Watercourse Maintenance Specialist

Salary: $29.35 - $32.29 Hourly
Location : Milwaukee, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Engineering Services
Opening Date: 01/09/2026
Closing Date: 2/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description

The (MMSD) is a regional governmental agency that serves 1.1 million people in the greater Milwaukee area. MMSD provides water reclamation, flood management, and green infrastructure services for our community. Our mission is to protect public health and the environment through world-class, cost-effective water resource management, leadership, and partnership. Join our diverse team and support your community while protecting our environment.

MMSD is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Watercourse Maintenance Specialist in the Technical Services Division. Reporting to the Watercourse Maintenance Supervisor, you will perform routine maintenance of turf, trees, and natural vegetation in watercourse and riparian zones.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Mow turf grass and natural vegetation, remove invasive species vegetation, trim and/or remove trees along MMSD watercourses and adjacent lands using lawnmowers, chainsaws, string trimmers, and other landscaping tools. Inspect and monitor these sites for maintenance needs and document findings in MMSD's geographic information system (GIS).
• Handle, mix, apply, and appropriately store herbicides and herbicide application tools.
• Remove debris, garbage, invasive plant species, and woody vegetation.
• Remove snow, ice, and minor graffiti from MMSD owned properties and make minor repairs to fences.
• Perform routine maintenance such as oil changes, chain sharpening, and general cleaning of chainsaw, mower, snowblower, skid steer, wood chipper, and various other landscaping equipment.
• Assist the supervisor with scheduling tasks for the Watercourse Maintenance Technicians. Lead the work of technicians and seasonal staff and enforce safety protocols.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education development (GED).
• Four years of job-related experience (advanced education degrees will be considered in lieu of experience).
• Hold a current Wisconsin herbicide applicator's license.
• Experience in the maintenance and operations of general landscaping equipment.
• Basic knowledge of invasive plant identification.
• Knowledge in herbicide use, application, mixing ratio, and safe storage and handling.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service and to be a self-starter.
• Ability to prioritize and distribute work duties.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Valid driver's license and a good driving record at time of application, during the selection process, and throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements:

• Work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 lbs. of force.
• Work regularly requires using and reaching with hands and arms. Work frequently requires repetitive movements, standing, walking, pulling, and pushing. Work occasionally requires sitting, climbing, balancing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, grasping, and manipulating precise hand movements.

Sensory Requirements:

• Work has standard vision requirements. Vocal communication is required for expressing ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive detailed information through oral communication and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Exposures:

• Work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to pollen and allergens, and working near moving mechanical parts. Work occasionally requires exposure to hazardous plants and working in high, precarious places.
• Work is generally in a moderate to loud noise location (heavy traffic, large equipment, etc.).

Requires the use…