Chief Treatment Operator - Wastewater Operations

Chief Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Gastonia is seeking a Chief Treatment Plant Operator to provide technical leadership and oversight for wastewater operational staff. This role is centered on mentoring personnel, leading hands-on training, and serving as a primary technical resource for the Wastewater Division. Experienced Operators committed to staff development and operational excellence are encouraged to apply! Performs technical and administrative work in supervising/assisting the Operations and/or Maintenance Programs/Projects of Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Does related work as required. Work is performed under the direction of the Treatment Plant Supervisor. Supervision is exercised over plant operational personnel as assigned.

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.

Supervises and schedules the work of personnel of the plant, gives instructions on operational procedures;
Provides technical supervisory support to Operators;
Plans and conducts or oversees in-service training of new employees;
Inspects the operation of the plant to ensure conformance to standards and proper operation;
Enforces plant safety regulations;
Maintains daily records and reports on plant operations and activities;
Participates in staff training;
Required to serve as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) - 50%

Assists in the installation and start-up of new and rebuilt equipment as assigned;
Initiates, reviews, coordinates and closes City Works Work Orders;
Coordinates and supervises the parts storage cage;
Supervises operation of computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system;

- 30%

Serves as technical resource for Operations staff with regards to troubleshooting process control issues;
Supervises operational quality control programs;
Assists in coordinating Division-wide operational projects;
Assists in coordinating Division-wide maintenance program;
Required to be on the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Team;
Serve as Operator On-Call for the Division - 15%

Supervises and/or participates in the preparation and submission of State and Federal Operational reports as required;
Develops budget recommendations as requested;
Oversees the conducting of operational analytical tests;
Performs related tasks as required - 5%

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, characteristics, and equipment of wastewater plant operations including detailed knowledge of the mechanical, electrical and process aspects of all facilities
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles involved in the plant;
• Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in plant operation and chemical treatment functions;
• Ability to make complex mathematical calculations;
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; demonstrated leadership skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Ability to supervise operations as on-call personnel; ability to act on the behalf of the Plant Supervisor in his/her absence;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal skills/working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelor's degree in a physical or natural science (or equivalent combination of education and experience) with a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in the operations and/or maintenance of a large wastewater treatment facility (5 years preferred); OR
• Associate degree (or equivalent) in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of progressive operations or maintenance experience in a large wastewater treatment facility (7 years preferred)
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license.
• Possession of a Water Plant Operators "A" certificate as issued by the NC State Board of Certification or the ability to acquire within 3 years.
• Possession of a NC Wastewater Plant Operator Grade IV certification within 3 years.
• Complete NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 training within 12 months.

CHECKLIST FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS, VISUAL ACUITY, AND WORKING CONDITIONS 1. The physical activity of this position includes: A. Climbing:
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required…