Director OF Water Production Kenosha Water Utility

General Overview of Position

This recruitment is for a full-time management position and is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED UPON RECEIPT FOR POTENTIAL IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW. This recruitment will close when the position is filled.Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at shill@kenosha.org or 262-653-4308.

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. Surface water from Lake Michigan has been our community's source for drinking water since 1894.The O. Fred Nelson Water Production Plant can treat and deliver over 35 million gallons of drinking water per day. The water production facility has two separate processes to provide safe drinking water: a Rapid Sand Filtration Plant and a Continuous Membrane Filtration Plant. Following filtration, chlorine is added as a disinfectant, fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay, and an ortho-phosphate is added for lead and copper corrosion control.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.

Appointment to this exempt position is subject to a 12-month probationary period. Starting salary within the 17-step compensation plan will be set in accordance with the City of Kenosha Civil Service Rules and any budgetary constraints. The pay range shown on this job posting reflects Steps 1 and 17. KWU reserves the right to determine if a candidate's experience should factor into determining the starting pay rate. Future pay raises are at 1-year intervals until employee reaches top step of the compensation plan, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations. Any other pay increases (i.e., cost of living) are based on approval of the Board of Water Commissioners. The Kenosha Water Utility (under the City of Kenosha) offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday and other leave, health/dental/life insurance, overtime compensation (compensatory time) for responding to after-hours emergencies.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The Director of Water Production is a critical component of the KWU management team in its efforts to "provide and protect our greatest natural resource." The overall purpose of this position is to plan and manage the operations of the O. Fred Nelson Water Production Plant in compliance with the "Safe Drinking Water Act"; coordinate related services and programs; and assure that all requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are met. The duties of this position are focused on the critical responsibilities of ensuring an adequate water supply and the delivery of safe water which meets all quality standards to Kenosha and the surrounding communities. The incumbent exercises a considerable degree of independent judgment in solving routine problems and in responding to or addressing emergency situations. Such duties are performed under the guidance of the Assistant General Manager or the Director of Operations, with administrative oversight and evaluation of performance conducted by the General Manager.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive):

• Implements and maintains operational standards in compliance with all regulatory agency mandates, programs andpermit requirements; develops plant policies and procedures related to such standards; oversees plant performance in accordance with monitoring requirements and accreditation purposes.

• Directs the overall operations and maintenance of the Water Production Plant including laboratory operations; establishes priorities and prepares schedule of daily tasks and long-term projects; delegates job duties; ensures tasks are completed in compliance with all applicable regulations.

• Manages and supervises plant staff which includes Chemists, Plant Operators, and maintenance employees; interviews and selects new employees; plans, coordinates, assigns and reviews work activities; reviews and maintains time records; authorizes leave of absence requests.

• Monitors and evaluates employee performance during probation and annually thereafter; investigates and documentsemployee concerns or misconduct; develops corrective action planor carries out discipline as appropriate.

• Collects, compiles and summarizes data for daily, monthly and annual required reports; submits such reports to regulatory agencies within specified time frame.

• Develops, coordinates and implements operational and safety training programs for plant staff; enforces safety regulations related to plant operations.

• Ensures staff is properly instructed on procedures needed to maintain proper water pressure throughout distribution system during normal, unusual and emergency situations, and when systematic flushing is conducted. Reviews flushing maps and results; recommends program modifications as needed.

• Prepares specifications and obtains price quotes for equipment and services. Maintains inventory and orders stock material; authorizes expenditures; verifies expense reports.

• Develops, prepares and administers annual operating and capital improvement budget for Water Production Plant.

• Maintains contact with other departments, subject matter experts, and government agencies to exchange current information regarding regulations, practices and standards for water treatment plants; provides technical information regarding KWU Water Production Plant operations to the General Manager, KWU divisions and City departments.

• Is KWU's designated point-of-contact for wholesale water customers (Bristol, Pleasant Prairie and Somers). Ensures KWU wholesale customers are made aware of any water treatment process changes, planned outages or other events that may affect their ability to provide safe drinking water to and meet their customer demands.

• Maintains plant reports, policies, diagrams, specifications and other related records/documentation.

• Attends meetings, conferences and seminars, including meetings of the Board of Water Commissioners as needed.

• Conducts research for plant modernization or upgrade.

• Responds to emergency calls, inquiries and complaints related to Water Production Plant operations; records information and prepares any needed documentation.

• Participates in supervisory on-call rotation for both the Water Production and the Wastewater Treatment Plants to respond to emergency calls which occur after normal business hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Schedules and conducts tours of the Water Production Plant.

OTHER REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive):

• Answers inquiries regarding utility services in general; directs inquiries to appropriate KWU division as necessary.

• May be required to perform the duties of Plant Operator in emergency situations.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Note: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.

Requirements

Required Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major related to water works operations, i.e., engineering, business management, environmental science or other related field;

• Supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience related to water utility operations, engineering or other related process, of which at least two (2) years were in a supervisory or lead capacity;

• Wisconsin Municipal Waterworks Operator certification highly desired, or such certification must be obtained within time period specified by KWU management;

• Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the processes, policies and regulations related to municipal water treatment and distribution system.

• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information such as federal/state regulations, DNR reports, blueprints, hydrant flush lists, maintenance manuals, trade journals. Federal Register updates, financial statements, statutes, procedures and other correspondence.

• Ability to perform mid to upper-level data analysis and implement decisions based on such data, and oversee the execution of these decisions.

• Ability to advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

• Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.

• Ability to utilize computer applications/programs to include database administration, word processing, spreadsheet and related software.

• Ability to perform mathematical and statistical calculations related to job duties.

• Ability to plan, schedule, assign, delegate and supervise the work of subordinates.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city/countydepartments, regulatory agencies, electedofficials and the general public.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques for problem resolution.

• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements associated with the essential job functions.

• Ability to exert moderate physical effort involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects of light to moderate weight (up to twenty pounds).

• Ability to sit or stand for an extended period of time.

• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch.

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs or ladders.

• May require the ability to enter confined spaces.

Environmental Requirements:

• Some tasks are performed in an office environment, requiring no or limited exposure to adverse conditions.

• Some tasks are performed in plant facility, requiring exposure to adverse conditions such as noise, strong odors, chemical or electrical hazards, or wet/slippery conditions.

• Some tasks may be performed outdoors requiring exposure to adverse environmental conditions including inclement weather and extreme temperatures.

• Some tasks may require exposure to other hazards associated with utility operations or construction sites such as traffic, extreme noise, dust, pollen or falling/moving objects.

Sensory Requirements:

• Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, depth, sounds, tastes, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

• Requires oral and written communications ability.

Other Requirements:

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

• When assigned to emergency on-call duty, must be able to respond to emergencies within a reasonable amount of time determined by Utility management.

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 the "Job Opportunities" 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 attached a cover letter and other documentation (i.e., diplomas, certifications) to their online application which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

After an online application is received, the applicant's 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 KWU Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicant who be meet the needs of our organization.