WATER PLANT OPERATOR-PRODUCTION-(3rd shift)

WATER PLANT OPERATOR-PRODUCTION-(3rd shift)

Salary

$60,162.83 - $89,713.94 Annually

Location

5500 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI

Job Type

Regular - Full Time

Job Number

20262250

Department

Water

Division

KWU Production

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Overview of Position

Big responsibility. Real impact. Become a Water Operator.

Hiring Range: $28.93-$33.08

Full Salary Range: $28.93-$43.14

Under the general supervision of the Director of Water Production, Lead Operator, or designated representative, the incumbent is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities. Duties include performing routine maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of the treatment plant, water storage tanks, and booster stations, along with other related responsibilities as assigned. The primary work schedule for this position is third shift. The incumbent is also required to obtain the appropriate Waterworks Operator certification through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Work performance is evaluated through direct observation, written reports, and operational logs to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Water Plant Operator 14-day Work Schedule: Standard Schedule: 3 days maintenance (1st shift) 6:30 am -2:30 pm, 7 days plant operating (3rd shift, 10:30 pm - 6:30 am), 4 days off. Alternate Schedule (requires opting in to alternate schedule agreement): Maintenance hours worked during 3rd shift and after operating shift, 8 days on, 6 days off.

The Kenosha Water Utility is a municipally-owned, fiscally independent public utility organized under authority of §66.0805 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and Chapter XXXII of the City of Kenosha General Ordinances. The Kenosha Water Utility provides water and wastewater services to more than 100,000 people in the Kenosha area, including the City of Kenosha, the Villages of Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers. Kenosha is ideally located off Interstate 94 on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information may be obtained at www.kenosha.org. Surface water from Lake Michigan has been our community's source for drinking water since 1894. The O. Fred Nelson Water Production Plant has two separate processes to provide safe drinking water: a rapid sand filtration plant and a continuous membrane filtration plant. The plant can treat over 40 million gallons of drinking water per day, which is delivered through a 374 mile distribution system consisting of cast/ductile iron, PVC, copper and concrete pipes, 5 booster stations, along with 5 active elevated water towers and 3 ground storage reservoirs.

KWU also maintains the sanitary sewer system consisting of 332 miles of pipe and 13 lift stations, which is separate from the storm sewer system. During heavy rain events, the flow to the KWU wastewater treatment plant increases as much as five times the average flow. The KWU wastewater treatment plant treats an average of 21 million gallons of sewage a day and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. KWU uses a 2-step process: primary treatment to separate the solid and liquid portions of wastewater for further treatment, and secondary treatment which uses biological and anaerobic digestion processes to remove pollutants from the liquid portion and breakdown the solids portion before discharging the final effluent into Lake Michigan. In the event flow exceeds plant capacity, there is a 30 million gallon equalization basin for additional storage for later treatment.

Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at aaho@kenosha.org. The Kenosha Water Utility offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, health/dental/life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

Operates and maintains 20 MGD conventional rapid sand filtration plant and 22 MGD continuous ultra-filtration membrane plant:

• Reads gauges and meters; starts, stops and adjusts pumps and operates valves to maintain proper levels in the plant, reservoir and tanks;

• Inspects plant equipment and makes adjustments for proper operation;

• Performs laboratory testing to adjust chemical feed systems;

• Makes entries into logs and maintains records.

• Maintains plant security on nights and weekends;

• Contacts Plant Director or on-call supervisor for after-hour emergencies or questions.

• Maintains, repairs and overhauls mechanical equipment associated with the water treatment and pumping processes.

• Cleans sedimentation and sand filter basins.

• Performs membrane maintenance and repairs, such as sonic testing, pinning, valve repair.

• Inspects, cleans and maintains, booster stations, and other related facilities.

• Troubleshoots, repairs and installs mechanical equipment or parts, such as pumps, valves, piping, injectors.

• Changes chlorine tanks and assists in chemical deliveries.

• Assists with storage tank draining and filling as needed for inspections.

• Flushes hydrants as needed for water quality.

• Handles emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and provides information, while referring emergencies and complex inquiries to the appropriate personnel.

• Performs routine and "as needed" maintenance and cleaning of plant buildings.

• Prepares and paints interior and exterior surfaces, pipes, and equipment.

• Performs grounds-keeping and landscaping duties, and Operates Class D vehicles.

• Operates and maintains a variety of hand/power tools and equipment related to job activities; performs minor tool repair.

• Loads, transports and unloads materials and equipment.

• Assures proper safety techniques and equipment are used when required; maintains a safe, clean and orderly work area.

• Maintains adequate inventory of routine maintenance parts and supplies.

• Orders or purchases needed tools, parts or supplies from designated vendors.

• Performs minor carpentry or plumbing work or repair.

• Performs ice and snow removal activities.

• Attends safety and other training as required; acquires continuing education units to maintain WDNR Operator certification.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

• Technical school courses in machinery maintenance and repair, chemistry, water or other subject matter related to this occupation are helpful but not required.

• Previous work experience in operating, maintaining and repairing plant equipment desired.

• Previous experience on 2nd/3rd shifts and with minimal supervision helpful but not required.

