Chief Plant Operator - Wastewater

DEFINITION:

The Chief Plant Operator (Grade III) will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and will report directly to the City Manager. The position is also responsible for providing operations management, including Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR)/National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance, process control, and operator development. This is an exempt position.

The ideal candidate will be technically experienced in wastewater treatment standards and practice and is familiar with state and federal regulations for the treatment and discharge of treated wastewater. Additionally, the general maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility. Experience with BNR process, tertiary treatment, and UV disinfection is required. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring the current treatment processes continue to meet all WDR/NPDES, state and federal requirements for treatment and discharge. Additionally, the ideal candidate should demonstrate the interpersonal, leadership and management skills necessary to build relationships, communicate effectively, lead staff by example and work cooperatively in a team environment. Experience with CIWQS reporting, SCADA and CMMS is essential.

SUPERVISOR ROLE:

This position exercises supervision and leadership over a team of operators.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews all wastewater treatment plant operations, including simultaneous nitrification/denitrification process, tertiary filtration, UV disinfection to effluent disposal.

• Develops and implements goals and objectives, evaluate organizational procedures and work standards; provides technical assistance to staff; prepares staffing, material, and equipment estimates for projected activities, and implements changes

• Inspects and evaluates work being performed; identifies problem areas and directs remedial action

• Prepares, reviews, submits all regulatory and other written reports, periodic progress reports, and assignment of maintenance requests

• Prepares and submits projected Annual O&M Budget; Submit Annual prioritized list of Capital Improvement Projects, with written justification and purpose

• Participates in long-term planning to assess future needs; research new operation methods, techniques, and equipment and makes recommendations to City Manager

• Ensures work activities are carried out in a safe and efficient manner

• Procures and maintains an adequate inventory of necessary tools, materials, equipment, and supplies

• Prepares, reviews, and updates computerized and written maintenance instructions and schedules

• Utilizes and manages a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

• Manages staff and prepares evaluations, implements staff development plans.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or equivalent; Added coursework in Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Science, or a closely related field required; (5) years of increasingly responsible operation of a water / wastewater treatment plant, including (3) years of supervisory experience preferred

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California. A Grade IV is highly desired.

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License

• Must be willing to assume responsibility for continuous 24-hour operations of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and willingness to respond to emergency situations

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Operation of pumps, valves, electrical motors, piping, control systems, related equipment common to wastewater treatment, biological and physical process control methods, and practices

• Physical, chemical, and bacteriological processes involved in the treatment of wastewater

• Automatic, manual, and remote equipment controls

• Types and uses of wastewater treatment chemicals

• State of California water quality requirements and reporting procedures

• Principles of supervision, training, and budgeting

• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles

• Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and SCADA

• Planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others

• Analyzing complex technical and administrative problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending or adopting effective courses of action

• Developing and implementing goals and objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls

• Preparing clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, citizens, and regulatory officials

• Exercising independent judgment within general policy guidelines

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Mild physical work with occasional exposure to such unpleasant elements as dust, fumes and odors, dampness, raw sewage, noise levels, or outside weather conditions. Physical demands include some lifting and carrying of objects over 40 pounds, often combined with stooping, bending, twisting, crawling, reaching, and working above ground at heights of 20 feet or more or on irregular surfaces, and working in confined spaces. Must be willing and able to work on-call and weekend or holiday plant coverage on an as needed basis.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory level prior to gaining regular status. The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the City Manager.

This position description is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the position change, in accordance with applicable personnel rules and procedures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,370.00 - $90,271.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Jackson, CA 95642 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jackson, CA 95642: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,370 - $90,271