Utilities Maintenance Mechanic

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Utilities Maintenance Mechanic to become an essential member of the Wastewater Department. The purpose of the Wastewater Department is to help protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality regional wastewater treatment services in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner. The Wastewater Treatment plant is a division of Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utilities. It is our vision to be a recognized, responsive, creative, and flexible team, all while achieving excellence for our community in a positive working environment. The City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant is under a major upgrade introducing new cutting-edge technology to be one of the more advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants in Wisconsin.

The purpose of this position is to perform wastewater utility mechanical maintenance and repair work. Incumbents perform scheduled and emergency maintenance and repair to a wide variety of wastewater equipment such as sludge pumps, sludge mixers, motors, comminutors, de-gritting units, clarifier flight drives, blowers, aeration stones and distribution system, chemical feed systems, and generators. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $26.76 to $30.66 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications.

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, two to three years mechanical maintenance experience, preferably in a utility, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid commercial drivers license (CDL) Class A required. CPR, First Aid, and confined space entry certifications required. Must be able to work around sewage.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and physical capacity screen. Applications must be received by July 27, 2025. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting .

Purpose of Position

The purpose of positions in this classification is to perform wastewater utility mechanical maintenance and repair work.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents perform scheduled and emergency maintenance and repair to a wide variety of wastewater equipment such as sludge pumps, sludge mixers, motors, comminutors, de-gritting units, clarifiers flight drives, blowers, aeration stones and distribution system, chemical feed systems, and generators. The work is performed under limited supervision of the utility Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Inspects, maintains, and repairs machinery, mechanical devices, and related equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and lift stations. Equipment includes motors, generators, gas engines, etc.

Monitors equipment such as pumps, motors, generators, valves, controls etc. for proper operation.

Performs equipment preventive maintenance and repairs including electrical, plumbing and carpentry. Installs equipment. Rebuilds plant equipment. Tests generators and other equipment for proper operation. Fabricates metal and other parts. Lubricates moving parts. Changes oil.

May perform plant operating tasks. Operates pumps. Controls water flow. Opens and closes valves. Takes and records readings on a scheduled basis. Maintains chemical treatment additive records. Collects samples for required testing.

Assists with contracted work.

Maintains maintenance and repair records.

Orders maintenance parts, supplies and materials.

Participates in on-call.

May respond to emergencies as called.

May instruct others at job site.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

May assist with grounds maintenance.

Cleans work areas. Cleans and maintains tools.

Picks up supplies and equipment.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, two to three years mechanical maintenance experience preferably in a utility, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. May require a valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license Class A within 30 days on the job in the position. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications required.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.

Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information such as regulations, blueprints, diagrams, plant operating guidelines, equipment operating/maintenance manuals, maintenance records, schedules, invoices, work orders and plant equipment performance.

Ability to communicate effectively with department personnel, vendor representatives and contractors.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as mechanic's tools, pipe tapping machines, cutting torch, welder, power hand tools, shop bench tools, generators, pumps, electrician's tools, plumbing tools, measuring devices and carpenter's tools.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as assembling.

Ability to exert required physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under frequently unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards, disease and/or dust may cause or causing discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.