Treatment Plant Lead Operator

City of Gainesville, GA; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Certification incentive program

Paid training and development

Retirement benefits

Job summary

City of Gainesville, GA is seeking a Water Treatment/Wastewater Operations Supervisor responsible for planning and overseeing operators at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) or Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient, reliable plant operations.

The position requires a valid Class I Water Operator’s license (WTP) or Class I Wastewater Operator license (WRF), a driver’s license, and 3 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED; technical training preferred.
• Three years of experience in water treatment or wastewater treatment depending on location.
• Licenses: Class I Water/Wastewater Operator; valid driver’s license; MVR acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise operators and maintenance personnel to maximize plant efficiency.
• Monitor effluent quality and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate corrective actions.
• Maintain records and assist in asset management and SOP development.
• Provide training and oversight for new operators and safety programs.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Water treatment knowledge

Chemistry knowledge

Maintenance planning

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical school diploma in related field

Tools

Class I Water Operator’s license (WTP)

Class I Wastewater Operator license (WRF)

Class II/III certifications (preferred)

Valid driver’s license

Job description

This position is designated as safety-sensitive. As such, a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening are mandatory. The incumbent will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of employment.

Plans work and oversees the activities of the Treatment Plant Operators and Maintenance Operators to ensure maximum efficiency of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) or Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Monitors the activities of operations and maintenance and assists in both areas to meet operational compliance goals.

Monitors effluent water flow to ensure that all State and Federal guidelines are met; provides reports to the Assistant Plant Manager and the Plant Manager of the treatment plant.

Monitors and checks all work and performance of the operators and maintenance personnel. Directs the work of subordinate personnel.

Makes chemical, operating, maintenance, or laboratory procedure changes when appropriate.

Responds to emergencies such as pump failures, equipment breakdown, turbid water conditions, and malfunction of rate controllers, chlorinators, and chemical feeding equipment.

Oversees treatment plant operations during absence of Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager.

Maintains list and routinely informs maintenance personnel of equipment problems as necessary.

Works with the maintenance personnel to resolve equipment problems as experience allows. Records, updates, and maintains records for proper equipment and operational performance.

Presents programs and conducts tours for the general public as requested.

Assists in the asset management program to achieve maximum useful life of all equipment used during the water treatment process.

Assists in maintaining accurate records in the asset management software for work orders and equipment information entries.

Monitors work of different operating shifts to ensure consistency of work procedures conducted by operators.

Serve as trainer for all new operators.

Assists in training, implementing and enforcing safety programs.

Develops standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for new and existing water treatment regulations.

Performs other related duties as required.

Employee is subject to work weekends, different shifts, and recall to duty in cases of emergency.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Technical school diploma in related field desired.

Three years’ experience in Water Treatment (when located at WTP) or Wastewater Treatment (when located at WRF).

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Class I Water Operator’s license (when located at WTP) or Class I Wastewater Operator’s license (when located at WRF) required.

Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Level III Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.

Level II Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.

Level I Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the practices, principles, and supervisory techniques associated with Water Treatment Plants (when located at WTP) or Water Reclamation Facilities (when located at WRF).

Knowledge of chemistry, characteristics, and treatment techniques of water (when located at WTP) or wastewater (when located at WRF).

Knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, and processes involved in processing raw water into potable water (when located at WTP) or processing of municipal wastewater (when located at WRF).

Knowledge of State and Federal regulations regarding water (when located at WTP) or wastewater (when located at WRF) treatment and purification.

Knowledge of water works operation (when located at WTP) or wastewater operations (when located at WRF) and maintenance.

Knowledge of mathematical formulas, and the ability to calculate the amounts of chemicals needed to purify water (when located at WTP) or treat wastewater (when located at WRF).

Knowledge of the safety precautions used in chemical analysis.

Knowledge of maintenance records applied to Plant operations.

Ability to read and interpret charts.

Ability to operate a personal computer.

Ability to perform routine and emergency maintenance.

Ability to anticipate operational problems and plan prevention measures before operations stop.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level III Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level II Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level I Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.

When located at Water Treatment Plant:

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class II Water Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class I Water Operator License.

When located at Water Reclamation Facility:

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class II Wastewater Operator license.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class I Wastewater Operator license.

Maximum of 15% in certification incentive pay.