Water Quality and Instrumentation Specialist

Introduction

This position is part of the water quality and laboratory group of the City of Racine Water Utility.

The Water Quality and Instrumentation Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the City of Racine Water Utility’s treatment and distribution systems. This position supports daily water plant operations through continuous monitoring of water quality, maintenance of analytical and instrumentation systems, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance activities. Working collaboratively with plant operators, supervisors, management, and regulatory agencies, the Specialist provides technical expertise, assists with data analysis and reporting, supports safety initiatives, contributes to budgeting efforts, and participates in customer service and public education programs.

The position is to perform plant technical studies, outreach programs, and projects under the direction of the Water Utility Director.

$70,635 - $76,868

• Observe daily water plant operations and monitor raw, process, finished, and distribution water quality.
• Clean, calibrate, and maintain online water quality monitoring equipment in accordance with manufacturer schedules.
• Participate in outreach programs.
• Assist with chemical feed pump calibrations as necessary.
• Support the Operations Department with online gas chlorine sensors.
• Research and ensure compliance with water quality standards, mandates, and reporting requirements.
• Investigate operational or water quality issues and perform treatment plant studies.
• Maintain accurate treatment plant operating records and water quality analyses, reports, and documentation.
• Assist in the preparation and submittal of required reports to appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Aid in the development and maintenance of internal data collection platforms and perform data analysis.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and actively participate in safety committee activities.
• Participate in ongoing safety, instrumentation, and professional training.
• Develop customer service and public education strategies; conduct tours of Water Utility facilities for school groups, community associations, and professional peers.
• Support plant operators with equipment troubleshooting and chemical deliveries by providing technical assistance.
• Assist supervisors across all plant departments as needed.
• Perform administrative assistant duties as directed.
• Consult on portions of the annual Racine Water Utility Operations & Maintenance and Capital Improvement budgets.
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Superintendent or Management.

• Conduct laboratory tests to determine water quality and plant performance.
• Perform laboratory testing and related work typically associated with a laboratory technician, technologist, or chemist.
• Serve as backup for laboratory weekend rotations as needed.
• Advise operators on adjustments to chemical feed systems based on testing and analytical results.

Work locations include the water treatment plant, office settings, and various field sites. The role involves providing customer service and supporting community and client outreach activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Water Resources, or related field.
• 3-5 years surface water treatment plant experience, or any combination of education and water or wastewater treatment experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for years of experience.
• Experience in handling, maintaining and troubleshooting online water quality monitoring instruments is a plus.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Waterworks Operator S-1 and D-1 licenses required within one year of hire.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to decide the time, place, and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution. Ability…