What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Plant Maintenance position at City of Mount Vernon?
Objectives: The Assistant Director of Plant Maintenance will oversee all aspects of plant maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lift Stations, Booster Stations, and Storage Tanks contained within the Distribution and Collection systems while ensuring high level of professionalism and attention to detail. This role utilizes a wide scope of knowledge in many different areas in addition to strong communication and problem-solving skills, to enhance accuracy and efficiency. This position will focus on excellent customer service and operational efficiency in a dynamic and frequently challenging environment.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of a Class 1 Water Supply and Class 1 Wastewater Works is required, or equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered in place of the certification requirement.
- A minimum of five years of progressive experience in water and wastewater plant operations and management is required.
- A Distribution and/or Collections certification is preferred.
- Three to five years of supervisory or managerial experience is preferred.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is desired.
- A valid State of Ohio Driver’s License is required.
Essential Job Functions:
- The Assistant Director of Plant Maintenance is a senior-level division head and a member of the Director of Utilities executive team. This role will provide input and advice to the Director on department-wide matters and may be called upon to serve as acting Public Utilities Director in the absence of the Director.
- Ensures the safe, efficient, and effective maintenance of the City’s treatment plants, distribution, and collections systems.
- Ensures that facilities are inspected on a regular basis, preventative maintenance processes are optimized, and maintenance issues are remedied based on sound technical principles and collaborative interaction with other Assistant Directors and staff.
- Coaches and supervises the maintenance technicians by preparing schedules and planning work as well as developing staff through cross-training, licensure, professional organization membership, and constructive evaluation.
- Provides regulatory oversight and support to Assistant Directors of Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Distribution, Collections, & Meters, and Utility Billing.
- Ensures the safety of the division by overseeing a division safety team, monthly safety inspections, developing and providing appropriate safety training, and developing and implementing appropriate safety policies and procedures.
- Manages the maintenance division budget through preparing purchase orders, managing inventory control and preparing bi-weekly payroll, monthly budget reports, and various other records and reports.
- Ensures that the City’s asset management system being leveraged in the division provides for a proactive, life-cycle maintenance management program that identifies equipment modification, repair, and replacement needs and priorities.
- Serves as incident commander in division emergencies and responds as needed in City-wide emergency conditions.
- Actively contribute to long-term strategic planning for the department, ensuring that maintenance operations align with the city’s overall goals for infrastructure sustainability. This includes developing and implementing comprehensive programs for plant upgrades, preventive maintenance strategies, and technological advancements in plant operations. Additionally, the Assistant Director will evaluate and recommend capital improvements, working closely with other senior leadership to identify opportunities for system efficiencies and cost savings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Non-Essential Job Functions:
- Performs related non-essential functions as required.
Job Requirements:
Equipment: Position requires the ability to use and understand a wide variety of Hand Tools, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Power Tools, Measurement and Calibration Tools, Maintenance Equipment, Cleaning Equipment, Monitoring Equipment, Spare Parts and Supplies, Documentation Tools, Chemicals and Treatment Supplies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):
Knowledge:
- Effectively manage teams in a collaborative approach.
- Apply the principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology principles to and solve problems within the division.
- Read and write technical reports and prepare technical presentations.
- Use industry standard computer software and hardware.
- Implement industry standards and best management practices associated with the management of the division.
- Motivating, developing, and directing a team to evaluate problems, develop alternative solutions, and implement the best solution.
- Costs-benefit analysis of unit process equipment and/or services.
- Observe or monitor data, machinery, and equipment to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
- Work with and around chemicals and potentially hazardous materials using personal protective equipment.
- Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Work cooperatively with other City employees.
- Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and comply with OSHA regulations.
- Knowledge and understanding of how the operations of the department impact related functional groups.
- Knowledge of office management, personnel, financial, and administrative practices.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of effective customer service and customer-oriented telephone etiquette.
- Knowledge of City government practices and processes.
Skills:
- Supervisory and leadership skills
- Skilled in Microsoft Suite, SCADA software and PLC programing.
