Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator

City of Geneva; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive benefits (medical, eye,

Life insurance and retirement options

Job summary

The City of Geneva is seeking a Lead Wastewater Operator to oversee operations of our Wastewater Treatment Plant. You will supervise staff, review laboratory data, and ensure timely reporting to federal and state agencies.

The ideal candidate will hold an Illinois Class 2 Wastewater Operator license and have six years of progressively responsible experience, with the ability to obtain Class 1 within one year. You will help plan capital upgrades and coordinate with contractors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree or related coursework in biology, chemistry or related field preferred.
• Competence in Excel and databases to enter, sort and analyze data.
• Six years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment plant experience.
• Previous supervisory experience with staff or contractors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant and equipment (clarifiers, digesters, lift stations, SCADA).
• Evaluate facility performance; perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs as needed.
• Direct and monitor staff and contractors; assist with hiring, training and development.
• Collaborate on laboratory analysis and ensure quality of samples for processing.
• Use laboratory data to identify adjustments and direct next steps.
• Serve as liaison with contractors to ensure timely and accurate work.
• Assist plant supervisor with capital improvements; prepare RFPs within budget.
• Ensure compliance with NPDES permits and IEPA/USEPA reporting; respond to emergencies.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Wastewater plant experience

Analytical thinking / math

Excel proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or related coursework (biology/chemistry) preferred

Tools

Excel

SCADA familiarity

Job description

The City of Geneva is seeking a Lead Wastewater Operator to assist with overseeing operations of our Wastewater Treatment Plant. Under the general direction of the plant supervisor, this position ensures the efficiency of plant operations, participates in short and long-term capital planning, schedules and supervises facility maintenance, trains and develops staff, contributes to the review of laboratory data and ensures timely and accurate reporting to federal and state regulatory agencies.

This is an exciting time for an emerging leader to join our team. The City's Wastewater Treatment Plant will be undergoing significant equipment, and facility upgrades in the upcoming year, and we are seeking a motivated professional who wants to expand upon their already established skills in the field.

Ideal candidates will currently possess a State of Illinois Class 2 Wastewater Operator license, with the ability to acquire a Class 1 within one-year of employment, along with a minimum of six-years progressively responsible experience in the field.

Including but not limited to:

• Oversee daily operations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and equipment, including clarifiers, digesters, centrifuges, lift stations, electrical systems, SCADA, etc.
• Evaluate and inspect facility equipment and process performance. Perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs as necessary.
• Direct and monitor the work of employees, assist with hiring, training and developing staff, as well as coaching and counseling.
• Collaborate with the Environmental Compliance Coordinator regarding laboratory analysis and ensure the quality of samples being collected for processing.
• Utilize data from the laboratory to identify adjustments needed and direct work pertaining to next steps.
• Serve as staff liaison with contractors to ensure timeliness and accuracy of work performed.
• Assist the plant supervisor with planning for capital improvements; create requests for proposals/bids in-line with budgetary framework and make recommendations regarding the priority of certain projects, upgrades and equipment.
• Utilize software and database systems such as Excel to create spreadsheets, validate data, assess results and make recommendations/carry out further action as necessary.
• In the absence of the plant supervisor, ensure compliance with NPDES, applicable permits and signing required IEPA and USEPA reports.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Assist with facility snow removal operations when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate's degree or equivalent amount of coursework in biology, chemistry or related field of study (preferred)
• Competence in Excel and similar databases to enter, sort and analyze basic data
• Ability to perform intermediate mathematical equations, use logic and reasoning to identify abnormalities in processes
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in a wastewater treatment plant
• Previous supervisory experience with a record of directing the work of staff and/or contractors (preferred)

Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Ability to obtain a Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) required within one year of employment; tanker endorsement is preferred
• Wastewater Operator Certification - Class 2 with the ability to obtain Class 1 within one-year of employment

Other combinations of education and experience that provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Supplemental Information

Hours for this position are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Evenings and weekends are required as necessary for after-hours emergencies, snow removal, etc.

• We offer competitive pay
• generous paid time off
• comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and more
• Additionally, employees are eligible to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) along with other advantageous retirement savings options.

The City of Geneva is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please contact the Human Resources Department if you require assistance applying.