Process & Regulatory Performance Engineer

Salary : $94,876.18 - $111,619.04 Annually
Location : 1610 Moorland Road, Madison, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Wastewater Operations and Reliability
Opening Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Central

About the Position
Under general supervision and the direction of the District's Process Engineering Supervisor, this position is a key member of the District's Operations and Maintenance division. As part of the Operations team, the Process and Regulatory Performance Engineer is expected to provide technical support for the operation of the 50 million gallon per day Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Process and Regulatory Performance Engineer is also responsible for ensuring that the District meets all requirements of its regulatory permits, reviews, and documentation. This will include monitoring and conducting water and air emissions reviews and inspections, and submitting required reports and notifications. This role is expected to remain up to date and current on new developments in the field of wastewater treatment and contribute that knowledge during planned expansions of the facilities as well as during day-to-day operations. This position will collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to meet standards and guidelines, have a growth mindset to a multi-faceted and mission-driven operation while having a focus on maintaining a positive work culture.

Duties

The successful Process and Regulatory Performance Engineer will have the following qualities:

• Collaborative: Displays teamwork. Has the ability to develop and maintain effective, trusting, collaborative relationships with other district personnel. Work towards common goals and supports the work of other groups.
• Technically skilled and detail oriented: Has the ability to identify problems, research and analyze information, develop and present recommendations, and provide solutions. Skilled at generating and utilizing complex information for technical analysis and decision-making.

• Self-Starter: Strong independent initiative to identify, analyze, and resolve issues in a timely manner. Flexible and open to new ideas, able to adjust and modify to fit the situation. Has the courage to make changes.
• Critical Thinker: Digs into questions and problems. Looks for omissions, errors, and misinterpretations in the work. Habitually asks a variety of questions and uses a variety of thinking techniques. Sees new perspectives and new ways forward. Helps others think critically.
• Effective Communicator: Able to clearly and concisely articulate complex information to a variety of audiences both internally and externally through written and verbal means.

• Mission Driven: Has a passion for sustainability, the environment and protecting public health.

Essential Job duties

• Performance of Process Engineering Duties (40%)
  • Become familiar with the complex operation of the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. This includes:
    • Physical layout of the plant and physical assets.
    • All processes and unit operations related to wastewater treatment.
    • Process control algorithms and the means of automatically controlling treatment processes.
    • Routine tasks performed by operators and maintenance staff.
  • Manage small operations-related projects (i.e. digester cleaning, polymer trials, etc.). Prepare plans, specifications, and project documents as needed.
  • Develop CIP business cases related to plant infrastructure as part of CIP planning.
    • Be involved with consultants in planning, design, and construction activities related to improvements at the treatment plant. Design and manage small engineering projects as needed. Prepare plans, specifications and bidding documents for small plant capital improvement projects.
    • Remain current on new developments in wastewater treatment and other relevant areas.
• Performance of Regulatory Engineering Duties (30%)
  • Oversee the District's air emissions control permit. Ensure that processes and controls are being operated correctly. Arrange for any required emissions testing.
  • Ensure that all provisions of the District's Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) Permit are being met.
  • Ensure data and information necessary for regulatory reporting are collected and stored properly. Verify that these data are correct/accurate.
  • Ensure all regulatory and compliance reports required by governing bodies, permits, and internal policies are prepared and submitted. This includes, but is not limited to air permit reporting, WPDES reporting, violation events (air, TFO, SSO), lagoon superfund reporting, etc.
  • Work with other District Staff to ensure that other regulatory requirements, such as general stormwater permitting, CMOM, and CMAR are being met.
  • Provide assistance with:
    • Development and implementation of regulatory strategies.
    • Staff training on regulatory requirements and best practices.
    • Review of promotional and advertising materials for compliance.
    • Facilitation of regulatory inspections.
• Operational Oversight (20%)
  • Troubleshoot problems with the treatment processes and provide solutions as needed.
  • Work closely with the Operator Supervisor and Operations Section staff to maintain and improve treatment performance. Coordinate activities with the Operator Supervisor, Lead Operator, and Operators on a daily basis.
  • Contribute to meeting the requirements of the District's discharge permit. This may require responding to requests for information, troubleshooting assistance, or general advice outside of normal business hours.
  • Perform On-call duties on a rotational basis.
  • In the absence of both the Treatment Plant Manager and Process Engineering Supervisor, may temporarily fulfill duties of those roles as assigned.
  • May be required to assist in emergency response situations which could require working evenings, nights, or weekends.
• Self-Improvement/Professional Development (5%)
  • Pursue additional learning opportunities to improve technical skills, networking, and professional development. This includes-but is not limited to-conferences and training events (such as seminars, webinars, etc.)
  • Participate as an active member of relevant professional organizations.
  • Reflect on and share takeaways from professional development with other staff and the professional community at large.
  • Complete any and all district required trainings.
  • Build collaborative relationships with business partners.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, department leadership, or Executive Director.

