Sewer Collections Superintendent

Town of Wallace; Wallace (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Wallace is seeking a qualified lead supervisor to oversee the wastewater collection system, lift stations, and related infrastructure. You will supervise crews, coordinate maintenance, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, proven leadership, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Candidates should have extensive experience in wastewater operations and a valid North Carolina CDL.

Qualifications

• Five or more years in wastewater collection system maintenance or lift station operations with supervisory experience.
• High school diploma, plus coursework in wastewater collection, construction, utilities, engineering, or related field.
• Valid North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of wastewater collection lines, lift stations, pumps, and related equipment.
• Oversee lift stations operations, including pumps, controls, generators, and electrical components.
• Assign work orders, crews, and resources; prioritize response to emergencies and system failures.
• Inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Coordinate sewer line cleaning, televising, root control, testing, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Respond to sewer stoppages, backups, and overflows; coordinate corrective actions and cleanup.
• Monitor contractor work and ensure adherence to safety practices and town standards.
• Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and incidents.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Leadership

Heavy equipment operation

Regulatory compliance

Preventive maintenance

Safety practices

Reading maps/plans

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma + wastewater coursework

Job description

Pay Grade 23 – $54,565 - $81,848 (Depending on experience and certifications)

General Purpose

To perform responsible technical and administrative work supervising crews engaged in the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair, and replacement of the Town’s wastewater collection system, including sewer lines, manholes, lift stations, pumps, force mains, and related infrastructure. This position ensures safe, efficient, and compliant wastewater collection system operations while supporting reliable sewer service to residents and businesses.

This position serves as the lead supervisor responsible for the Town’s sewer collection system and lift station operations and reports to the Public Services Director. Work requires strong technical knowledge, leadership ability, and a commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, and customer service. Duties are performed with a high level of independence and responsibility.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. Work hours may include emergency call-back, after-hours response, weekends, and extended hours during critical events, sewer overflows, lift station failures, power outages, or other system emergencies.

• Supervise and participate in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of wastewater collection lines, manholes, lift stations, pumps, valves, force mains, and related appurtenances.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Town’s wastewater lift stations, including pumps, controls, floats, generators, electrical components, alarms, and related mechanical equipment.
• Receive, prioritize, and assign work orders; assign crews, vehicles, equipment, and materials; and reassign resources as needed to respond to emergencies and system failures.
• Conduct routine inspections of lift stations, sewer lines, manholes, and other wastewater collection facilities to identify maintenance needs and potential system failures.
• Coordinate and oversee sewer line cleaning, televising, root control, smoke testing, leak detection, and other preventive maintenance activities.
• Respond to sewer stoppages, backups, overflows, pump failures, and other wastewater collection system emergencies; coordinate corrective actions and cleanup activities.
• Inspect work in progress and completed projects for compliance with Town standards, specifications, safety practices, and applicable regulations; coordinate and monitor contractor work.
• Operate and oversee the safe use of heavy equipment, including backhoes, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, pumps, sewer cleaning equipment, generators, and other related equipment.
• Ensure availability of materials, equipment, parts, and personnel; assist with inventory control and provide input for budget planning, equipment replacement, and capital improvement needs.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for lift stations, pumps, generators, sewer lines, and related collection system infrastructure.
• Monitor lift station alarms and system conditions and coordinate response to equipment failures, electrical problems, power outages, and other operational issues.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate employees; provide coaching, enforce safety practices, maintain time records, and recommend disciplinary actions as needed.
• Enforce safety protocols including confined space entry, trench safety, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and OSHA standards; monitor work sites to ensure compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and logs of lift station inspections, maintenance activities, sewer repairs, equipment failures, sewer overflows, and other operational activities.
• Respond to citizen inquiries, complaints, and service requests related to sewer stoppages, backups, odors, and other collection system concerns; communicate project impacts and timelines.
• Coordinate with the wastewater treatment plant and other Town departments to address collection system issues and maintain reliable wastewater flow to the treatment facility.
• Assist with regulatory reporting and documentation related to wastewater collection system operations, maintenance activities, and sanitary sewer overflows.

Non-Essential / Secondary Duties

• Assist with long-term wastewater collection system planning and infrastructure improvements.
• Assist with capital improvement projects involving sewer lines, lift stations, force mains, pumps, and related facilities.
• Support departmental coordination and emergency response efforts.
• Assist with evaluating equipment, vehicles, pumps, generators, and other infrastructure for replacement or rehabilitation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Five or more years of experience in wastewater collection system maintenance, lift station operations, utility construction, or a related field, including supervisory experience.

Training:

Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by coursework in wastewater collection, construction, utilities, engineering, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of wastewater collection system maintenance and repair.
• Operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of wastewater lift stations, pumps, controls, generators, and related equipment.
• Sewer line cleaning, inspection, repair, and maintenance practices.
• Occupational hazards and safety practices, including trenching, confined space entry, traffic control, and OSHA regulations.
• Heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• Wastewater collection system standards, environmental regulations, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Supervisory principles, employee management, and personnel policies.
• Preventive maintenance practices and equipment management.

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff effectively.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and operational problems involving pumps, lift stations, sewer lines, and related equipment.
• Read and interpret sewer maps, plans, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Operate heavy equipment, sewer cleaning equipment, pumps, and related tools safely and efficiently.
• Respond effectively to sewer emergencies, system failures, and sanitary sewer overflows.
• Communicate effectively with staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Prioritize work and manage multiple projects and emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate operational records and prepare reports.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment in the field.

Supervision Received / Exercised

Receives general supervision from the Public Services Director.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned wastewater collection system and lift station personnel.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform physically demanding work including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and operating equipment.

Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.

Must possess visual acuity necessary to operate equipment, read technical documents and maps, inspect wastewater facilities, and prepare reports.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noise, vibrations, wastewater, sewage, hazardous materials, confined spaces, traffic, and mechanical and electrical equipment.

Position is subject to emergency call-back and after-hours response.

Work may involve exposure to biological hazards and requires compliance with OSHA regulations, including confined space, bloodborne pathogens, personal protective equipment, and other applicable safety standards.

Licensing & Certifications

Required:

Valid North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver’s License.

Preferred:

• North Carolina Grade II or higher Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification.
• Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification appropriate to the Town’s system requirements.
• Electrical, mechanical, or pump maintenance training.

Additional Information

This position plays a critical role in maintaining the Town’s wastewater collection infrastructure and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted conveyance of wastewater to the treatment system. The position is responsible for maintaining lift stations and collection system infrastructure, responding to sewer emergencies, minimizing sanitary sewer overflows, and supporting the long-term reliability of the Town’s wastewater system.

Work schedules may vary depending on operational needs, weather conditions, system failures, sanitary sewer overflows, lift station emergencies, and other critical events.