Utility Operator ; Water Plant

Do you want to provide safe, clean drinking water for our community? Work to maintain this critical service for our residents by becoming a Utility Operator I at the Water Plant! We are currently accepting applications for this position in the Utilities division of the Community Services Department. Duties include operating and maintaining machinery and equipment at the water treatment facility;

working with wells, water towers, reservoirs, and pumping stations; and more!

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.)
• Possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license
• Available to work a variety of different shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and overtime
• Working knowledge of equipment used in the operation of pump installations and treatment plants, hydraulics, and electricity
• Ability to read and interpret measuring instruments, keep records, and conduct chemical analysis of water
• At least 18 years of age

• An associate degree in a related field
• State of Wisconsin DNR certification as a Municipal Water Supply Operator
• Valid Class B Wisconsin CDL with no air brake restrictions

• Receive 40 hours of vacation on your first day of employment, plus earn 80 hours of additional vacation time in the first year
• Receive 3 paid floating holidays and 8 paid regular holidays (in a calendar year)
• Potential to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Other excellent fringe benefits (paid sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, etc.)!

The Water Plant is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operators work a 12-hour rotating shift. For additional details, see the sample work schedule.

Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews expected to take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.

Operates and maintains pumps, motors, and auxiliary apparatus on a rotating shift schedule at a municipal water treatment facility. Works to ensure continuous uninterrupted water service for the city. The Water Plant Section, which is one of five sections in the Utilities Division, is responsible for the production, treatment, storage, and distribution of the municipal water supply.

• Must have a working knowledge of equipment used in the operation of pumping facilities and treatment plants and understand the principles of hydraulics and electricity.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret measuring instruments, keep records of such readings, make minor adjustments and repairs, conduct chemical analysis of water, perform strenuous physical labor and react quickly and calmly in emergency operating conditions.
• Must understand fluid dynamics and hydraulics to monitor and maintain water pressures in multiple pressure zones throughout the city, by controlling pumping conditions.
• Operates switchboards and observes, reads, and interprets instruments and gauges for the efficient operation of the plant. Uses a SCADA system to assist in plant and distribution system operation.
• Checks, cleans, lubricates, and makes repairs to plant equipment and performs duties involved in maintenance of buildings and grounds. Performs water plant janitorial services to maintain a clean work environment.
• Monitors Wastewater Treatment Facility SCADA system during the time of 3pm to 6am. Responds appropriately to alarms.
• Acts as the Community Services Department 24/7 call center. Answers calls from the public and makes the appropriate decision on how the call should be handled for Streets, Utilities, Parks, and multiple municipal parking ramps.
• Handles hazardous chemicals in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs maintenance at reservoirs, pumping stations, wells, and appurtenances.
• Keeps logs and other records of various operations as required and guides tours through the plant.
• Climbs ladders, reservoirs, and enters manholes as needed.
• Must be able to report to the Water Treatment Plant within 30 minutes.

Performs related duties as required.