Assistant Superintendent - Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)

City of East Lansing; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of East Lansing is seeking an Assistant Superintendent for its Water Resource Recovery Facility. This position is ideal for experienced wastewater professionals who want to lead an innovative team. Responsibilities include supervising operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing strategies to optimize facility performance.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual cost-of-living increases

Retirement options including hybrid pension

$1,000 annual employer contribution to Health Care Savings Plan

14 paid holidays

25 days of paid time off

30 days of paid parental leave

Fully covered dental and vision premiums

Life insurance (2x salary)

Flexible Spending Account for health and daycare expenses

Employee Assistance Program offering free counseling

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in a class B or higher wastewater treatment plant.
• Two years of supervisory experience required.
• Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and a Michigan Class 'A' Wastewater Plant Operators license.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Superintendent by managing, directing, and supervising staff at the facility.
• Ensure compliance with EGLE requirements and develop operational strategies.
• Assist with health and safety policies, budget preparation, and reporting.

Skills

Communication

Supervisory Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Lucity

New World software

Job description

The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

Career Opportunities

The City of East Lansing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive place to live, work, visit, and do business. We believe organizations function best when they promote accepting, respecting, and valuing differences, including attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances, and cultural backgrounds. We seek individuals who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, reflecting the community we serve.

Assistant Superintendent - Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)

Are you a wastewater professional looking to advance your career? Interested in working at a state-of-the-art Water Resource Recovery Facility? Join the City of East Lansing as our Assistant Superintendent and be part of an innovative team shaping the future of wastewater treatment.

Summary: Working as part of the leadership team, you will assist the Superintendent by managing, directing, and supervising staff operating all aspects of the facility, ensuring compliance with Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requirements. Staff responsibilities include operational and laboratory duties, maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment, and EGLE sampling and reporting. You will help develop operational strategies and procedures, ensuring effective operation and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will assist with health and safety policies, budget preparation, contract management, and reporting on plant operations, assets, and finances. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with vendors and staff are essential.

About Us: The City of East Lansing is dedicated to being a fully inclusive, anti-racist community. We value a culture that accepts, respects, and values differences across attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances, and cultural backgrounds. We seek individuals committed to equity and inclusion, reflecting our community.

East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is a vibrant community with historic neighborhoods and a lively downtown. The Department of Public Works & Environmental Services (DPW) WRRF team manages a facility processing 14 MGD of sewage, a 2.6 MG Retention Treatment Basin, and three pump stations.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary with annual cost-of-living increases and stipends for Wastewater Operator licenses
• Retirement options including a hybrid pension (10% of salary) and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• $1,000 annual employer contribution to Health Care Savings Plan
• 14 paid holidays
• 25 days of paid time off
• 30 days of paid parental leave
• No-premium health coverage or a $200 monthly buy-out, with fully covered dental and vision premiums
• Life insurance (2x salary), optional supplemental coverage, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health and daycare expenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering free counseling and support
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Dynamic, engaging work environment

Location: The WRRF facility is located at 1700 Trowbridge Road, East Lansing, near Michigan State University.

Projects: Recent improvements include UV disinfection, headworks reconstruction, solids handling upgrades, anaerobic digester, clarifier and aeration tank rehabilitation, and upcoming administrative building upgrades in 2025.

Qualifications

Five years of progressively responsible experience in a class B or higher wastewater treatment plant, including two years of supervisory experience. The facility operates 24/7, and emergency responsiveness is required. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field is preferred.

Special Requirements

Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint preferred. Familiarity with Lucity and New World software is a plus. Must possess or obtain a valid Michigan driver’s license within 60 days and hold a Michigan Class “A” Wastewater Plant Operators license.

Download the General Employment Application (PDF). Applications can be filled electronically, saved, and emailed to HR, or printed, completed, and mailed to:

City of East Lansing
Attn: Human Resources
410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
Email: [e-mail]

Along with the application, submit copies of degrees, certifications, a professional reference, and recent design work samples.

Category: Full-Time
Status: Open
Salary: $78,508.04 - $109,906.16
Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Posted: June 11, 2025, 3:00 PM
Closing: Open until filled