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.

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 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 :

The physical activity of this position includes:
Climbing;
Balancing;
Stooping;
Kneeling;
Crouching;
Reaching;
Standing;
Walking;
Pushing;
Pulling;
Lifting;
Fingering;
Grasping;
Feeling;
Talking;
Hearing;
Repetitive Motions

The physical requirements of this position:
Medium Work

The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision:
Close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: preparing and analyzing data and figures; computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:
Activities occur inside and outside;
Extreme cold;
Extreme heat;
Noise;
Hazards;
Atmospheric conditions;
Oils

Drug screening and criminal background check required. Reasonable…