Wastewater Collections Supervisor

City-of-Las-Cruces; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Las Cruces is seeking a skilled supervisor to assist the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager in daily operations of wastewater and water reclamation facilities, including staff oversight and odor control. The role involves coordinating crews, ensuring safety, managing projects, reviewing designs with engineers, and responding to emergencies to restore services.

Requires a Class A CDL and Level IV wastewater certification, with an Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field and 4

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field plus four (4) years of experience in wastewater collection system maintenance and operation, including supervisory experience.
• Valid Class A commercial driver’s license and Level IV Wastewater Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and supervises work crews and staff to ensure safe and effective operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of lift stations, sewer lines, and manholes; schedules new project repairs, services, and Vactor rodding trucks.
• Consults with purchasing staff, suppliers, and vendors to procure supplies, materials, tools, and equipment; makes decisions within delegated authority and budgetary constraints.
• Meets with engineering staff and utility inspectors to review and comment on infrastructure, rehabilitation, design, project specifications, and system set‑up topics; communicates with engineers, consultants, and other staff as needed.
• Responds to emergency situations to ensure proper resources and staff to restore services and functionality of systems.
• Meets regularly with staff to review work in progress, discuss and resolve administrative, workload, and technical issues, and prioritize and assign tasks and projects; evaluates functions, resources, processes, and procedures to identify issues and recommend changes for improvement.
• Interprets applicable rules and regulations within scope of authority to provide leadership and guidance in developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures.
• Oversees, supervises, and supports staff through delegation and work supervision to provide appropriate levels of service and resources; coordinates projects, monitors work, evaluates performance, trains, counsels, coaches, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives.
• Works with the WWTF Plant Manager in developing the operations budget; maintains data on supplies used and provides input into plans and projects for plant improvement; meets with engineers and contractors to review drawings and prints; reads and reviews prints and plans for new installations.

Skills

Supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Safety procedures

Education

Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field

Job description

Position Summary

Assists and supports the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager in the daily operation of the wastewater and water reclamation treatment facilities, operations, and staff in the running of the wastewater treatment plant and odor control facilities.

Work Environment

Position functions 25% indoors, 75% outdoors in all weather conditions; exposed to mechanical hazards, explosives, burns from large pumps and motors, chemical fumes, hydrogen sulfide, methane, sewer gases and odors, sewage water mists high in bacteria. May experience poor ventilation in confined spaces such as pump rooms, sewers, and manholes. Safety equipment includes safety shoes, vests, ear plugs, SCBA equipment, and gloves.

Moderate to heavy physical work includes frequent climbing, crawling, bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, and reaching above shoulder height. Requires visual acuity and hearing ability for two‑way communication. Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 100 pounds.

The position involves multiple tasks, deadlines, occasional overtime, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is essential. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State, Federal, and City of Las Cruces policies.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field plus four (4) years of experience in wastewater collection system maintenance and operation, including supervisory experience.
• Valid Class A commercial driver’s license and Level IV Wastewater Certification required.

Experience and Training

Education, experience and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses and Certifications

• Class A commercial driver’s license.
• Level IV Wastewater Certification.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and supervises work crews and staff to ensure safe and effective operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of lift stations, sewer lines, and manholes; schedules new project repairs, services, and Vactor rodding trucks.
• Consults with purchasing staff, suppliers, and vendors to procure supplies, materials, tools, and equipment; makes decisions within delegated authority and budgetary constraints.
• Meets with engineering staff and utility inspectors to review and comment on infrastructure, rehabilitation, design, project specifications, and system set‑up topics; communicates with engineers, consultants, and other staff as needed.
• Responds to emergency situations to ensure proper resources and staff to restore services and functionality of systems.
• Meets regularly with staff to review work in progress, discuss and resolve administrative, workload, and technical issues, and prioritize and assign tasks and projects; evaluates functions, resources, processes, and procedures to identify issues and recommend changes for improvement.
• Interprets applicable rules and regulations within scope of authority to provide leadership and guidance in developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures.
• Oversees, supervises, and supports staff through delegation and work supervision to provide appropriate levels of service and resources; coordinates projects, monitors work, evaluates performance, trains, counsels, coaches, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives.
• Works with the WWTF Plant Manager in developing the operations budget; maintains data on supplies used and provides input into plans and projects for plant improvement; meets with engineers and contractors to review drawings and prints; reads and reviews prints and plans for new installations.
• Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies.
• Collects and analyzes data to prepare and present various special and recurring reports to provide accurate and timely information related to assigned functions and duties; develops and presents information in clear and easily used formats; maintains regulatory compliance by keeping current on industry trends, regulations, and issues; identifies areas of concern for management for review and potential action.
• Responds to and resolves various complaints, issues, inquiries, and problems as authorized and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of wastewater collection systems.
• Current principles of record keeping and records management.
• Principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques.
• Occupational and environmental safety and health hazards and safety practices.
• Safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment.
• Current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence, correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Business and personal computer applications and related software.
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform required functions and duties.

Abilities

• Perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and accurately to meet deadlines and achieve goals.
• Read, understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with specifications, schematic drawings, blueprints, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Inspect and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems; safely operate associated tools, equipment, and motor vehicles.
• Detect needed repairs and make necessary operational adjustments on equipment.
• Navigate across even and uneven surfaces; perform technical reading and writing.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively orally and in writing.
• Use sound judgment in decision‑making with routine operations and during malfunctions or emergencies.
• Work effectively in confined spaces, use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined‑space physical.
• Maintain concentration during work activities; research, compile applicable information, and maintain accurate records.
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings.
• Operate a two‑way communication device to communicate with crews and supervisors.
• Supervise, coach, lead, and direct the activities of staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to meet goals.

Skills

• Reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within scope of delegated authority.
• Responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment in all interactions.
• Working independently or as a team member in various environments with changing priorities.
• Preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence.
• Researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats.
• Operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software.
• Preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Providing highly effective support in assigned areas.

Additional Information

Position is a grade RX20. Full‑time; Regular; Exempt. First consideration given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.