• Must obtain the following certification during probation and shall be required to maintain such certification during employment in this position.

• Grade T Waterworks Operator Certification from WDNR to include Subclass S (Surface Water) and Subclass D (Distribution). (After 1 year as certified Operator, advancement to Grade 1 Waterworks Operator Certification.)

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with this occupation.

• Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods and procedures related to plant operations and maintenance.

• Skill and ability to use various hand and power tools and operate equipment associated with this occupation.

• Ability to observe plant processes and differentiate when changes or potential problems are occurring.

• Ability to take accurate measurements and readings of various plant processes, and document such information.

• Ability to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and provide accurate information, while referring emergencies and complex inquiries to the appropriate personnel.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

• Ability to work with no or minimal supervision.

• Ability to reasonably handle necessary stress associated with this occupation.

Physical Requirements:

• Job tasks may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation of associated equipment.

• Job tasks may involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items.

• Job tasks may involve the continuous operation of hand tools, calling for full coordination of sensory and manipulative ability in order to achieve full production to acceptable standards.

• Job tasks may involve entering confined spaces.

• Job tasks may involve ascending and descending stairs or ladders.

Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work under conditions that require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as inclement weather, temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust. Such exposure may cause some discomfort or a risk of injury.

Sensory Requirements:

• Visual, color, depth, sound, odor perception and discrimination

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of valid driver's license and a good driving record.

• Must be willing and able to work a rotating or a fixed shift without supervision during certain periods.

• Must be able to work the 14-day Plant Operator rotation.

• Training requires shadowing of plant operators during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift to become familiar with operations (two weeks per shift).

Method of Selection

Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at www.kenosha.org and click on the "Job Available" link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the "Work Experience" section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

An applicants education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.

Why the City of Kenosha?

We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees!

The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we love -- Join us!

Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually.

Insurance

The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s).

The City offers dental insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. There are two options for Dental Insurance: CarePlus (Dental Associates) and Delta Dental. CarePlus (Dental Associates) monthly premiums are paid for by the City. Employees are responsible for monthly premiums if enrolling in Delta Dental. Only one dental plan may be selected if enrolling.

The City offers vision insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc.

The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plans summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life event must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City.

We participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found here.

Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees.

Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through Mission Squared Retirement Corporation, Nationwide Retirement Solutions or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program.

Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off.

Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment.

Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment)

Years of Service Days/Hours per Year

Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours)

After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours)

After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours)

After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours)

After 16-20 years 21 days (160 hours)

After 20 years 25 days (200 hours)

Employees may carry over eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year.

We observe 12 paid holidays & additional paid floating holidays!

New Years Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day

Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Years Eve Day

Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving

Juneteenth

Employees receive at least two (2) paid floating holidays per year. Holiday observance schedule may vary by department.

Duty-Related Death Benefit

One years salary is paid to the named beneficiary of an eligible employee who is killed in the line of duty.

Health and Wellness Clinic - Employees (and covered spouses) who elect health insurance coverage and complete the annual HRA may utilize the Citys onsite Health and Wellness Clinic, which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse. Services provided by the Clinic may be subject to a co-payment, as prescribed by City policy and IRS guidelines.

Health Savings Account - The health insurance plan offered by the City qualifies for a Health Savings Account (HSA) as defined by the IRS. Johnson Bank has waived the fees normally associated with opening and maintaining an HSA for all City employees who are enrolled in a qualifying insurance plan. Payroll deduction (pre-taxed) is only available to those employees who hold their HSA with Johnson Bank. Enrollment for this benefit is administered by the Finance Department.

Critical Illness, Accident & Universal Life/Long-Term Care Insurances - Supplemental policies for Critical Illness, Accident and Life/Long-Term Care Insurance are offered to current eligible employees during the Citys annual open enrollment period.

Tuition Reimbursement Program - Regular full-time employees who have completed their probationary period may be reimbursed for 80% of tuition up to $3,000 per calendar year for satisfactory completion (a grade of "B" or greater) of approved courses through an accredited institution in the pursuance of an Associate, Bachelor or Master Degree. Please refer to the Citys Personnel Policies and Regulations for program information.

• Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.

01

Do you have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you willing and able to work a 14-day schedule which includes 3 days maintenance on 1st shift (6:30AM to 3:00PM), then 7 days plant operations on 2nd shift (2:30PM to 10:30PM), followed with 4 days off? Please understand that this schedule may be required for several years.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least one (1) year experience in operating and maintaining equipment in a plant environment.

• No - I have no related experience.
• I have less than 1 year of related experience.
• Yes - I have 1-3 years of related experience
• Yes - I have 4 or more years of related experience.

04

Please outline your work experience (specific duties) as it may related to this position. If you do not have any related experience, enter "NONE".

05

Have you worked 2nd or 3rd shift on a long-term basis?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have any full-time work experience in which you had no direct supervision during your shift?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you understand that you must obtain Grade T Waterworks Operator certification from the State of Wisconsin, including Subclasses S (Surface Water) and D (Distribution) prior to the end of probation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Kenosha

Address 625 - 52nd Street

Room 205

Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53140

Phone 262.653.4130

Website https://www.kenosha.org