Chief Plant Operator- Water

City of Portsmouth, NH; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portsmouth, NH is seeking a Chief Plant Operator for its Water Treatment Facility. The role encompasses overseeing all operations, ensuring compliance with water quality standards, and supervising a team. Applicants should have considerable experience in water treatment operations and relevant qualifications, including a Grade III license. This position plays a crucial part in maintaining community water safety and system integrity.

Qualifications

• At least three years' experience in water treatment operations.
• Current NH Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Grade III license or ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Computer skills and electrical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee process control at the Water Treatment Facility.
• Supervise emergency responses and lead treatment operations.
• Ensure compliance with state and EPA guidelines.

Skills

Knowledge of lab procedures

Problem-solving

SCADA systems

Education

High school diploma

Associate's Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field

Job description

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The position is in charge of all operations at the Water Treatment Facility, pump stations, well sites, and water source areas serving the City of Portsmouth's Pease International Tradeport drinking water system. The Chief Operator works under the Water Resources Manager, performing technical and supervisory tasks related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. Responsibilities include optimizing treatment processes to ensure water quality compliance, analyzing data, leading treatment operations, and preparing reports. The Chief is also responsible for supervising emergency responses 24/7, including monitoring via SCADA system, supervising staff, and collaborating with other water system managers. The role involves training staff, managing workload fluctuations, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee process control at the Pease Tradeport Public Drinking Water System, including sampling, testing, treatment, and sludge processing.
• Manage Kronos time management system for employee hours.
• Maintain and utilize the City's computerized maintenance management system, assign work orders, and keep records of maintenance activities.
• Operate treatment equipment such as pumps, motors, laboratory instruments, chemical injection systems, and blowers.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts using management system.
• Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures.
• Attend training to maintain valid NH water operator's license and stay current with industry developments.
• Perform building and grounds maintenance to ensure safety and orderliness.
• Communicate with customers, officials, and consultants regarding plant facilities and requirements.
• Administer employee safety programs and training.
• Handle administrative duties including budgeting, ordering supplies, and reporting.
• Maintain quality treated water, ensuring compliance with state and EPA guidelines.
• Respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Maintain logs and laboratory records for regulatory compliance.
• Assist with permits, inspections, and monitoring discharges as needed.
• Order and store chemicals properly.
• Adjust process controls based on data and industry metrics.
• Perform laboratory work for operational control and compliance.
• Work on special projects to enhance plant operations and collaborate with engineering firms on upgrades.
• Participate in on-call rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma and at least three years' experience in water treatment operations.
• Associate's Degree preferred in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Current NH Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Grade III license or ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Knowledge of lab procedures, problem-solving, computer skills, electrical knowledge, and SCADA systems.

Other details include a full job description PDF, disclaimers about the nature of duties, and equal opportunity employment statements.