Operator Chief - Water

Position Summary

This is a supervisory position responsible for the operation of an advanced surface water/wastewater treatment facility. The employee directs the operations of designated shifts, providing training and direction to junior level employees. The role ensures the correct and safe operation of all plant processes and equipment, and maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as established Authority policies and procedures.

• Responsible for the controlled operations of major plant processes. Dictates settings for all operational processes and equipment to ensure the facility and/or system is operating correctly and safely. Solves operational issues within assigned capabilities and understands variable parameters for each shift. Ensures correct and thorough completion of all process logs and records related to process control, laboratory and other data in plant and surrounding appurtenances.
• Responsible for accident prevention and safety training for employees, including emergency response, Safety Circle training and other safety training programs as assigned. Ensures that Authority security procedures are adhered to and may initiate changes to the plant's vulnerability and risk management plans. Coordinates response to emergency situations within set procedures.
• Responsible for solving operational and mechanical equipment problems.
• Effectively communicates with others to ensure good working relations.
• Directly supervises a group of non-exempt employees, including hiring, scheduling, performance evaluation, and employee TCEQ license renewal. Available for questions and resolving issues 24/7. Prepares employee evaluations and operational reports as directed. Provides guidance to the Projects’ flow and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via SCADA.
• Responsible for implementing optimization of treatment processes and providing assistance and guidance to the maintenance department regarding the service of equipment within the facility.
• Assists Operations Division Chief/O&M Supervisor and/or Project Manager with various tasks and special assignments. Assumes responsibilities of direct supervisor as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned, such as operating track mobile, moving rail cars, dealing with federal, state, local agencies, public inquiries, and updating the emergency response plan.
• Responsible for responding to various emergency situations, including after-hours, as directed by supervisor and keeping supervisor informed of the status of emergency situations.
• Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel. Essential personnel must report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations, including extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult. The position is essential because the plant cannot operate safely without sufficient personnel.

Regularly has full personnel supervisory responsibilities including interviewing prospective candidates, approving time, discipline and formal performance evaluations for positions of direct and indirect reports.

May order or approve ordering of sampling supplies, laboratory supplies, equipment and cleaning supplies as needed for department use. May obtain quotes for services, materials, and equipment, create purchase requisitions, and assist the project manager with annual budget preparation as related to area of responsibility.

High school diploma or GED; sixty college credit hours preferred or equivalent technical education.

Five years of experience at a water/wastewater treatment facility, including four years of supervisory experience.

Valid Texas driver's license. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class B Water or Wastewater Operator's License required. Class A Water or Wastewater license preferred.

Requires advanced and complex knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Moderate knowledge of…