Description

Water Plant Manager – North Shore Water Commission (NSWC)

We’re seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to oversee the full operation of the North Shore Water Commission Water Treatment Plant. This dynamic role involves administrative, managerial, and technical oversight of water treatment systems, project and budget management, regulatory compliance, and staff supervision. The Water Plant Manager will work closely with the Commissioners and represent the Commission to the public, elected officials, and regulatory agencies. Ideal candidates will bring progressive experience in municipal utilities or public works, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex infrastructure projects. Competitive salary and benefits offered, with opportunities to shape the future of public water service in three urban communities.

The NSWC is located in northeastern Milwaukee County. The water system is owned and operated by  the Municipalities of Fox Point, Glendale, and Whitefish Bay which have an estimated  combined population of 36,000. The water system consists of a conventional surface water treatment plant using Lake Michigan as the source with a design pumping capacity of 18 MGD. The three year average annual supply to the three communities was 390 Million Gallons.

Salary - $100,000 to $120,000 depending on qualifications.

We will be seeking applications until the position is filled.

Please submit a cover letter and resume or any questions to:  ekiefer@northshorewc.com

Requirements

NORTH SHORE WATER COMMISSION PLANT MANAGER - JOB DESCRIPTION 
9-29-25
 

 N ATURE OF WORK

The Plant Manager is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the North Shore Water Commission Treatment Plant, assuring a safe and adequate water supply to its customers. The Plant Manager may delegate job duties and responsibilities to the appropriate personnel, and ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and in accordance with the policies set by the North Shore Water Commission.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive):

Managerial Duties

      Manages and supervises plant staff which includes 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.

      Is NSWC's designated point-of-contact for wholesale water customers. Ensure NSWC 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.

      Maintain open and regular communications with the Water Departments and Public Work’s Departments for the three stakeholder communities of the NSWC.

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

      Attends meetings, conferences and seminars as needed. Conducts research for plant modernization or upgrade.

      Recommend consultants and contractors to the Commission as needed.

      Responsible for attending any necessary meeting for water related issues, including but not limited to:

o   Common Council, Village Board or related meeting.

o   Public Works, site review planning or related meeting.

o   Commission Meetings.

 
Financial and IT Duties

      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 Treatment Plant. 

      Act as the Financial Manager for the NSWC including managing payroll, accounts payable, customer billing and regular reviews of revenue and spending.

      Manage and supervise all IT functions including the Treatment Plant data network and SCADA system, whether this work is performed in house or by 3rd party contractors.

Operational Duties

      Directs the overall operations and maintenance of the Water Treatment 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.

      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.

      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.

      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.

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

      Participates in on-call rotation to respond to emergency calls which occur after normal business hours including nights, weekends and holidays. Schedules and conducts tours of the Water Treatment Plant.

All other Duties as Assigned.

 
REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

A valid driver license and good driving record is required. At least 4 years of experience is required in the management of a water treatment facility.  Should possess a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, water science, civil engineering or related science. Must have experience and training which provides, with or without reasonable accommodation when applicable, for the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

     Skill of reading and understanding federal and state regulations regarding water treatment and associated laboratory techniques.

     Knowledge of microbiology and chemistry used in water treatment.

     Functional knowledge of maintenance of electrical, pneumatic, mechanical and computerized equipment.

     Skill of reading construction documents such as plans and specications.

     Ability to run emergency generating equipment and other essential water treatment equipment.

     Knowledge of effective plant managerial techniques.

     Procient in the use of Microsoft® products. including 

     Ability to communicate effectively with the personnel at various levels within and outside of the organization.

     Ability to write professional documents using appropriate level of vocabulary and proper English grammar.

     Ability to give professional presentations using standard technology to non-technical audiences.

     Ability to perform on-call duties.

Possess Wisconsin DNR S-1 water licen