Chief WWTP Operator

Rochester, City of (NH); Gonic (NH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Rochester seeks a Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor to oversee operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility. This role involves supervising staff, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and managing technical and administrative duties, requiring strong leadership and extensive wastewater experience.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in wastewater management.
• 5 years of supervisory experience in public utilities.
• Must possess relevant licenses for operation.

Responsibilities

• Supervises daily operations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Coordinates maintenance and preventative programs.
• Ensures compliance with environmental permits.

Skills

Supervision

Communication

Problem Solving

Technical Knowledge

Education

Associate degree in civil or sanitary engineering

Tools

pH meter

dissolved oxygen meter

flow meter

SCADA system

Job description

Statement of Duties

Administrative and supervisory work in directing the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and industrial pretreatment program (IPP); technical work in the planning, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of municipal wastewater treatment systems; all other related work as required.
Works to anticipate, meet and exceed customer service expectations in a positive and professional manner.

Supervision

Works under the administrative direction of the Wastewater System Superintendent.
Performs highly responsible duties of both an administrative and technical nature requiring the exercise of independent judgment in the administration, supervision, operation, and maintenance of the treatment plant.
Supervises a division of 6-10 full time employees.

Job Environment

Work is generally performed under shop conditions, with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and toxic conditions, fumes or airborne particles, infectious disease, and electrical hazards; many functions are performed within an office setting. Required to work outside normal business hours and is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Operates an automobile, light truck, light equipment, hand and power tools such as pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, flow meter, automatic sampler, electrical test equipment, lab equipment; operates standard office equipment.
Has regular contact with other municipal departments, engineering/consulting firms, vendors, and commercial users. Has some contact with city, state and federal officials and the general public. Contacts are in person, by telephone, and in writing and require discussing complex and technical subject matters.
Has access to some division-oriented information, such as personnel records, and bid proposals.
Errors could result in lower standards of service, personal injury to self-and/or others, damage to buildings and equipment, danger to public health and safety, time and monetary loss, and have significant legal and financial repercussions.The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Supervises, organizes, and coordinates the day-to-day operation and preventative maintenance program of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Coordinates and administers Industrial Pretreatment Program in accordance with federal regulations, ensuring industrial user compliance with EPA mandated pretreatment program.
• Reviews operational data and initiates action, as required. Coordinates wastewater and solids handling operations with maintenance and laboratory/operation activities to minimize operational conflicts and optimize process control.
• Supervises, directs, and coordinates all activities of the wastewater facility and personnel to ensure compliance with environmental permits; ensures that all work is performed in a safe and cost-efficient manner.
• Assists the Deputy Director of Public Works – Technical Services and Wastewater System Superintendent with employee hiring, evaluations and discipline actions, vacation scheduling, etc. of plant personnel.
• Under the direction of the Wastewater System Superintendent, provides training for skills development, safety and working with chemical materials.
• Maintains operational records on a daily basis and prepares NetDMR and NHDES Monthly Operation summary reports for Submittal to EPA and New Hampshire DES. Holds 3rd position signatory responsibility on submittal of compliance reports in the event that Deputy Director of Public Works – Technical Services or Wastewater System Superintendent are unable to sign.
• Checks and schedules repair of all instrumentation as necessary; arranges for equipment manufacturers’ service for major repairs.
• Instructs and supervises personnel in the operation and maintenance of the plant, grease and scum control system and sludge removal system.
• Supervises the treatment facility staff, the completion of assigned projects, and the building, maintenance, and repair of Wastewater Treatment Plan.
• Reviews laboratory test results to determine appropriate operational strategies to maintain compliance with State and Federal permits; supervises laboratory staff.
• Under the direction of the Wastewater System Superintendent, coordinates and implements the Industrial Pretreatment Program by reviewing baseline reports, facility proposals, compliance schedules and reports, self-monitoring reports; investigates cases of suspected noncompliance, enforces requirements, conducts semi-annual inspections with Industrial Pretreatment Monitor, issues Industrial Discharge Permits.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with engineers, vendors, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability and willingness to accept on-call status and be available to respond to on-call circumstances and be inserted into the operator on call rotation if required due to emergencies or staffing shortages.
• Maintains a high standard of plant upkeep and maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Reviews’ operating costs and assists in the preparation of the annual budgets.
• Supervisor identifies improvements to the plant’s asset management and energy savings program.
• Assists on capital projects for plant as assigned. Provides operating data to engineers, reviews construction documents, or recommends changes appropriate to operations. Oversees the work of vendors and consultants.
• Advise Wastewater System Superintendent of employee training needs and ongoing equipment inspections in accordance with the Department of Labor (DOL).
• Periodically may be required to provide technical support at state and City Meetings, which are necessary for long-term planning for wastewater.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• associate degree in civil or sanitary engineering
• ten years of experience in wastewater
• five years of supervisory experience in a public utility or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Requirements

• Possession of a NH Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator License, Grade IV
• Possession of a NEWEA Collection System Operator License, Grade IV
• Possession of a NEWEA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst License, Grade I
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations concerning municipal wastewater treatment and water quality standards. Working knowledge of industrial waste treatment methods and sanitary sewer systems. Working knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques of wastewater treatment. General knowledge of electricity, and hydraulics. Comprehension of biology, chemistry, and physics. Knowledge of Industrial Pretreatment Program and EPA Rules and Regulations.
Technical standards and procedures required for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant involving advanced unit processes associated with advanced tertiary treatment plant such as activated sludge, nutrient removal, sludge solids handling, cloth disk filtration, UV disinfection and computer-based control systems, maintenance, and laboratory operations.
Ability: Ability to supervise personnel; ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to resolve the more difficult customer service requests. Ability to interpret specific chemical and biological laboratory analyses. Ability to guide, supervise, and motivate employees. Ability to troubleshoot problems and improve operations. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and to run supervisory controls and data acquisition system (SCADA). Ability to use a lap top computer to access the SCADA system from a remote location.
Skill: Skill in the operation of the above listed tools and equipment. Excellent mathematical, mechanical and electrical skills. Skill in anticipating operating problems and in taking corrective actions to avoid serious malfunctioning of equipment. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to engage internal and external stakeholders and to effectively manage the Industrial Pretreatment Program.

Physical Requirements

• Position requires the ability to operate computer keyboard and standard office equipment.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary position.
• Physical strength to move and push object up to 30lbs.
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals and poisonous gases.
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder.
• Must be able to work in cold and hot environments.
• Occasionally move about inside the office to access equipment.
• Constantly position self to maintain equipment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to observe items at a close range.
• Ability to adjust focus at close and distant vision.
• Use of hand and power tools.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.