Operator

Employer ~ Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
Address ~ 1610 Moorland Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53713
Phone ~ (608) 222-1201
Website ~ MMSD Career Pages – Operator Posting

Salary ~ $72,363.20 – $80,891.20 Annually
Location ~ 1610 Moorland Road, Madison, WI
Job Type ~ Full Time
Job Number ~ 2026-00030
Department ~ Wastewater Operations and Reliability
Opening Date ~ 08/12/2026
Closing Date ~ 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

About the Position

Under the general supervision of the Operations Supervisor and works closely with other Operators, Operations Engineers, the Treatment Plant Manager, Automation Systems Integrators, and maintenance teams. This position 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 maintain regulatory compliance, reliability, and process efficiency. 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. The successful candidate must demonstrate a growth mindset in navigating a dynamic, mission-driven operation, while remaining committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.?

Duties

A successful Wastewater Operator will have the following qualities:

• Self-Starter: Demonstrates initiative by proactively identifying, analyzing and resolving operational issues in a timely manner while maintaining a focus on safety.
• Agility: Demonstrates flexibility in response to challenging operational conditions, competing priorities while maintaining composure and a positive approach.
• Improvement Oriented: Recognizes opportunities to improve safety, reliability, efficiency and quality by evaluating current practices, seeking solutions, and supporting continuous improvement efforts.

Duties
45% – Assistance with Treatment Plant Operations & Maintenance

• Execute daily operations across all phases of the wastewater treatment process (e.g., preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary treatment, and solids handling) to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations.
• Monitor, assess and adjust treatment processes, chemical dosing, equipment operation, and process parameters through field observations, inspections, and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to optimize plant performance.
• Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment, including pumps, blowers, valves, mixers, and instrumentation.
• Apply Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) principles to support maintenance planning, shutdown activities, ensuring critical assets are prioritized to prevent adverse impacts on operations, environmental compliance, or safety.
• Collect, preserve, document, and analyze water, wastewater, and sludge samples at various stages of the treatment process (e.g., pH, DO, TSS, BOD, COD) in strict accordance with standard protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Diagnose and swiftly resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and operational issues during shifts to prevent treatment process upsets.
• Monitor and adjust treatment processes to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

35% – Assistance with Documentation, Communication, and Compliance

• Communicate operational conditions, process concerns, equipment deficiencies, and recommended actions to the Operator Supervisor and appropriate Operations, Maintenance, or Engineering personnel..
• Follow, review and provide feedback on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) safety protocols, Emergency Response Plans and operational documentation to support consistent and effective plant operations.
• Actively share critical information, document comprehensive shift notes, and maintain clear verbal and written communication with incoming shifts and the Operator Supervisor.
• Maintain precise, legally defensible documentation of plant activities, chemical usage, equipment statuses, shift activities, regulatory records, and required reports.
• Identify equipment deficiencies, create detailed work requests, and track maintenance tickets through the plant’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Utilize the CMMS to document equipment deficiencies, operational problems, corrective actions, work performed, and follow-up activities.

10% – Decision Making and Problem Resolution

• Make sound, timely, and independent operational decisions during shifts to maintain safe, reliable, and continuous plant operations and mitigate emergency situations.
• Prioritize completing tasks effectively during routine operations, changing conditions, or emergencies to maintain facility safety and compliance.
• Respond swiftly to plant alarms, severe weather events, spills, or system failures following established Emergency Response Plans (ERPs).
• Recognize when additional support is required and communicate promptly to appropriate personnel.

5% – Learning and Self-Improvement

• Obtain and maintain certification in CPR, and First Aid. Must obtain initial certification within the first six months of employment.
• Complete training in forklift operation, respiratory protection, lockout/tag out, and fire extinguisher operation, and other safety-related programs within the first year of employment.
• Pursue technical training, continuing education units (CEUs), and higher-level operator wastewater certifications to support professional growth and expand technical knowledge.
• Actively participate in safety meetings, training activities, wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and confined space entry protocols, and proactively report workplace hazards.
• Reflect on operational performance, and seek opportunities to improve technical proficiency, process knowledge, operational performance and decision-making effectiveness.

5% – Other Duties as Assigned

• Provide backup support for operations as needed to ensure reliable service, including coverage during planned and unplanned absences as required or assigned.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the responsibilities and expectation of the Wastewater Operator position.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through clear communication, collaboration, and responsive engagement.
• Support the District’s Strategic Plan and special projects associated with organizational goals.

Requirements

Required

• Experience rapidly and accurately diagnosing operational issues, respond to alarms, and execute Emergency Response Plans (ERPs).
• Experience using mechanical equipment and safety practices (e.g. lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher, etc.)
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and able to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Wisconsin

Preferred:

• Experience working in wastewater operations.
• Completion of formal wastewater treatment training program or related education.

Other
The District participates in the federal E-Verify program. As required by law, all newly hired employees will have their Form I-9 information submitted to the federal government through E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without District sponsorship) at the time of application and must maintain work authorization throughout their employment. The District does not provide employment visa sponsorship.

As part of the hiring process, finalists may be required to successfully complete a background check and, if applicable, a pre-employment physical. Employment may be contingent upon the results of these screenings. Any criminal conviction record will be evaluated in accordance with applicable law, including whether the circumstances of the conviction are substantially related to the duties of the position.

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 works five (5) days, eight (8) hour night shifts from 6:30 PM to 3:00 AM Sunday evening through Friday morning. During the first five (5) to six (6) weeks of training the Operator will work the day shift.

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.