Wastewater Lead Operator

Wastewater Lead Operator

 POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Full-Time Wastewater Lead Operator

DEPARTMENT:                  Public Works Wastewater Utility Division
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:         Wastewater Foreman
POSITION TYPE:                Non-Exempt, Full-Time
WAGE RANGE:                   $28.00-$30.00 per hour, depending on qualifications
BENEFITS:                          Full-time employee benefits included
POSTING DATE:                March 2, 2026
CLOSING DATE:                March 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Application Package Requirements:               

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Official City of Ashland Job Application – download a fillable version at http://www.coawi.org/DocumentCenter/View/826/CoAEmploymentApplication_fillable

Please submit your application package in one (1) of the following ways:

➣Email: Interested applicants may submit a City of Ashland Employment Application package to jobs@coawi.org

➣U.S. Postal Mail: Ashland City Hall, ATTN Human Resources, 601 Main Street West Ashland, WI 54806.

➣Drop Off at City Hall: Application packages can also be dropped off in person at Ashland City Hall. Please mark the envelope ATTN: Human Resources

INTENT:  The intent of this position description is to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title.  This position description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

GENERAL PURPOSE: This is a skilled position involving the safe and efficient use of a variety of equipment used in the operation, maintenance and repair of Wastewater treatment facilities with a focus on the collection system.  In addition, similar work on the City’s stormwater collection system is performed.  This position also requires heavy physical labor.

Normal working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Schedule will vary to cover shifts Monday through Sunday.  Rotating weekend work will be required.

SECTION A

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required at the time of hire or for continuation of employment.

  • Considerable knowledge of water and wastewater operations and maintenance, including scheduling, preventive and corrective maintenance, inspection, laboratory testing, permitting, and reporting.
  • Basic knowledge of storm sewer collection system operations and maintenance, including preventive and corrective maintenance and inspection.
  • Ability to assess expenditure needs and develop recommendations for capital projects.
  • Mechanical knowledge of industrial processes and ability to work with maintenance staff and contractors as needed to assure collection system equipment is operational.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication procedures and working relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Considerable knowledge of wastewater treatment regulations, operations and maintenance, including discharge water quality standards, treatment processes, pretreatment processes, conventional treatment technologies, and advanced treatment technologies.
  • Ability to assess preventive and corrective maintenance needs.
  • Ability to troubleshoot non-routine process conditions, resolve issues and maintain adequate treatment.
  • Ability to develop and interpret complex data reports on specific treatment components.
  • Considerable knowledge of safety practices necessary to ensure employee and public safety.
  • Ability to create documents and reports using spreadsheets, word processing, and proprietary computer software.
  • Familiarity with Programmed Logic Control, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
  • Skilled in oral and written communications. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and plant records.
  • Ability to operate water and wastewater utilities in an efficient manner that insures the reliable delivery of a safe, reliable and economic product.

SECTION B

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school graduation or equivalent is required.
  • Post high school education in: science, engineering, water/wastewater technology, or a related field is preferred.
  • Considerable experience and working knowledge and skillset within the water and wastewater treatment field.
  • Extensive experience working within an environment that is regulated by outside agencies.
  • Basic knowledge of the storm water collection field.

SECTION C

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be 18 years of age by the start date of this position.
  • Be able to work a 40-hour work week.
  • Valid Driver’s License is required with an acceptable (insurable) driving record.
  • Must be able to read and write English proficiently in order to maintain safety procedures
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain within six months is required.
  • The employee in this position is required to have valid certifications as required by NR114, or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
  • Possession of NASSCO Certification for Pipeline Assessment Certification Program or ability to obtain within nine months is required.

SECTION D

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties described below are indicative of what the Lead Operator might be asked to perform.  Other duties may be assigned.