Requirements

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
  • A minimum of three years of professional experience related to wastewater treatment and process control or air emissions control. A Master's Degree in civil or environmental engineering or a closely related field may substitute for experience.
  • Basic proficiency and understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems.
• Preferred:
  • Possess a valid Professional Engineering (PE) registration in Wisconsin or another state.
  • Possess a valid State of Wisconsin basic or advanced wastewater operator certification for the processes at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant, or similar certification from another state.
  • Experience with creating engineering technical documents (e.g. SOPs, work plans, engineering plans, PIDs, etc.)

Qualified applicants are highly encouraged to submit a cover letter and a resume that highlights their qualifications for the position.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to deadlines.
  • Ability to set and execute priorities.
  • Organized, self-managed, and self-motivated.
  • Capable of initiating and seeing through projects, programs, and plans with little supervision.
  • Independent initiative and leadership skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail.
  • Strong and effective verbal and written communication (especially technical writing) skills.
  • Ability to adapt and be agile.
  • Proficient user of computers and software including Microsoft Office products, data management platforms, process control systems, and document management systems.
  • Possess a valid certification of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin or be able to obtain certification when eligible to do so.
  • Must have or be able to obtain within two years a State of Wisconsin basic wastewater operator certification for the processes at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • Must possess a valid Wisconsin's driver's license or be able to legally drive in the State of Wisconsin.
  • Ability to obtain the following within the first year of employment;
    1. Certified in First Aid/CPR/AED
    2. FEMA Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS-100)
    3. ENV SP credential from Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations, and report unsafe conditions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
Work is performed in a combination of environments ranging from a standard office environment to field sites, tunnels, pumping stations, etc. This will require walking, bending, climbing stairs, standing. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen. Must be able to safely use computer equipment for extended periods of time. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard or other office equipment. Requires visual acuity to read and write words and numbers. Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person, publicly or over the phone. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds occasionally. The noise level varies from quiet to loud.
Work may occasionally require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals. Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climactic conditions. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks at elevated levels. Work may occasionally require performance of tasks in confined areas. Additional requirements may be specified depending on needs of department and/or tasks required to complete work efforts.
The District offers an excellent benefits package that is designed to provide employees with peace of mind and balance between the demands of work and home. We think it is important to plan for our future and yours. Employees working at least 24 hours a week for at least a year are eligible for the following benefits:

Vacation (amounts are prorated for part-time employees):

• Start Date 100 hours prorated
• Jan 1 following start date 100 hours
• Jan 1 following 3rd anniversary 160 hours
• Jan 1 following 15th anniversary 216 hours

Sick Leave: Employees accrue 15 days per year.
Holidays/Floating Holidays: 10 paid holidays plus an additional 5 floating holidays every year.

Health Insurance: The District pays 88% of the cost of both the single and family plans. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date. Our health plan through Quartz provides excellent coverage with no office co-pays or deductibles!

Dental: The District pays 100% of the single premium and an equal amount toward the family premium. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date.
Vision: The District offers voluntary vision insurance for employees. Coverage is effective 30 days from start date.

Wisconsin Retirement System: The District is covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The District and all employees will pay toward the WRS an amount determined annually by the State of Wisconsin. There is a 5 year vesting schedule for the District's portion.

457 Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA Plan: The District offers a voluntary tax deferred retirement plan through ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax Roth IRA is also offered.

Flexible Spending Account: The District offers a health care and dependent care flexible spending account to enable employees to use tax-free funds to pay for qualified expenses.

Life Insurance: The District offers term life insurance that employees can purchase through the State of Wisconsin for themselves, their spouse, or dependents.

Short Term Disability (Income Continuation Insurance): The District offers the State of Wisconsin Income Continuation Insurance program for local government employers. Currently, employees in the local plan do not have to pay a premium to participate in the program.

Long Term Disability: The District offers the State of Wisconsin