing Deadline 11/24/2026 11:59:00 PM Apply

INTRODUCTION

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about joining an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) is a national leader in providing high quality, healthy drinking water and comprehensive water quality monitoring. For more information, visit http://milwaukee.gov/water. For more employment opportunities with Milwaukee Water Works and the City of Milwaukee, visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.

Eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) Trainee is the first title in the WTPO series, providing incumbents with the opportunity to learn and gain experience to progress.

The WTPO-1 is the second title in the series. Incumbents hired to either title may progress through each of the levels, WTPO-Trainee through WTPO-4, based upon successful completion of a probationary period, development of competencies, and meeting performance criteria.

PURPOSE

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee:

While training under the direction of Water Treatment Plant Operators, the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee assists with the operation of a surface water treatment plant, water distribution system, and pumping stations to prepare for promotion to Water Treatment Plant Operator 1.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 1:

The Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 maintains process control of the MWW water treatment plants and distribution pumping systems to meet production requirements for high quality, sufficient drinking water.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee:

Plant Operations

• Assist in conducting inventory and preventative maintenance on first aid kits, fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), emergency lighting, hazardous material (hazmat) storage, safety showers, eyewash stations, and motor vehicles.
• Under the supervision of the Operator in Charge (OIC), locally operate valves, pumps, instruments, and other equipment to maintain operations.
• Under the supervision of the OIC, conduct routine or system changes and operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a wide variety of chemical feed systems, pumps, and ancillary equipment.
• Perform various tasks involving manual labor including, but not limited to, basin flushing and filter maintenance.
• Assist with inspection of machinery and facilities across the pumping districts of the water distribution system.
• Use tools such as SCADA, GIS viewers, hydraulic modeling information, energy optimization software, and backup power system to assist with the assessment and adjustment of the water distribution system and treatment processes.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 1:

Plant Operations

• Monitor and operate the water distribution system including filtration plant clear wells, elevated and ground level storage tanks, pumping stations, pressure reducing valves and other infrastructure to maintain flow and pressure within specified limits under both normal and emergency situations.
• Maintain optimal function of the chemical feed delivery systems.
• With guidance, identify and isolate chemical malfunctions in a safe and timely manner.
• Locally operate valves, pumps, instruments, and other equipment to maintain operations.
• Execute diagnosis or troubleshooting of aberrations or equipment malfunctions.
• Inspect machinery and facilities across the pumping districts of the water distribution system.
• Monitor security at water plants, pumping stations, and booster stations and take corrective measures.
• Perform appropriate notification of emergency events to supervisors, security personnel, and other City agencies.
• Make decisions about the safest and most efficient operation of the water distribution system and treatment processes, including system stability, clear well and storage tank supply, pump capacities and efficiencies, energy consumption, water quality, station/pump availability, firefighting activities, and critical customer demands.
• Use tools such as Supervisory Control and Data Access (SCADA), geographic information system (GIS) viewers, hydraulic modeling information, energy optimization software, and backup power system to assess and adjust the water distribution system and treatment processes.

Both Positions:

Plant Operations

• Participate in training to understand and execute the water treatment process at both water plants; learn the water distribution system requirements and operator parameters.
• Attend safety training to comply with the MWW’s Plants Safety Program, including training regarding confined space, lockout/tagout (LOTO), chemical hazardous materials, Global Harmonized System (GHS), and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist the OIC with monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing SCADA data for the chemical feed delivery systems and proper filter operations.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance and routine plant upkeep.
• Perform visual and physical checks of pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and monitoring instrumentation; report and document results.

Water Lab Analysis

• Learn and become proficient at the operator-required laboratory testing skills.
• Perform chemical and physical laboratory analysis and interpret results.
• Assist with inspection of machinery and facilities across the pumping districts of the water distribution system.
• Perform sampling and minor chemical testing at booster stations.
• Identify and report problems using the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Both Positions:

• After initial training, must work a rotating shift, including first, second, and third shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as scheduled.
• Travel to all of the MWW facilities, including the plants, pumping stations, booster stations, and elevated storage tanks, in Milwaukee and Greenfield.
• Must be willing and able to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs., and work in confined spaces.
• Must work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments at any time to meet the needs of plant operations.

The required pre-employment tests include the following:

• Physical Exam with lift test
• Vision Exam
• Audio-Gram
• Drug Screen - Non-DOT
• Respiratory Clearance Questionnaire
• Respiratory Fit Test
• Pulmonary Function Test

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee:

• Associate degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, environmental health and water quality technology or a closely-related field from an accredited college OR two years of experience operating or maintaining drinking water, wastewater or beverage processing treatment plant facilities, performing duties closely related to this position.

NOTE: Students in the final semester of a related Associate degree may apply for this position, however may not be appointed until the degree has been completed.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 1:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university

OR

An associate degree in an aforementioned field from an accredited college PLUS two years of experience operating or maintaining drinking water, wastewater, or beverage processing treatment plant facilities, performing duties closely related to this position.

• MWW certification for assignment as the System Operator or a Treatment Operator at either water treatment plant within one year of appointment and throughout employment.

NOTE: Students in the final semester of a related Bachelor’s degree may apply for this position, however may not be appointed until the degree has been completed.

Both Positions:

• Valid Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record at time of application, appointment, and throughout employment.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Operator Certification Grade T for either Surface Water (Subclass S) or Distribution (Subclass D) within one year of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Technical

• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles to analyze data.
• Knowledge of chemistry to perform chemical analyses.
• Ability to learn the mechanical systems used in a water treatment facility.
• Knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety practices.
• Ability to learn to operate the equipment used in a water treatment facility.
• Ability to understand flow diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedures, and technical materials.
• Proficiency using standard computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use sophisticated programs, such as SCADA systems and computerized maintenance management programs.
• Ability to learn and adhere to the regulatory and compliance standards required by MWW, the WDNR, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as best practices by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Verbal skills to effectively report information to plant team members and supervisors.
• Written communication skills to accurately write documentation and provide reports such as plant operation notes, laboratory testing information, and water treatment data.

Judgment and Responsibility

• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, interpret complex data, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to take decisive action in real time under pressure.
• Ability to safely handle hazardous chemicals used in the water treatment process.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City of Milwaukee resources.

CURRENT SALARY

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (Pay Range 2FN):

• The current starting salary range is $61,409-$73,907 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $63,866-$76,863 annually.
• Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 (Pay Range 2HN):

• The current starting salary range is $72,270-$83,952 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $75,161-$87,311 annually.
• Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

SELECTION PROCESS

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

CONCLUSION

EEO Code 206

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.