Program Manager (Water Plant Manager)

City of Wichita Kansas; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wichita seeks a Plant Manager for its new water treatment plant, overseeing operations and ensuring compliance with regulations. This leadership role involves supervising a skilled team and driving operational excellence in public utility services.

Qualifications

• Three years of supervisory experience in a utility or industrial setting.
• Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant.
• Develop and maintain processes for compliance with regulations.
• Supervise and evaluate shift supervisors.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

Job description

Are you ready to take on a key leadership role in Wichita’s water utility operations? The City of Wichita is seeking a forward-thinking Plant Manager for the Pumping and Production Division to oversee the startup and operations of a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant. As the Operator in Responsible Charge, you’ll be responsible for delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to over half a million residents. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the startup of Kansas' largest drinking water plant, driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovation in public utility services. You will supervise a skilled team, direct treatment operations, collaborate across divisions, and participate in strategic decisions to ensure community health and safety.

Current Openings

Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Note: Posting may close at any time.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain processes for compliance with state and federal regulations.
2. Direct treatment and testing procedures to maintain water quality.
3. Establish policies, oversee operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant and pump station.
4. Troubleshoot complex treatment issues and implement corrective actions.
5. Coordinate plant activities to minimize disruptions.
6. Collaborate with the Distribution division to maintain water quality and pressure.
7. Develop budgets and control expenditures.
8. Plan and coordinate projects within the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
9. Oversee contractor activities for complex projects.
10. Ensure quality control and compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act through audits.
11. Optimize systems via modeling and scenario planning.
12. Implement and monitor safety programs.
13. Supervise and evaluate shift supervisors.
14. Review staffing, facilities, equipment, and materials needs.
15. Prepare specifications and requisitions for equipment, chemicals, and supplies.
16. Conduct research and provide consultative services as needed.
17. In the absence of the Division Manager, assume leadership responsibilities.
18. Monitor weather and forecast water consumption and production.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field, or equivalent experience in a water utility.
• Three years of supervisory experience in a utility or industrial setting.
• Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification or equivalent; must obtain Kansas reciprocity if certified out-of-state.
• Valid Kansas Driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Eight years of supervisory experience in utility or plant management.
• Experience leading capital projects, plant startups, and regulatory audits.

Offers are contingent upon passing a physical, drug screening, and criminal background check. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.