Wastewater Chief Plant Operator

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) division within the Public Works department including compliance with regulatory requirements; to coordinate treatment and sanitary sewer collection system activities with other divisions and City departments; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Public Works Director.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Public Works Director.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory and technical staff within the Wastewater Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
2. Plan, organize and direct treatment plant activities including laboratory and sanitary sewer collection system activities and operations.
3. Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the WWTP and sanitary sewer collection system work plans; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
4. Conducts inspections of distribution and treatment facilities and systems; evaluates plant conditions; identifies and determines maintenance requirements.
5. Educate and enforce staff compliance with Departmental/City/State/Federal policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety practices.
6. Prepare the division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
7. Recommend the appointment and termination of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the division.
8. Manage, administer, and monitor service contracts; evaluate service performed and cost for services performed by external vendors and contractors adhering to all City policies.
9. Ensure that required regulatory reporting and industrial billing is completed accurately and on time.
10. Prepare proposals for special projects; oversee bidding process and contractor selection.
11. Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
12. Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
13. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
14. Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
15. Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
16. Participates along with the other system operators in the on-call rotation for wastewater treatment and distribution systems 24-hour on-call operations as needed.
17. Advises the Public Works Director regarding plant/system operations and related issues.
18. Respond to emergency calls from the public and other agencies as required.
19. Perform on-call and weekend worker duties as required.
20. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer collection system operations and equipment.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Wastewater chemistry, biology, sampling and analytical methods.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct the wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer collection system operations.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve division related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Interpret and apply City, department, and division policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.
• Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

      Experience:

Minimum three years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment and sanitary sewer collection system operations, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in wastewater treatment or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificate 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Class C driver's license by date of hire.
   
• Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate or appropriate license as determined by the State Water Resources Control Board, whichever is greater.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in and around wastewater treatment and distribution facilities both at the plant and in the field.

Exposure to variable weather conditions, vehicle traffic, working at heights, confined spaces, noise from equipment operation and hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases is involved.

Working with or near caustic/corrosive chemicals such as, but not limited to, Gas Chlorine and organic chemicals for weed abatement such as Round Up.

Physical Conditions:

Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing ladders, operating equipment, lifting of objects up to 50 pounds, and working in close and confined spaces including but not limited to filters, buried enclosures, tanks etc.

SELECTIONPROCESS: 

The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by Human Resources.  Applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams.  A score of 70% or above is required to advance through each phase of the process. An application must be completed. A resume is not a substitute for an application.

Salary : $80,663 - $102,948