Utility Operator

Utility Operator

Job Title:            Utility Operator
Department:       Public Works
FLSA Status:     Non-exempt
Prepared Date:  November 2025

Completed applications are required. Please visit the Pewaukee Career Center to access application materials.

GENERAL DEFINITION

Engages in the repair and maintenance of the municipal water and sanitary sewer facilities by performing the duties and responsibilities as set forth below. Reports to the Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Utility.  Driving is a primary responsibility of this position, and staff must maintain an acceptable driving record.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Operate the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition computer system.
  2. Inspect and evaluate the pump stations and pump houses daily.
  3. Read and test water meters.
  4. Perform water sampling and testing.
  5. Assist in the preparation of DNR and other regulatory reports.
  6. Maintain sewer and water pumping equipment, including the evaluation and troubleshooting.
  7. Maintains and repairs hydrants, valves, and associated piping.
  8. Handle chemicals associated with water treatment.
  9. Exercise water valves and maintain valve records.
  10. Open and close hydrants. Participate in semiannual flushing programs.
  11. Prepare and review sanitary sewer and water punch lists.
  12. Inspect sanitary sewers for surface water inflow and groundwater infiltration.
  13. Inspect construction of new connections to ensure conformance with specifications.
  14. Field locate underground utilities based on record drawings.
  15. Direct workers in cleaning water and sewer pipes and manholes, repairing broken sewer lines, and replacing worn and damaged parts.
  16. Assist workers in repairing breaks in water and sewer mains.
  17. Operate and repair the appurtenances of the municipal water and sewer system, including pumps, valves, motors, and chemical feed devices.
  18. Perform Cross Connection Control inspections.
  19. Respond to in-home and phone customer service calls for water and sewer complaints.
  20. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Thorough knowledge of Federal and State Regulations pertaining to public water supply and wastewater conveyance.
  • Knowledge of Federal and State Safety Regulations.
  • Knowledge of the operation of electrical and telemetry controls and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read, understand, and maintain public records and files, including maps, records, drawings, and specifications.
  • Ability to independently analyze technical equipment and information and determine corrections and solutions.
  • Ability to serve “on-call” and available to respond in person within 45 minutes of a call.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

The level of Required Certifications is outlined in the job progression listed at the end of this job description. All staff must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record. A Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), B-C-D with Tanker endorsement (N) preferred. Staff who hold a CDL are required to maintain it.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and liquid flow rates. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to understand pressure measurements.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds; the work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).  This position involves the entry into manholes, pump stations, sewage lift stations and water reservoirs; the reading of water meters, including the traversing of lawns, streets and yards during all weather conditions as well as the ability to traverse stairways to basement.  This position includes working in repairs and maintenance operations, working in the road-right-of-way and active roadways.  Work includes locating water main and sewer main and appurtenances.

UTILITY OPERATOR JOB PROGRESSION

OPERATOR I

This is an entry-level position. The person in this role has a basic understanding of the job and is learning the responsibilities, tasks, and methods of operation outlined above, with a focus on developing proficiency in all areas of the position. Typically, will have zero to two years of experience and possess WI Waterworks Operator Class G and D.

OPERATOR II

The person in this role performs work under moderate supervision and demonstrates proficiency in most duties; they are increasingly able to work independently, learning and becoming proficient in their assigned job duties. Typically, will have 3-4 years of experience and possess WI Certified Waterworks Operator Class G and D & Basic General Wastewater with Collections Systems subclass with 6-12 months experience in each area of certification.

OPERATOR III

This is a senior-level position. The person in this role performs advanced work under minimal supervision. Will have a minimum of 5 years of experience and will be fully credentialed, possessing Wisconsin Certified Waterworks Operator Class G and D & Basic General Wastewater with Collections Systems subclass, Iron Removal, and VOC with 6-12 months experience in each area of certification.

SENIOR OPERATOR

This role requires a minimum of 7 years of Operator experience and must be fully credentialed as outlined in the Operator III role above. The person in this role coordinates the activities of workers engaged in the repair and maintenance of the municipal water and sanitary sewer facilities. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing work, as well as resolving problems and/or escalating them as appropriate to the Utility Superintendent. Assumes full responsibility for staff and operations in the absence of the Utility Superintendent.

Works with the Utility Superintendent to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements; prepares Operation and Maintenance practices and schedules for all wells, water reservoirs, sanitary sewer lift stations and flow meters.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.  The City of Pewaukee retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this position description.

The City of Pewaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.