The South Essex Sewerage District, a wastewater treatment plant located at 50 Fort Avenue in Salem, MA, seeks qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Operations.

Annual Pay Rate: $95,944.57 to $104,098.49

(Starting pay rate commensurate with qualifications and experience.)

General Statement of Duties

Assists the Superintendent of Operations in the operation of all facilities. In the absence of the Superintendent of Operations, assumes all operational authority and duties. Exercises direct authority over all operational functions and personnel in accordance with approved policies and procedures. Assists in preparing the annual budget and managing and keeping expenditures within budget. Assists in developing work schedules and setting priorities.

Minimum Qualifications | Education and Experience

An Associate of Science (AS) or Applied Science (AAS) degree (with at least 10 credit hours of math and/or science) and at least seven (7) years of progressively increasing experience in a Massachusetts Grade 6 activated sludge wastewater treatment facility including at least two (2) years supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. For a candidate with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in science or engineering degree, the seven (7) year experience requirement is reduced to three (3) years and the two (2) year requirement is reduced to one (1) year. All degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities.

Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Massachusetts Grade 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License.

Knowledge, Ability, Demeanor, Character

• Knowledge. Knowledge of wastewater treatment, sludge processing and disinfection processes. Understanding of wastewater treatment operation, control and process monitoring (SCADA) systems. Some knowledge of OSHA standards.
• Ability. Demonstrates leadership ability. Ability to direct the activities of plant staff and outside vendors. Ability to quickly identify potential process control issues, and to develop and implement solutions to avoid and/or mitigate operational problems.
• Demeanor. Remains calm, even tempered, confident, and steady in stressful situations.
• Character. Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and truthfulness in all matters.

Managerial Skills

• Effectively manages staffing assignments, process control and analytical data. Keeps records of all staffing activities and process control parameters.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with other management staff, union employees, vendors and outside contractors. Demonstrates a cooperative and harmonious work attitude.
• Proficient in wastewater process mathematics, analytical calculations and interpretation of laboratory and analytical data as well as parameters for tracking flow, treatment and process trends. Continuously demonstrates a high level of analytical thinking and problem solving to preemptively keep all treatment and flow processes within acceptable operating parameters.
• Demonstrates a highly developed level of reading, writing, and communicating in the English language.
• Strong computer skills. Demonstrated ability to efficiently operate personal computers and software. High level of competency in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and other database entry systems required.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in science or engineering with at least 30 credit hours of math and/or science.
• A minimum of three (3) years in responsible management of the operation of the plant and equipment. Involvement in monitoring process control parameters and analyzing trend analyses and in the purchase of materials, supplies, chemicals, etc.
• Involvement as non-union management in the supervision of union employees including such activities as disciplinary actions and union grievances.
• Involvement in the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOP’S), NPDES permits, and Massachusetts DEP reports.

Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to crawl, climb, and move about the treatment facilities and construction sites and engage in activities below ground, on the ground, and at heights above the ground in excess of thirty (30) feet; work in tight quarters (confined spaces), climb ladders and walk on narrow scaffolding and temporary walkways; operate a passenger automobile and light pick-up truck, operate computers, communication equipment and use a flashlight and small hand tools.

Supervision

Works under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Operations. Performs highly responsible management, analytical interpretation and process control work requiring the use of considerable judgment. Sometimes works without day-to-day supervision and performs all duties proactively, effectively, on-time and within budget.

Supervises 22 or more full-time union employees.

Interdepartmental Responsibilities

Responsible for supporting the goals, objectives, and activities of all other departments as set forth by the Superintendent of Operations from time to time and executes all in a timely manner.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in a variety of environments depending upon the facility’s operational needs as well as the required fiscal and managerial duties. Administrative, computer work and many managerial activities are performed in a professional office environment with noise from office equipment and light traffic. Much work is performed under shop, industrial, and laboratory conditions with loud noises, and exposure to raw wastewater, hazardous chemicals, oils, solvents, water borne diseases, explosive and toxic conditions, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and electrical hazards. Outside work may be required in the winter and/or summer (and during inclement weather such as wind, rain, snow and ice if necessary) for various durations depending upon the needs and circumstances of the facilities and the activities to be performed. Entry of confined spaces may be required from time to time to access areas of the wastewater treatment facility, pumping stations or sewerage systems. It may be necessary to wear protective clothing and special gear to avoid contact with (raw and/or treated) wastewater, sludge, liquid flow streams, or chemicals.
• Monitors the operation of all facilities during off hours should weather or other circumstances possibly indicate the need for upper management oversight. Communicates with staff via telephone or other electronic means and, if necessary, travels to the facilities to monitor, oversee and/or direct work activities during such circumstances.
• Errors in judgment and administration may result in monetary loss, injury to self or other employees, damage to buildings or equipment, and legal ramifications to the District.
• Has frequent contact with staff, union, vendors, the general public and local, state and federal officials.
• Adheres to the District's regulations, policies and safety rules.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is related or a logical assignment to the position.

