Water Superintendent

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the water treatment plant, including managing, planning, and maintaining the plant and laboratory personnel of the water production system.  

• Plans, organizes, and schedules work activities and assigns personnel to perform work and projects for the City’s water treatment facilities and purification of potable water; supervises, trains and evaluates the performance of assigned staff;  interviews and selects employees for hiring;
• Ensures the proper operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant, to include: developing proposals for designs and construction; analyzing operations/activities and recommending operational changes, program direction, and capital expenditures; inspecting work sites and consulting with internal and external parties involved in projects; working with developers/contractors to bring work into compliance with standards; responding to calls regarding water quality problems and requests for related information by visiting customer residences to discuss problems;
• Maintains records and completes a variety of reports related to water quality operations, chemical testing and mechanical repairs for submission to state and federal agencies;   
• Prepares the water treatment, operation and maintenance budget, monitors and documents expenditures assuring compliance with approved budget and staffing levels; monitors unit cost-of-treatment; 
• Oversees and directs the daily operations of water plant laboratory;
• Plans and directs the section’s short and long term goals and objectives;
• Reviews preventive maintenance program status to minimize repair and replacement of machinery and equipment;
• Participates in educational activities by providing an environmentally focused booth or instruction as requested; plans and participates in providing tours of the facility;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; six (6) to eight (8) years related experience; two (2) years of supervisory experience;  State of Georgia Class I Water Treatment Operator Certification; must have a valid State of Georgia driver’s license; equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Knowledge of the principles and practice of water treatment operations;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of plant maintenance;
• Knowledge of safety standards related to water treatment operations and maintenance procedures;
• Knowledge of water quality procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques and water analysis methodology;
• Knowledge of system load forecasting, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Federal EPA water quality maintenance and reporting requirements;
• Skill in project management;
• Skill in maintaining accurate and complete records;
• Skill in using independent judgment and discretion; 
• Skill in prioritizing, scheduling and delegating assignments;
• Skill in operating modern office equipment;
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting and preparing reports;
• Skill in reading/interpreting blueprints, equipment manuals and related literature;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to maintain records;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to instruct and lead others;
• Ability to analyze problems and implement recommendations in support of goals; 
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Supervisory Controls:  The Director of Public Utilities assigns work in terms of overall objectives and priorities.  The work is reviewed from an overall standpoint through conferences, reports and observation of activities.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include departmental policies, Safe Drinking Water Act, City Water/Sewer specifications, policies and procedures, engineering standards, environmental standards and regulations, and safety rules and regulations.  These guidelines require sound judgment and interpretation in application.  

Complexity:  The work consists of a variety of administrative, supervisory and technical duties associated with managing the activities of a water treatment plant.  

Scope and Effect:  The purpose of this position is to effectively manage the daily operations of a water treatment facility.  Successful implementation ensures adherence to all federal and state drinking water requirements.  Errors can result in unsafe drinking water, unnecessary repairs, consumer complaints, health hazards, environmental contamination, fines and loss of service. 

Personal Contacts:  Contacts are typically with co-workers, subordinates, vendors, contractors, consultants, construction personnel, state and federal regulatory personnel, elected officials, department heads, other City employees and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts:  Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands:  The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk with intermittent standing, walking, carrying, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  Employee is required to move around a water treatment facility, crawl into confined areas, use tools requiring a high degree of dexterity and distinguish between shades of color and odor.

Work Environment:  The work is typically performed in both an office and outdoors, exposing the employee to dirt, loud noise, irritating chemicals, machinery with moving parts and inclement weather conditions.  At times, the employee must wear safety equipment.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:  Exercises supervision over all plant operations and maintenance staff. 

Salary : $76,000 - $81,500