Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent

The City of Buchanan is seeking a Water Resources Superintendent to lead our wastewater treatment operations and help plan for the future of our utility systems. We are looking for someone who knows the work, supports the people doing it, and understands the importance of reliable service to the community. This is a working leadership position with responsibility for daily operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, and long term planning.

Buchanan is a Southwest Michigan community in Berrien County along the St. Joseph River. Its downtown, parks, McCoy Creek Trail, farmers market, and community events offer opportunities to get involved and enjoy life outside of work. The City is investing in its future, including a recently completed $20 downtown project replacing critical utilities, planning for its riverfront and looking at ways to strengthen the infrastructure that serves residents and businesses.

The City is also looking to extend its existing water and wastewater systems into neighboring townships to increase the number of customers served. The Superintendent will work with the City Manager, engineers, and regional partners to evaluate capacity, identify needed improvements, and plan for growth while maintaining dependable service for existing customers.

• Direct and participate in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities. Coordinate lift station and collection system needs with Public Works and other City staff.
• Supervise assigned operators and laboratory staff, schedule work and coverage, establish clear expectations, evaluate performance, and support training and advancement in operator certification.
• Monitor treatment performance, interpret laboratory results and operating data, and direct process adjustments. Oversee sampling, laboratory quality control, equipment calibration, and accurate operating records.
• Manage compliance with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and applicable requirements of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prepare and submit required reports and coordinate regulatory inspections and corrective actions.
• Administer the industrial pretreatment program, coordinate sludge and biosolids management, and address discharges that could affect treatment performance or permit compliance.
• Plan preventive maintenance and repairs for pumps, motors, controls, chemical feed systems, and other equipment. Maintain asset records and coordinate contractors, supplies, and equipment purchases.
• Prepare and administer the operating budget, recommend capital improvements, and help develop funding priorities, equipment replacement schedules, and plans for system extensions.
• Promote safe work practices, coordinate emergency response, and communicate operational issues and recommendations clearly to the City Manager, staff, regulators, and the public. Perform related duties as assigned.

A current Michigan Class B municipal wastewater treatment operator certification, or higher, is preferred. The City will also consider a candidate who currently holds a Michigan Class C certification and can meet the eligibility requirements, take and pass the required examination, and obtain Class B certification within 12 months of hire.

Class C applicants must document their education, qualifying experience, and testing

timeline consistent with EGLE requirements. Until Class B certification is obtained, the City will maintain appropriately certified operational coverage and assign duties consistent with the employee’s certification and legal authority.

• High school diploma or equivalent,…