Operator

Operator

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

• Description
• Benefits

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 expectationof 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 Drivers 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 maybe 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.

The District offers an excellent benefits package that is designed to provide employees with peace of mind and balance between the demands of work and home. We think it is important to plan for our future and yours. Employees working at least 24 hours a week for at least a year are eligible for the following benefits:

Vacation (amounts are prorated for part-time employees):

• Start Date 100 hours prorated
• Jan 1 following start date 100 hours
• Jan 1 following 3rd anniversary 160 hours
• Jan 1 following 15th anniversary 216 hours

Sick Leave: Employees accrue 15 days per year.

Holidays/Floating Holidays: 10 paid holidays plus an additional 5 floating holidays every year.

Health Insurance: The District pays 88% of the cost of both the single and family plans. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date. Our health plan through Quartz provides excellent coverage with no office co-pays or deductibles!

Dental: The District pays 100% of the single premium and an equal amount toward the family premium. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date.

Vision: The District offers voluntary vision insurance for employees. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date.

Wisconsin Retirement System: The District is covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The District and all employees will pay toward the WRS an amount determined annually by the State of Wisconsin. There is a 5 year vesting schedule for the District's portion.

457 Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA Plan: The District offers a voluntary tax deferred retirement plan through ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax Roth IRA is also offered.

Flexible Spending Account: The District offers a health care and dependent care flexible spending account to enable employees to use tax-free funds to pay for qualified expenses.

Life Insurance: The District offers term life insurance that employees can purchase through the State of Wisconsin for themselves, their spouse, or dependents.

Short Term Disability (Income Continuation Insurance): The District offers the State of Wisconsin Income Continuation Insurance program for local government employers. Currently, employees in the local plan do not have to pay a premium to participate in the program.

Long Term Disability: The District offers the State of Wisconsin Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTDI) program at no charge. The amount of the benefit is 40% of the employees salary.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The District offers a free and confidential EAP to help employees with personal problems such as relationship issues, depression, substance abuse, parenting, legal or financial issues.

Wellness Program: District employees have the option of getting Hepatitis B vaccinations, flu shots, hearing tests and Health Risk Assessments free of charge.. We have a wellness committee with fun activities all year long.

Employee Development: We believe that investing in employees growth and development results in greater job satisfaction and a more effective, productive workforce. The District will cover the cost of:

• Certifications, licenses and credentials required to carry out professional responsibilities.
• Membership and involvement in professional organizations.
• Conferences and training as it relates to work responsibilities.
• Tuition reimbursement up to an annual amount of over $5000.

Employer Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Address 1610 Moorland Road

Madison, Wisconsin, 53713

Phone 6082221201

Website http://www.madsewer.org