Assists the Superintendent of Operations in the following activities:

• Planning, scheduling, and directing of all Operations personnel in the operation of District facilities and equipment.
• Identifying operations, maintenance, and performance issues.
• Enforcing practices and procedures to maintain plant operations, increase the efficiency of plant operations and equipment and maintain plant safety.
• Analyzing and evaluating operational functions and developing plans and procedures to ensure efficient and safe plant operation; recommends plant improvements and modifications.
• Maintaining effective communication and working relationships with staff as well as union personnel, regulatory agency personnel, consultants, vendors and contractors involved in the facilities.
• Establishing written standard operating procedures (SOP’S), control variables and operating parameters for all processes.
• Developing a training program and training of all Operations personnel.
• Inspects all facilities daily, making periodic observations of equipment and machinery and directing personnel to accomplish the necessary process adjustments. Analyzes recording instrument readings and laboratory tests results, adjusts various plant processes accordingly. Collects and maintains data and operational reports on all treatment processes and generates reports as directed. Makes daily observations of analytical testing and sampling results and discusses them with the laboratory and Superintendent of Operations.
• Monitors electricity and natural gas consumption. Identifies opportunities for cost savings and advises supervisor on possibilities for same. Implements long-range energy conservation measures as well as seasonal adjustments to operations to reduce energy usage. Assists in activities involved with energy management. Supervises and maintains computer spreadsheet(s) to track energy, labor, chemical, sludge processing, etc. of all treatment and/or pumping facilities. Presents results in a uniform manner and translates data into any other parameters that may be needed from time to time as directed.
• Attends meetings with engineering and laboratory staff to review analytical test results, process trends, energy use, and to establish short- and long-term process objectives. Meets with the laboratory staff on a daily basis to review microscopic slides of the treatment process in order to assess the condition of the biomass. Attends meetings with engineering and maintenance staff to review equipment status and performance and identify maintenance requirements and activities.
• Maintains systems (trend analyses) to track, monitor and analyze the process effectiveness and economic performance of all treatment processes, flow, and residual processing facilities. Reviews, interprets and reports on analytical data results to the Superintendent of Operations. Assists in overseeing the monitoring and control program.
• Oversees activities for exercising all equipment and ancillary systems and for the efficient cleaning and housekeeping of all treatment and pumping facilities.
• Maintains an inventory of chemicals, activated carbon, polymers and all other materials and/or parts necessary for operational activities. Assists with the purchase of all such materials as directed.
• Assists in compiling, signing and the timely submittal of all reports on the operation of the facilities as required from time to time by federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
• Identifies circumstances that require the attention of the Superintendent of Operations and notifies him/her in a timely manner. Pays special attention to operational developments that, if not brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Operations, could result in process failures, costly expenditures or legal exposure to the District.
• Identifies safety issues associated with the operation and performance of the treatment facilities and advises supervisor of possible remedies and/or corrective actions. Monitors safety procedures and related activities. Assists in monitoring compliance with all safety procedures and programs.
• Manages and executes other significant projects assigned by the Superintendent of Operations.
• Assists in determining remedial action in emergencies.

To obtain the application, job description, and submittal requirements, please contact Pamela Geiser at (978)744-4550 x213, at pgeiser@sesd.com, or by visiting our website: www.sesd.com/careers/. The District has a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,944.57 - $104,098.49 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience level:

• 7 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Associate (Required)

License/Certification:

• Grade 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Salem, MA 01970 (Required)

Work Location: In person