Water Utility Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $23.94 - $35.66 Hourly
Location : 7834 3rd Avenue, Kenosha, WI
Job Type: Regular - Full Time
Job Number: 20260880
Department: Water
Division: KWU Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
General Overview of Position
This recruitment is for a full-time position and is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements which includes possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or the ability to obtain a CDL which can be acquired through the KWU in-house CDL training program. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED UPON RECEIPT FOR POTENTIAL IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW. THOSE INTERESTED IN THIS RECRUITMENT ARE ENCOURAGE TO APPLY ONLINE PROMPTLY. This recruitment may close early if current vacancy is filled from the initial group of applications received.
Under the supervision of the Utility Maintenance & Operations Supervisor or designee, the incumbent is responsible for assisting in the maintenance, repair and replacement of mechanical components of the water and wastewater treatment facilities. Work is reviewed through observation and written reports for adherence to established policies and procedures. The current weekly work schedule for this position is first shift Monday-Friday. Employees are paid weekly through direct deposit each Friday for hours worked in the previous week.
The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information regarding our organization may be obtained at www.kenosha.org. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at 262-653-4314 or aaho@kenosha.org.
The person selected for this position must pass the pre-employment process which includes a background, criminal and driving record review, physical examination, audiogram and drug test. This position also includes a 6-month probationary period and mandatory participation in the monthly random testing program under the City of Kenosha's Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.
Example of Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs necessary and routine maintenance of plant facilities.
  
• Troubleshoots, repairs and installs Utility mechanical equipment.
  
• Inspects, cleans and maintains sewer lines, traps, lift station wet wells, and operates related equipment.
  
• Performs routine vehicle maintenance and minor repairs, such as daily truck inspections, oil changes, lubrication, tire pressure or rotation, etc.; notifies supervisor of needed repairs or parts.
  
• Operates heavy motorized equipment, including but not limited to: tandem axle dump truck, front end loader, container truck, forklift, overhead crane, jet-vac truck, small hydraulic crane, plow truck, and skid loader.
  
• Loads, transports and unloads sludge, grit, household hazardous waste, or other materials to designated sites.
  
• Prepares and maintains related records and reports.
  
• Participates in safety and other training as required.
  
• May determine proper materials, tools and methods to perform custom fabrication or repair work using MIG or TIG welding on a variety of projects and equipment.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrative only):

• Prepares and paints walls, surfaces, pipes and other plant facilities and equipment.
  
• Reads and records data from recorders, gauges and charts.
  
• Performs groundskeeping and landscaping duties of utility properties; examples of tasks include mowing, snow plowing and other snow removal activities.
  
• Maintains inventory of routine maintenance supplies; may order or purchase needed items from designated vendors.
  
• Performs minor carpentry work.
  
• Assists other Utility divisions with similar maintenance duties as needed.
  
• Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various tasks performed by the person in this job classification. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign duties not listed above if the duties are within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this classification specification. This classification specification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to modification at any time as the needs of the organization change.)
Requirements
Required Education, Training and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education.
  
• A minimum of one (1) year of related experience in the maintenance and repair of industrial or utility plant equipment and machinery or automotive repair and maintenance.
  
• Training or experience in welding is desired but not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of tools, equipment, methods and practices used in plant facility and infrastructure maintenance and groundskeeping.
  
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety work practices associated with the trade.
  
• Skill in the use of standard and specialized hand and power tools.
  
• Skill in the use of various types of welding equipment.
  
• Ability to perform building and grounds maintenance.
  
• Ability to diagnose problems and perform routine and complex maintenance and repairs on related equipment.
  
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and parts diagrams.
  
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
  
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with other employees
  
• Ability to interact respectfully with the general public.
  
• Ability to operate heavy motorized vehicles and equipment, including snow plowing equipment and sewer cleaning equipment.
  
• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

Physical Requirements:

• Task may involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items.
  
• Task may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation of associated equipment.
  
• Task may involve the continuous operation of hand tools, calling for full coordination of sensory and manipulative ability in order to achieve full production to acceptable standards.
  
• Task may involve entering confined spaces.
  
• Task may involve ascending and descending stairs or ladders.

Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work under conditions that require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as inclement weather, temperature variations, odors, toxic agents including raw sewage, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust. Such exposure may cause some discomfort or a risk of injury.

Sensory Requirements:

• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) with no air brake restriction or the ability to obtain a CDL within the probationary period.
  
• Must have a good driving record.

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 on 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 attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.
An 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 Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility. An applicant's education, training and experience will be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other exams may be required to establish eligibility; such exam(s) will be scheduled as needed. Appointment to the current vacancy will be made in accordance with the KWU Employee Handbook, the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance and Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.
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.
Insurance
The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s).
The City offers dental insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. There are two options for Dental Insurance: CarePlus (Dental Associates) and Delta Dental. CarePlus (Dental Associates) monthly premiums are paid for by the City. Employees are responsible for monthly premiums if enrolling in Delta Dental. Only one dental plan may be selected if enrolling.
The City offers vision insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc.
The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plan's summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life event must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City.
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 flo