What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Wastewater Plant Operator position at WSSC Water?
The Chief Wastewater Plant Operator supervises the operation of a large, complex, multi-process wastewater treatment plant that has a design flow of 1 MGD or greater. The CWPO also oversees the management of the associated solids processing and treatment facilities.
Essential Functions
- Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
- Plans, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of operating plant personnel, including but not limited to activities intended to avoid plant upsets that could jeopardize the environmental health and safety
- Performs expeditious diagnosis and correction of process issues resulting from unusual environmental, weather related, human mediated or other emergency or non-emergency factors or conditions that could lead to process upsets
- Screens and interviews job applicants, prepares job evaluations, recommends disciplinary actions, approves timesheets, recommends relevant training
- Promotes safe work practices and investigates accidents
- Establishes operating standards and determines and prioritizes plant operational activities; provides general instructions to staff for wastewater treatment, process control and solids handling, to maintain compliance with provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act
- Assists in development of long range plans, procedures and improvements for the operation of the wastewater treatment plant and associated solids handling facilities including but not limited to the review of contract documents, drawings, and specifications
- Assists in coordination of construction projects, and implement measures to maintain adequate treatment performance during construction activities at the plant
- Analyzes plant and laboratory reports and directs adjustments of process controls to improve treatment and maintain regulatory compliance
- Assists in development and implementation of appropriate operator training programs, and conducts classes to improve operator knowledge, skills and abilities
- Prepares comprehensive reports on plant operations
- Supervises the maintenance of records of plant operations and the preparation of fiscal and payroll reports
- Submits requisitions for chemicals, materials, tools, equipment and outside services as needed
- Coordinates chemical deliveries and other goods and services that are needed for the plant operations
- Develops budgetary estimates of plant needs and assists in preparation of the annual budgets
- Provides mentoring, leadership and training to operating staff
- Performs operational inspections of existing and new facilities to ensure equipment and processes operate properly and in accordance with specifications, and to correct deficiencies
- Responds to plant emergencies after hours as needed
- Participates in long range planning, design and construction activities
- Acts as a Subject Matter Expert in evaluating the skills of operating staff as required
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
- May be requested to coordinate and conduct tours of the plant and open house activities, and interact with outside customers and public officials on matters related to the plant
- May be required to participate in standby/callback duty
- As a member of the WSSC Water All Management Team the employee will participate in cross-Team committees established to support and advance both the WSSC Water Mission and Vision
- Performs other related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
- Work is in the presence of hazardous chemicals as defined by OSHA standards
- Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
- Ability to effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
- Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal equipment sounds
- Ability to visually and physically inspect equipment and processes at anytime of the day or night
- Good physical condition
- May be re-assigned to other facilities to best meet the needs of the Production Team
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of the machines, equipment, materials, and operating practices of a large advanced wastewater treatment plant
- Thorough knowledge of the chemical, biological and physical processes involved in the treatment of wastewater
- Knowledge of plant discharge requirements under the Federal Clean Water Act
- Demonstrated ability to organize and supervise Wastewater Plant staff and others engaged in plant operations
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other groups, outside officials, employees and the public
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 3 years experience in a senior operations or maintenance position at an advanced large wastewater treatment facility
