Position: Water/Wastewater Technician
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Public Works Coordinator
Grade: Full Time | Non-Exempt | Pay DOE
Hours: 7:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.   (Must be willing to work various shifts, rotating shifts, and be on call)
Location: Milbank, SD

 

Position Summary
Are you ready to launch your career in water treatment operations? The City of Milbank’s dedicated Public Works Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as a Water/Wastewater Technician.

This position ensures the City’s wastewater and water facilities operate efficiently, remain mechanically sound, and meet all safety and compliance standards.  Duties include operating and monitoring systems, collecting water and sludge samples, maintaining equipment, and assisting with underground utility location – all in a clean, safe, and cost-effective manner.

Essential Functions

• Operate, inspect, monitor, and repair control panels, pumps, meters, hydrants and a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Make regular tours of the wastewater and water facilities; read charts, gauges, and other instruments; and record information on plant logs and adjust as needed or directed.
• Collect water, wastewater, and sludge samples; conduct basic field and lab tests; analyze and record results.
• Troubleshoot and calibrate lab equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Interpret all data accumulated and make equipment and process control changes within guidelines established by management.
• Perform maintenance and labor tasks, including general housekeeping at all facilities including well houses and pressure relief pits.
• Perform maintenance and repair tasks on pumps, motors, meters, both mechanical and electrical.
• Maintain all facilities are clean, orderly, and in good working condition.
• Must be able to respond to off-duty emergency situations, maintenance calls as well as work scheduled weekends and holidays.
• Conduct repairs and maintenance on all collection and distribution system.
• Assist with snow removal operations as required at the wastewater plant, water plant, water tower, wells in Twin Brooks, and assist other departments as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of plant operations to support weekend shifts and emergency repairs.
• Install, maintain, replace, and repair water meters and automatic meter reading equipment in residences or commercial and industrial sites.
• Turn water service on/off, check for leaks and address unusually high or low readings.
• Assist customers with water-related issues, including low pressure, leaks, or water discoloration, etc.
• Ensure water regulations, investigate violations and collect samples for testing.
• Ensure a safe potable water distribution system by visually inspecting proper flushing of water lines prior to contractors putting lines into service. Set hydrant meters to accurately bill for potable water being used during construction activities. Locate, trace and mark water mains and services for emergency personnel.
• Perform general office work as required, including entering data into computer spreadsheets, typing reports and answering phone calls.
• Must have the ability to handle and monitor inventory of chemicals.
• Work with other departments to perform other duties and/or responsibilities.
• Duties and tasks may change at any time, depending on the needs of the division.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Fundamentals of physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment.
• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in water distribution systems and water meter installation, adjustment, and repair.
• Machines, equipment and devices used in the wastewater / water departments.
• Sampling and preservation techniques; ability to maintain, clean, and calibrate equipment.
• Interpretation of laboratory data and its application to process control.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions for handling hazardous chemicals and operating mechanical/electrical equipment.
• Municipal wastewater / water systems, including map comprehension.
• Clear and effective communication, both written and verbal.
• Ability to explain technical information accurately and understandably.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to prevent and troubleshoot equipment failures.

Work Environment
The Milbank Wastewater Treatment Facility began operation in 1982, includes:

• Mechanical pre-treatment, biological secondary treatment, and seasonal chemical final treatment.
• A collection system of 10 lift stations and thousands of feet of mainline sewer.
• A Class II treatment Water Distribution system serving 3,500 residents.
• Facilities such as spring galleys, deep well pump houses, transmission lines, water storage, and treatment pumping/control.

Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow) and may involve uneven or slippery surfaces.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time hourly position allocated 40 hours per week. Normal hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Travel
Limited travel is required for this position but is needed for certification and contact hrs.

Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or GED certification

• Must possess or be able to possess a valid South Dakota Operator Certification as recommended by the State of South Dakota or be able to pass the South Dakota Water Plant Class exam within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to Lift 50-100 pounds
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Preferred: vocational training in mechanical trades and/or experience in water treatment.
• Willing to work a varied schedule and rotating shifts to accommodate a 24-hour per day, 7 day per week on-call operation along with off-duty call backs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is mandatory. A CDL endorsement would be beneficial.

Why join us?

• Positive work culture
• Excellent benefits
• Hands-on experience in a vital public utility
• Opportunity to grow