  • Works with Wastewater Foreman to schedule maintenance duties as assigned.
  • Assists Wastewater Foreman in reviewing plant performance parameters and process control decisions to ensure wastewater effluent quality meets or exceeds state permit standards established for Great Lakes dischargers.
  • Assists City Engineering Department in reviewing stormwater discharge parameters and process control decisions to encourage stormwater effluent discharge in alignment with best management practices.
  • Oversees operation and maintenance of wastewater lift station facilities.
  • Assesses and recommends capital project needs and coordinates technical input from contractors and engineers as.
  • Works with other staff and contractors daily as needed to assure plant equipment is operational.
  • Works with the Utility Manager and Wastewater Foreman to implement policies necessary to ensure employee safety, while monitoring the effectiveness of these policies by evaluating work conditions and employee practices.
  • Proposes policy revisions and communicates those revisions to operations staff once those policies have been approved by management.
  • Works with Utility staff to ensure proper function of wastewater collection system to achieve system wide environmental compliance.
  • Contributes to the development of annual operations budget.
  • Acts as main point of contact for coordination of all wastewater and stormwater collection system projects, or as assigned.
  • Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance. Works overtime and extra hours as required.
  • Assists the Wastewater Foreman in maintaining documentation and activities to achieve monthly DNR compliance.
  • Responds to customer / citizen inquiries for wastewater and stormwater issues.
  • Maintains awareness of regulatory requirements; recommending or implements process changes to meet standards.
  • Checks lift stations for proper operation and cleanliness and perform needed and scheduled maintenance.
  • Ability to interpret and operate equipment and SCADA controls.
  • Oversees installation, repair and maintenance of underground sanitary and storm sewer systems.
  • Oversees flushing, jetting and televising of sanitary and storm sewer mains, manholes and catch basins.
  • Utilize the utilities televising equipment to assess the condition of sanitary and storm sewer mains and identify problems.
  • Utilizes GIS as a tool for scheduling routine maintenance and making recommendations for future projects.
  • Works with the City’s GIS contractor in updating the GIS map as work is completed in the system.
  • Follows proper safety procedures for excavation and confined space entry in addition to other safety plans.
  • Operates all collection equipment and vehicles in a safe manner.
  • Oversees and schedules all aspects of the wastewater collection system duties, including weekly and daily shift assignments as assigned.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

SECTION E

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

  • Provides supervision to assigned Utility Operators, under the direction of the Water Foreman/Utility Manager.
  • The Wastewater Lead Operator may supervise the work of other Public Works Division employees assisting in special projects or emergencies.

SECTION F

OTHER SPECIAL DUTIES

None

SECTION G

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met in order for an individual to successfully fulfill the essential functions of the position of Streets Operator I. Reasonable accommodations may be offered to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is required to walk, utilize fingers to handle, operate objects, tools, controls and reach with hands and arms
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, and climb
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and make continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as computers and other office machines, and or materials used in performing essential functions.
  • The employee may be required to exert physical effort varying from sedentary to continuous activity during a work shift. Involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 100 pounds

May be required to work additional hours, nights or weekends in emergency situations

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Conditions can be expected to vary considerable from day to day. Activities take place outdoors, unless protected by a vehicle. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet except for areas where hearing protection is required.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work near moving mechanical parts.
  • The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
  • The employee may work in high precarious places, confined spaces, and in extreme outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions as well as other temperature and weather variations.

SECTION H

EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY USE

  • The Wastewater Lead Operator routinely operates various tools, machinery and light equipment related to the tasks described above in addition to meter reading devices, software and equipment.
  • The Wastewater Lead Operator frequently uses a computer, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, telephone system, various software programs, motor vehicle, radio, and various other machinery and mechanical equipment.

SECTION I

WAGE SCHEDULE, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Work Schedule:  The Wastewater Lead Operator position is a full-time non-exempt hourly position and shall include all aspects of the duties outlined in this position description.  Normal working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Schedule will vary to cover shifts Monday through Sunday. Weekend work is required on a rotating schedule.   This position has the potential for over-time to address emergencies or other tasks as assigned.

Compensation:  The City of Ashland offers a competitive compensation package ($28.00-$30.00) dependent upon knowledge, skills, abilities and applicable WI DNR certifications.  Potential wage increases are based upon meeting or exceeding goals and expectations, and dependent upon City Council budget approval.

Benefits:  The City of Ashland is dedicated to supporting employees through a robust benefits package that includes group health & dental insurance plans, life insurance, income continuation insurance (ICI Disability), flexible spending accounts (HSA/FSA), deferred compensation; and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS continues to be one of the most well-funded public employee retirement systems in the country, with unique plan design, funding discipline and strong governance contributing to its financial strength.

Paid Time Off:  The City of Ashland offers a paid time off package that includes 12 paid holidays, sick leave (8 hours/month), compensatory time in lieu of overtime and vacation leave based on years of service to the City (earned monthly).

Training Opportunities:  The City of Ashland fosters an environment that promotes education advancement opportunities. Ongoing and special training will be offered by the City to increase proficiency in specific areas associated with the duties performed by this position.

The City of Ashland does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in employment or provision of service, programs or activities.

Application package submissions must be received in full to be considered. See instructions for how to apply at the top of this announcement.

Application deadline is March 13 at 4pm

Please contact David Garrington at the City of Ashland Public Works Department at 715.682.7061, or email dgarrington@coawi.org, with any questions related to this position vacancy.