DIRECTOR OF WATER PRODUCTION (Kenosha Water Utility)
Apply NowCompany: City of Kenosha, WI
Location: Kenosha, WI 53142
Description:
Salary : $95,292.00 - $142,104.00 Annually
Location : Kenosha, WI
Job Type: Regular - Full Time
Job Number: 202201930
Department: Water
Division: KWU Production
Opening Date: 02/20/2025
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. Previous applicants for this position must re-apply for consideration. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at 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 (including 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):
Requirements
Required Education, Training and Experience:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Physical Requirements:
Environmental Requirements:
Sensory Requirements:
Other Requirements:
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 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.
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.
We offer health, dental, vision, a pension & more!
We offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) as of the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who complete an annual health risk assessment enjoy access to the City's health & wellness clinic (family members too!) and premium-free health coverage.
Employees and their families may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic & 24/7 Virtual Primary Care. There is no co-pay nor cost to employees and their families to access Virtual Primary Care. The onsite clinic may be accessed for a $0-$25 co-pay based on type of visit.
Dental insurance is effective after the first of the month following 30 days of employment. There is no premium for this coverage.
We participate in the 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
Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the 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 , or the
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 Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's 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.
Additional benefit offerings include tuition reimbursement, professional development & training opportunities, health savings account (HSA), vision insurance, supplemental critical illness/hospitalization coverage, and more!
*Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.
01
What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
02
What major field of study is your degree(s) in?(If you do not have a college degree, enter "NA" or list any related professional or college coursework you completed which is related to this position.)
03
Are you able and willing to respond to emergency calls during non-duty hours (i.e., nights, weekends, holidays) which would include participation in a supervisory on-call rotation throughout the year for emergencies at both the water and wastewater treatment plants.
04
Summarize how your background meets the minimum 5-year professional experience requirement for this position as it relates to water utility or other related operations. (Please use the related "Duties & Responsibilities" listed in this job posting as a reference when responding to this question.)
05
Explain how your background meets the 2-year supervisory/lead requirement for this position. (Please be specific in what types of supervisory/lead duties you have performed by referring to such "Duties & Responsibilities" listed in this job posting.)
06
Do you possess Waterworks Operator certification from the State of Wisconsin?
07
If your answer to the question above is "no", outline any efforts you have taken or plan to take to prepare yourself to obtain this certification.
08
Summarize any experience you have related to regulatory compliance with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule. (If you do not have any experience, enter "None".)
09
Check the boxes below of those management tasks in which you have related experience.
10
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
Required Question
Location : Kenosha, WI
Job Type: Regular - Full Time
Job Number: 202201930
Department: Water
Division: KWU Production
Opening Date: 02/20/2025
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. Previous applicants for this position must re-apply for consideration. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at 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 (including 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 and permit 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 documents employee concerns or misconduct; develops corrective action plan or 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.
- 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.
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/county departments, regulatory agencies, elected officials 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 as 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 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.
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.
We offer health, dental, vision, a pension & more!
We offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) as of the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who complete an annual health risk assessment enjoy access to the City's health & wellness clinic (family members too!) and premium-free health coverage.
Employees and their families may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic & 24/7 Virtual Primary Care. There is no co-pay nor cost to employees and their families to access Virtual Primary Care. The onsite clinic may be accessed for a $0-$25 co-pay based on type of visit.
Dental insurance is effective after the first of the month following 30 days of employment. There is no premium for this coverage.
We participate in the 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
Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the 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 , or the
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 Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's 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.
Additional benefit offerings include tuition reimbursement, professional development & training opportunities, health savings account (HSA), vision insurance, supplemental critical illness/hospitalization coverage, and more!
*Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.
01
What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
- Some High School
- High School Diploma/GED/HSED
- Some College
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate (PHD)
- None of the Above
02
What major field of study is your degree(s) in?(If you do not have a college degree, enter "NA" or list any related professional or college coursework you completed which is related to this position.)
03
Are you able and willing to respond to emergency calls during non-duty hours (i.e., nights, weekends, holidays) which would include participation in a supervisory on-call rotation throughout the year for emergencies at both the water and wastewater treatment plants.
- Yes
- No
- I need more information before answering
04
Summarize how your background meets the minimum 5-year professional experience requirement for this position as it relates to water utility or other related operations. (Please use the related "Duties & Responsibilities" listed in this job posting as a reference when responding to this question.)
05
Explain how your background meets the 2-year supervisory/lead requirement for this position. (Please be specific in what types of supervisory/lead duties you have performed by referring to such "Duties & Responsibilities" listed in this job posting.)
06
Do you possess Waterworks Operator certification from the State of Wisconsin?
- Yes
- No
07
If your answer to the question above is "no", outline any efforts you have taken or plan to take to prepare yourself to obtain this certification.
08
Summarize any experience you have related to regulatory compliance with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule. (If you do not have any experience, enter "None".)
09
Check the boxes below of those management tasks in which you have related experience.
- Developing and implementing operational policies and procedures.
- Developing and coordinating safety training, and enforcing safe work practices on the job.
- Collecting data and preparing required reports.
- Developing and monitoring a department operating and/or capital improvement budget.
- Preparing specifications and obtaining price quotes for equipment and services.
- Responding to inquiries from the public and/or elected officials.
- I have no experience in the above tasks.
10
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
- Yes
- No
Required Question