- Staff scheduling and performance management
- Conflict resolution and employee relations
- Budget development and management
- Procurement and vendor management
- Capital improvement and repair budgeting
- Project planning and coordination
- Time management and prioritization
- Maintenance management software proficiency (e.g., CMMS systems)
- Diagnostic and troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Facility maintenance standards and regulations (e.g., OSHA, local codes)
- Preventive maintenance program management
- Safety protocol development and enforcement
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability practices
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking and decision-making under pressure
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Report preparation and technical documentation
- Ability to present complex information to non-technical stakeholders
- Customer service and relationship management
Abilities:
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions using judgment and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of department matters.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to give and receive information in a prompt and courteous manner.
- Ability to learn and manage department operational systems.
- Ability to offer tactical guidance or recommendations to internal and external customers to resolve issues within established guidelines.
- Provides coordination and support for assignments within a department or groups related to the budget.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Difficulty of Work: Work is completed in a fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions throughout the day. There will be deadlines to meet for a variety of requirements and reporting. While on the job, candidate may come in contact with difficult and sensitive material. Encounters with the public are stressful at times depending upon the reason for the visit or phone call.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position supervises the Plant Maintenance Department.
Personal Work Relationships: Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to guide and direct, check on progress of work assigned, coordinating services, job development/referrals, make recommendations and handle questions about department, programs, and customer concerns.
Physical Effort and Work Environment:
Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks essential to the job. These include standing for extended periods, walking throughout the facility, and climbing stairs as needed to access different areas of the workplace. The role also requires bending, stooping, and reaching to perform tasks such as retrieving items from lower shelves or organizing materials. Additionally, the job involves lifting and carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds, which may include equipment, boxes, or other materials critical to daily operations. The individual must be able to manipulate small objects with precision, which may involve tasks such as assembling parts, handling documents, or using small tools. Proficiency in keyboarding is also necessary, as the role requires consistent data entry, document creation, and communication through digital means.
Due to the varied physical demands, individuals in this position must be able to maintain physical stamina and strength to perform these tasks safely and efficiently, while adhering to proper lifting techniques and safety protocols to minimize risk of injury.
Physical Activity: The physical requirements of this position involve a range of activities that require manual dexterity, including frequent typing, handling documents, operating equipment, and using various office tools. The role also involves regular verbal communication, requiring clear speech for effective interaction with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the position requires active listening skills to process information accurately and respond appropriately in dynamic work environments.
Physical tasks may include lifting, pushing, and pulling objects, such as files, boxes, or equipment, which may vary in weight and size. The individual must also be able to perform reaching and stretching movements to access materials or adjust equipment in both seated and standing positions. The position may involve extended periods of walking to various locations within the work environment, including moving between offices, meeting rooms, and different departments. These activities necessitate a moderate level of physical stamina and flexibility to meet the demands of the role effectively. Appropriate safety protocols and ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize strain and ensure employee well-being.
Visual Activity: This position requires frequent use of a dual-monitor computer setup, necessitating sustained visual attention to multiple screens for extended periods. The role involves reviewing and processing detailed information, managing data, and performing tasks that demand high levels of focus and accuracy. As a result, the individual will need to maintain clear and precise vision while navigating various software applications, reading documents, and monitoring digital content across two screens simultaneously. This may involve close visual concentration, potentially leading to eye strain or fatigue, so appropriate ergonomics and regular breaks are encouraged to maintain optimal vision and comfort throughout the workday.
Job Location: The minimum work conditions for this position require the individual to work in environments that may expose them to various adverse conditions. These conditions could include, but are not limited to, exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, dust, fumes, or other hazardous materials. Additionally, the individual may be required to work in outdoor or industrial settings where physical demands and environmental factors can fluctuate, potentially impacting comfort and safety. The employee will need to adhere to established safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary to mitigate risks associated with these conditions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $78,540.80 - $109,948.80 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $78,541 - $109,949