Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Supervisor

City of Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision starting Day 1

6% 401a employer match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

City of Grand Rapids seeks a Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Supervisor to lead operations and maintenance teams and address citizen sewer and drainage concerns. You will coordinate emergency repair crews to protect our community and waterways.

Essential duties include supervising staff, directing plant processes, and managing safety, budgets, and records. Shift coverage and 24/7/365 operations are required, with a pay differential for off-hours.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in operations, maintenance, or repair, with supervisory duties.
• Experience overseeing wastewater plant operations and staff.
• Familiarity with budgeting and equipment procurement.
• Must hold/obtain required Michigan wastewater licenses.

Responsibilities

• Supervises personnel; participates in hiring, training and evaluations.
• Directs wastewater processes including treatment, clarification, digestion and dewatering.
• Maintains safety programs and oversight of SOPs and preventive maintenance.
• Manages inventory, contracts, and procurement; tracks expenditures.
• Attends meetings and prepares reports and budgets.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves complaints; maintains logs and records.
• Oversees special projects and system enhancements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operations & maintenance

Safety practices

Budgeting

Shift work

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Since building our wastewater treatment facility in 1931, we've changed a lot more than the name. We've worked hard to restore the quality and reputation of the Grand River, our most precious resource, and we are looking for a Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Supervisor to help us continue that mission. We treat over 40 million gallons of wastewater every day using state‑of‑the‑art technology to ensure sustainability.

In this role, you will directly support these operations by supervising our operations and maintenance teams, addressing citizen sewer and drainage concerns, and coordinating emergency repair crews to protect our community and our waterways.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations, trains new employees.
• Supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of wastewater processes, including preliminary treatment, preliminary clarification, activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, secondary clarification, disinfection, solids processing, solids thickening and solids dewatering, Biodigestion, Phosphorus recovery, and cogeneration.
• Maintains safety of employees, system users and the general public through the progressive use of standard safety practices, SOPs, predictive and preventive maintenance, prioritization of corrective actions and general oversight plant and systems
• Maintains inventory of treatment supplies and chemicals, odor control chemicals and equipment; researches, selects and orders parts and equipment; manages contracts, invoices, procurement systems and contractors
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, safety meetings, project review meetings, construction progress meetings, design review meetings and training sessions
• Analyzes operations and maintenance manuals and standards for all assets in the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, storm‑water system and water distribution system; maintains the Computerized Maintenance Management System
• Responds promptly to customer inquiries; handles and resolves customer complaints; obtains and evaluates all relevant information to handle inquiries and complaints
• Maintains detailed records and logs; prepares reports related to the work
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget; manages the expenditure of appropriated funds; participates in development of system modifications and improvements; oversees special projects related to utility maintenance and operations
• Performs related work as required

Hours

This position is one of five responsible for overseeing the plant's 24/7/365 operations. There are five different shifts that need to be covered. The Plant Superintendent assigns shifts based on the operational needs of the plant. Shift assignments are reviewed regularly, and there is potential for rotation among them.

The City offers a shift differential of up to $2.00 per hour for any work performed during off‑hours.

Possible Shift Assignments

1st Shift

• Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

2nd Shift

• Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

3rd Shift

• Saturday through Wednesday, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (the following day)

Relief Shift

This position has a four‑day work week and requires working two ten‑hour afternoon shifts and two ten‑hour night shifts. The schedule is as follows:

• 3rd Shift: Thursday and Friday, 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM (the following day)
• 2nd Shift: Sunday and Monday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma (or GED equivalent)
• --AND--
• Six (6) years of experience in operations, maintenance, and/or repair work, especially related to plant operations, including considerable supervisory experience
• --OR--
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses (More information on licensing requirements:)

• State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class B license
• State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license with the ability to obtain a Class B within one (1) year of hire

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email akaulback@grand‑rapids.mi.us or [e-mail] or by phone at (616) 456‑4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor.

Please Note

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules