ASSISTANT DIVISION MANAGER OPERATIONS - WASTEWATER

NCRWA; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 92,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gastonia is seeking an Assistant Division Manager Operations - Wastewater to lead the wastewater treatment division, oversee plant operations, and manage residuals programs. The role emphasizes leadership, technical expertise, and safety oversight.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating with engineers and regulators, ensuring compliance with health and environmental regulations, and contributing to capital improvements and annual budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related discipline.
• At least ten years in wastewater treatment plant operations or related field.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating with engineers, regulators, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the supervisors of wastewater treatment facilities and the residuals management program.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers technical, operational, and safety training for assigned personnel.
• Ensure proper operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment, residuals management, SCADA, and related facility systems.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Budgeting

Training & Safety

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related discipline

Ten years of wastewater treatment plant or related experience

Job description

ASSISTANT DIVISION MANAGER OPERATIONS - WASTEWATER

Salary: $92,123.20 - $147,368.00 Annually

Application Deadline: N/A

Construction/Utilities/Contracting

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult skilled technical and administrative work assisting with the management of the operations of the wastewater treatment division including management of the wastewater treatment plant operations and residuals management program; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Division Manager Wastewater Treatment. Continuous supervision is exercised over assigned staff.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Lead and manage the supervisors of wastewater treatment facilities and the residuals management program. Oversees coordination of work schedules, monitors performance, addresses operational concerns, and promotes effective working relationships among employees, City officials, consulting engineers, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. Directs division operations in the Division Manager’s absence.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers technical, operational, and safety training for assigned personnel. Ensure employees follow established operating procedures, occupational safety requirements, and appropriate precautions for handling chemicals, biological materials, equipment, and other workplace hazards.
• Ensure proper operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment, residuals management, SCADA, and related facility systems. Assists with development and oversite of capital improvements, construction activities, equipment replacement, facility upgrades, and other projects. Reviews designs and operational plans, analyzes process and equipment performance, and recommends corrective actions or improvements.
• Assists with preparing and administering the division’s annual operating budget. Tracks expenditures and performance measures, supports procurement activities, evaluates operational and equipment needs, and develops cost information and recommendations for current and future budget requests.
• Monitors wastewater treatment processes and residuals management activities to ensure reliable performance, protection of public health and the environment, and continuous compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Reviews laboratory and operational data, coordinates investigations, prepares technical and scientific reports, and makes sound operational recommendations and decisions based on chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical treatment principles.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Ten years of wastewater treatment plant or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Possession of one of the following upon hire: NC Biological Wastewater Operator Grade 4, NC Land Application Operator, NC Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class 4, or NC Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade 3 certification; must obtain a second certification within two years.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 within 12 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

The City of Gastonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and supportive workplace. We welcome qualified applicants who are interested in serving our community. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon completion and satisfactory review of criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.