Industrial & Operations Specialist

Description

The City of La Crosse is seeking to hire a full-time Industrial & Operations Specialist to become an essential team member in the Wastewater Department. The purpose of the Wastewater Department is to help protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality regional wastewater treatment services in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner. The Wastewater Treatment plant is a division of Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utilities. It is our vision to be a recognized, responsive, creative, and flexible team, all while achieving excellence for our community in a positive working environment. The City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant is under a major upgrade introducing new cutting-edge technology to be one of the more advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants in Wisconsin.

The purpose of this position is to efficiently operate and maintain all the utility’s infrastructure and assist in the operation of the industrial pretreatment program and special projects to comply with DNR regulations. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $26.76 - $30.66 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly) depending on qualifications.

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations, chemistry and biology; three to five year’s wastewater treatment plant operator’s experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Commercial Driver’s License Class B with tanker endorsement required, or ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within 30 days of employment. Certifications in CPR, First Aid and Confined Space Entry required within one year of employment. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Must have Basic Wastewater Certification with subgrade A-1 Biological Suspended Growth, and ability to obtain subgrades C Solids/Sludge Handling, D Disinfection, L Laboratory, P Nutrient Removal, B Solids Separation within two years of employment.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to a background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen. Applications accepted until May 11, 2025. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting

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Purpose of Position

The purpose of positions in this classification is to efficiently operate and maintain all the utility's infrastructure and assist in the operation of the industrial pretreatment program and special projects to comply with new DNR regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs work requiring knowledge of wastewater treatment plant processes, laboratory analysis, computers and related equipment.

Performs technical, chemical and biological lab work required to maintaining plant operations and performance within regulations. Enters analysis information to computer records and generates data reports from compiled information. The work is performed according to applicable codes, ordinances and statutes.

Collects samples at the treatment plant, in the sanitary or storm collection systems and at industrial sites. Analyzes samples at the wastewater laboratory or ships samples to contract lab. Executes confined space entries in order to set up samplers.

Assist Pre-treatment Coordinator with sampling and inspections. Assists in printing permits, editing annual industry list and maintaining industry databases. Completes semi and annual reports to Department of Natural Resources. May inspect and monitor industries under the direction of the Pretreatment Coordinator. Communicates with Department of Natural Resources, industrial users, and the public regarding the industrial pre-treatment program.

Compiles and maintains account information in automated systems. Completes regulatory reports. Orders supplies, maintenance parts and materials as needed. Sorts and files printed and electronic documents and photocopies materials. Maintains asset and equipment inventories and maintenance records.

Compiles billing and account information. Prepares billing statements and vouchers for payment and records data to computer and manual files. Audits information such as expense reports, munis requisitions, and other information for accuracy, and corrects for data entry.

Enters and processes payroll. Develops familiarity with the employee handbook and finance department procedures so as to ensure conformance to existing policies and to be able to answer staff questions on payroll policies and procedures. Must maintain confidentiality of payroll data and employee information. Operates and troubleshoots all treatment processes. Measures sludge blankets evaluates process efficiencies and may make operational decisions in regard to biological and chemical treatment processes. Ability to maintain and calibrate instruments and analyzers with the treat process.

Understands and uses a variety of computer software systems to maintain databases, for treatment system control, data collection and report production.

Maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot electronic instruments and online monitoring equipment.

Cleans and paints plant facilities, and equipment.

Conducts tours for the public.

Respond to emergency situations.

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Assists wastewater mechanics with repairs. Performs minor/routine equipment repairs. Repairs may include mechanical, electrical, plumbing and carpentry.

Performs scheduled and emergency maintenance on a wide variety of wastewater treatment plant process equipment and equipment related to the physical facility housing the operations.

Operate light and heavy machinery as directed to meet operational demands, including tanker truck, dump truck, pay loader, mini excavator, back hoe and sewer cleaning equipment.

Assist with snow removal and facilities care.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations, chemistry and biology; three to five year's wastewater treatment plant operator's experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Commercial driver's license Class B with tanker endorsement. Certifications in CPR, First Aid and confined space entry required during course of employment. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Must have Basic Wastewater Certifications with subgrades: A-1 Biological Suspended Growth, and ability to obtain within 2 years C Solids/Sludge Handling, D Disinfection, L Laboratory, P Nutrient Removal, B Solids Separation

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to analyze and categorize data and other information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiates measure, assemble, copy, record, transcribe, tabulate, and compute data and information.

Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as sample results, plant operator reports, flow charts, lab reports, state bulletins, technical operating manuals, lab bench sheets, calibration reports, lab method manuals, photos, material safety data sheets, blueprints, Quality Assurance manual, state and federal regulations, statutes, computer software operating manuals, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with DNR personnel, environmental engineers, Board of Public Works, Utilities Manager, program assistants, tour groups, vendor representatives, Wastewater Utility personnel and the public.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes and ratios. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports. Ability to use basic algebra for problem solving and planning.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning in performing semi-routine functions involving standardized work with some choice of action.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring somewhat complex continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, heavy machinery, gas monitors, hoists, sampling equipment, wastewater lab instruments, computer printer, computer terminal, safety equipment and common hand tools.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring moderate skill, such as calibration and typing.

Ability to perform moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work safely under often unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, wetness, machinery, explosives, electrical currents, traffic hazards, disease and/or dust can cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.