Plant Operator

Application Deadline: 2025-11-02
Job Type: County
Job Description:

This position is responsible for the continued and effective operation of the WTE Plant throughout the course of the shift working under the general direction of the Assistant Plant Manager.

Essential Functions
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Maintains safe, efficient and productive boiler operation. Operates plant within all applicable permits.
2. Monitors and inspects plant operational and emissions data; detects and responds to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency.
3. Adjusts manual controls or overrides automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, switch to backup equipment or systems, or to shut down equipment. 
4. Inspects equipment to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.
5. Oversees the operation of plant equipment. Works with Maintenance Mechanic to troubleshoot problems, ascertain probable cause, and perform basic maintenance tasks.
6. Communicates with management regarding maintenance and facility needs and operational issues or concerns.
7. Delegates work assignments and provides recommendations related to performance evaluations and brings concerns to the attention of management regarding Loader Operators.
8. Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices to verify operating conditions.
9. Records data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operation, fuel consumed, temperature or pressure, water levels, analysis of flue gases, voltage load and generator balance.
10. Records operation and maintenance actions taken during shift.
11. Monitors the proper delivery, handling, storage and loading of waste to ensure proper facility operations.
12. Monitors maintenance tasks that affect plant operation and aid in the completion of such maintenance/repair tasks.
13. Keeps facility clean and orderly.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, incinerator operations, electronic control systems, boiler mechanics, welding techniques, etc.
• Knowledge of industry safety rules and ability to utilize Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ability to perform work involved with pressurized equipment, rotating equipment, computer programs, reading gauges, etc.
• Ability to operate assigned machinery and equipment skillfully and safely in close proximity to vehicular/truck traffic, slopes, debris, laborers/etc.
• Ability to safely load, unload and transport items to and from incinerator.
• Ability to operate assigned tools/equipment skillfully and safely in close proximity to moving parts, debris, small/narrow spaces, etc.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of assigned equipment including electrical energy, pneumatics, hydraulics and proper safety use.
• Ability to effectively operate necessary tools in completing job tasks.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of industry safety rules and ability to utilize Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public.
• Ability to take control of situations in a responsible manner.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. local ordinances, procedure manuals, SDS sheets, safety manuals and warning labels.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and understand and carry out instructions received in writing or verbally.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, prompt and predictable on-site job attendance.
• Ability to work allocated hours which may include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lawfully operate designated equipment/vehicles at all times duties are performed.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications
• High school diploma or equivalent or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years of equipment mechanical experience or related plant operations experience.
• Current WI DNR Incinerator Operator Certification.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Complete and pass pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Work Environment
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor. 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and routinely requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including inclement weather including fumes or airborne particles, work near mechanical parts or toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy setting with occasional extreme noise settings.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/barroncounty

Deadline Note: