Chief Treatment Plant Operator

Job Title

Chief Treatment Plant Operator

PUBLIC UTILITIES-WASTEWATER DIVISION

FULL-TIME/NON-EXEMPT

SUPERVISORY & PROFESSIONAL UNION

The Chief Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for assisting the Superintendent with the overall operation, supervision, and management of the wastewater treatment facility. This position ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, oversees staff, and manages the maintenance and operation of the plant to ensure the efficient and safe treatment of wastewater.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural workforce, excellence in public service, and ongoing mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

• Oversees daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, including the management of treatment processes, chemical usage, and sludge disposal.
• Ensures the facility complies with all environmental regulations, permits, and safety standards; prepares and submits required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Distributes work assignments to division staff.
• Operates and adjusts treatment related machinery.
• Makes routine laboratory tests at various stages of treatment in accordance with standard procedures, and directs changes in treatment chemicals and equipment as required to maintain treatment performance within established limits.
• Ensures compliance and conforms to accepted trade regulations and makes routine tests at various stages of treatment.
• Performs grounds maintenance, waste stream sampling, operating of valves and gates to adjust flow and adjust recording instruments.
• Performs the inventory and the ordering of chemicals as directed, and orders supplies and equipment.
• Maintains accurate records of plant operations, including daily logs, maintenance records, and regulatory reports; provides regular updates to the Superintendent.
• Performs all other duties as assigned or required.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid Grade 7 Mass Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate required.
• Three (3) – Five (5) years of relevant experience involving operation of complex wastewater treatment procedures; previous experience supervising staff preferred.
• Must be familiar with wastewater treatment processes including but not limited to: primary & secondary clarification, trickling filter operation, nitrifications, anaerobic digestion, chlorination, phosphorus removal, sludge de-watering and NPDES permit requirements.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and other plant management software.
• Strong competency in mathematics and familiarity with routine calculations used in wastewater treatment and process control.
• Requires strong communication skills to work effectively with a diverse population; must be able to interact with people on an upbeat and friendly basis, regardless of circumstances.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

The incumbent works in various municipal buildings on the DPU Wastewater/Water campus. While performing the duties of the Chief Treatment Plant Operator, the incumbent is required to interact and communicate frequently with the public, government officials, other staff members and boards, and/or third parties transacting business with the City. Frequent periods of outside work may be entailed, subject to all weather conditions and extremes.

Exposure to noise, odors, and hazardous chemicals. Incumbent may be required to work at any time during the 24-hour day to respond to weather-related or emergency needs.

Physical ability and agility sufficient to operate valves, gates and other equipment as required in treatment facility or pumping operation and control involving the entry into manholes and vaults, climbing ladders, cross-county travel etc. Lift up to 50 lbs.

6:30am-3:00pm, Monday – Friday

40 hours a week

Starting rate $27.84 - $29.53 an hour

Annual increases up to $40.88 an hour

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Up to 14 paid Holidays
• Personal Days
• Vacation Time
• Earned Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement