Wastewater Chief Plant Operator

Position

Position
:
Wastewater Chief Plant Operator

Department
:
Wastewater Treatment

Reports to
:
Wastewater Treatment Superintendent

Positions Supervised
:
Plant Operator, Lab Technician, Maintenance Mechanic

Status
:
Full-time, Classified, Non-Exempt

Pay Range
: L-13, $35.3596 - $47.8394

Normal Working Hours
: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Friday (Subject to stand‑by and emergency call‑outs)

Under the direction of the Wastewater Plant Superintendent, plans, coordinates and oversees the operation of the City’s wastewater treatment facility; conducts inspections of treatment facilities and equipment; prepares a variety of maintenance records and reports; supervises assigned personnel; administers the pretreatment program; coordinates and oversees City’s FOG program; coordinates sampling with lab personnel; fill in for lab technician as needed; orders plant and maintenance supplies as needed and is backup Operator of Record in the absence of the Superintendent.

• Perform daily plant and equipment checks as required.
• Collect samples and perform various lab tests.
• Read meters, gauges and other recording devices and keep daily log of plant operations.
• Maintain and record data in logbook and computer databases.
• Adjust and monitor the addition of chemicals to the wastewater process.
• Enter and work in confined spaces following established safety procedures.
• Ensure that safety equipment is in working order and that safety procedures are followed in the performance of duties.
• Operate trucks, tractors and other motorized equipment of comparable size and complexity.
• Operate air compressors, portable pumps, lawn mowers, weed‑eaters and hand power tools.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the plant; paint equipment and buildings as required; sweep and wash down floors, walls, paved areas, etc.
• Responsible for ground‑keeping tasks such as removing weeds, trimming trees and plants, picking up debris, mowing lawn, watering and otherwise maintaining landscaped areas.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of pumps, filters, valves, controls, piping and equipment as required.
• Perform related work as assigned and/or required.
• Make operational decisions based on review of directives, lab data and log entries from previous shifts.
• Ensure plant effluent meets standards set forth by the Ohio EPA permit requirements.
• Operate gravity belt thickener and belt sludge press as required.
• Train and/or direct the work of OIT, Class I and Class II personnel or part‑time employees.
• Conduct educational tours for the public as required.
• Establish positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management and staff and the public.
• Assume custody of plant and process in the event the Superintendent is not available.
• Provide oversight for day‑to‑day operations including systems operation, preventative maintenance, equipment repair and laboratory testing.
• Participate in developing, administering and monitoring the budget.
• Supervise and train assigned personnel; monitor and ensure staff compliance with department policies, procedures, regulatory requirements and safety practices.
• Prepare and maintain employee work schedules; assign work duties and monitor the quality and progress of work performed by staff.
• Conduct inspections of treatment facility; evaluate plant conditions; identify and determine maintenance requirements.
• Monitor and ensure facility equipment are safely and properly maintained in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Observe and assess operational practices; recommend and implement changes necessary to improve operational effectiveness and/or efficiency.
• Prepare, submit and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment records, reports and documentation as required.
• Advise the plant Superintendent regarding plant/system operations and related issues.

• Mathematics as related to the wastewater industry.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic record keeping.
• English language, both oral and written.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Electric, hydraulics and pneumatics as…