Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor

Job Description

Manage the operations and maintenance of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as wastewater lift stations to ensure compliance with City's NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit and with all applicable NCDOL (OSHA) rules and regulations. Serves as a division manager responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities, wastewater lift stations.

Emphasis of the work is on efficient and effective plant operations and maintenance to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and safety rules and regulations. Work includes managerial functions related to assisting with developing and administering annual operating budgets, developing long range capital improvement programs and management of operations and maintenance staff. Assists with operational decisions in response to problems reported by wastewater treatment facility operations staff.

Developing and implementing training programs for safety and operational compliance with NCDEQ (NC Department of Environmental Quality) and NCDOL (OSHA) rules and regulations.

• Plans, organizes and manages the work of operations, maintenance and laboratory personnel; performs and/or directs the routine or emergency repairs or replacement of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, electronic and other related plant equipment, meters and gauges.
• Advises plant operations staff and general maintenance staff of assigned duties, changes in routines, issues and conducts meetings as required; provides training for all plant operations and maintenance staff.
• Establishes policies and procedures for plant operations and responses to emergencies.
• Interviews and recommends new candidates for hire; evaluates employees on work performance, makes promotion and disciplinary recommendations and approves leave and time entry of staff.
• Ensures operators apply work rules and practices to comply with NCDOL (OSHA) and NCDEQ; and all equipment is in proper working condition.
• Assists with the development and administration of the annual operating budget including short and long-range forecasts; develops technical plans for infrastructure improvements as part of the long term (5 years or more) capital improvement plan.
• Oversees the development and administration of operational training programs for employees; develops standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all facilities and enforces compliance with OSHA safety standards.
• Ensures staff maintains plant inventory, operating and maintenance records by conducting periodic audits.
• Oversees laboratory personnel who perform tests for pH levels and alkalinity; assists with determining optimal process controls; understands the testing for BOD/COD, total suspended residue, mixed liquor, percent solids in sludge, dissolved oxygen, metals, toxicity and other analytical tests.
• Oversees preparation of monthly and annual regulatory compliance reports and applications for renewal of operating permits; evaluates regulatory requirements and determines processes and steps to ensure compliance.
• Provides tours of water & wastewater facilities with the general public, regulators and school groups.
• Serves as a technical and compliance representative for the City with various local, state, and federal boards and agencies for wastewater and environmental issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience An Associate's degree from four-year College or university in environmental science, chemistry, biology, hydrology water and wastewater engineering or a related field; and five years or more years' experience operating and maintaining a water and/or wastewater treatment plant and supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred - Bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, hydrology water and wastewater engineering or a related field

• Valid N.C. driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Water Treatment Facility Operator A-Well Cert. or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date
• Biological Wastewater Operator Grade IV Cert. or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date
• Physical/Chemical Wastewater Operator Grade I Cert. or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date
• Spray Irrigation Cert. or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, tools, and equipment used in treatment plant operations as well as the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of treatment works. Thorough knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of treatment plants including knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles. Thorough knowledge of state and federal water and wastewater treatment and water quality regulations.

Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of work associated with wastewater plants and necessary safety precautions used including OSHA rules and…