Wastewater Treatment Lead

Overview

GENERAL PURPOSE The Lead Wastewater Reclamation Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the City's wastewater treatment facility, currently utilizing a 2.4 million gallon-per-day (MGD) oxidation ditch system with secondary clarification. This position functions as a working lead, providing field-level supervision, training, and support to plant operators while assisting the Wastewater Supervisor with process optimization, daily operations, regulatory compliance, and maintenance coordination.

The Lead Operator will also play a key role in preparing for and supporting the future transition to a 6.0 MGD membrane bioreactor (M ) facility.

Supervision Exercised Provides general guidance and direction to Wastewater Treatment Operator(s) IV, III, II and I.

Field Leadership and Coordination

• Assists the Wastewater Supervisor in the scheduling and coordination of daily plant operations and personnel assignments.
• Serves as the acting lead in the Supervisor's absence; directs staff and ensures that work is completed in accordance with established protocols and safety regulations.
• Provides hands-on leadership in the field; trains operators in procedures, safety practices, and use of equipment.
• Evaluates work in progress and upon completion for adherence to operational and regulatory standards.

Plant Operations and Process Control

• Operates and monitors all phases of the oxidation ditch system, clarifiers, RAS/WAS pumps, blowers, and related treatment equipment.
• Analyzes SCADA trends, flow data, and laboratory results to optimize treatment performance.
• Analyzes and recommends adjustments to biological and hydraulic loading rates and chemical feed systems as needed to maintain permit compliance.
• Ensures proper operation of disinfection systems, reuse effluent distribution, and rapid infiltration basins (RIBs).

Laboratory Sampling and Regulatory Compliance

• Collects process and compliance samples; performs field testing for pH, DO, solids, ammonia, nitrates, and other parameters.
• Coordinates with certified laboratories for monthly NPDES sampling and reporting.
• Prepares and maintains operational logs, sampling records, chain-of-custody forms, and discharge monitoring reports (DMRs).
• Assists in compiling data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports submitted to the Division of Water Quality (DWQ).

Maintenance Oversight

• Conducts and directs routine preventative maintenance activities on pumps, motors, valves, blowers, chemical feed systems, and instrumentation.
• Operates and maintains heavy equipment and tools such as backhoes, skid steers, loaders, forklifts, trash pumps, and hand tools for facility and system maintenance.
• Identifies maintenance needs and assists the Supervisor with scheduling and tracking work orders.
• Participates in facility cleaning, groundskeeping, and upkeep of mechanical buildings and generator systems.

M  Facility Transition Support

• Participates in training, orientation, and commissioning activities associated with the upcoming 6.0 MGD M  facility.
• Assists in the development and revision of SOPs for M  operations, membrane maintenance, and clean-in-place (CIP) systems.
• Works with contractors, engineers, and city personnel to support the integration of new systems into daily operations and SCADA platforms.
• Helps facilitate a smooth transition from the current system to the future M  plant through operational testing, monitoring, and staff support.

Inventory and Purchasing

• Monitors usage of chemicals, tools, and replacement parts; maintains organized inventory systems.
• Generates purchase requests, solicits vendor quotes, and assists in procurement processes in coordination with the Supervisor.
• Tracks spending related to routine plant operations and minor capital projects.

Emergency Response and On-Call Duties

• Responds to plant alarms, equipment failures, power outages, and process interruptions as required.
• Participates in a rotating on-call schedule and provides after-hours support to maintain operational continuity.
• Coordinates emergency repairs and ensures proper documentation and communication of all incidents.

Other Duties

Performs…