Wastewater Senior Operator

American Water Works Association; Sevierville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association seeks a Chief Operator Assistant to help direct daily wastewater plant operations in Tennessee. The role acts as backup to the Chief Operator and assumes responsibility during absences.

The incumbent supervises operations and personnel, supports scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and staff evaluations, and ensures regulatory compliance. They lead training, safety programs, and oversee pretreatment and permit reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental health or related area with approved sewage treatment coursework.
• Experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator; equivalent training accepted.
• 8-10 years of wastewater treatment experience; 3-5 years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Directs daily operation of wastewater plant and serves as backup to Chief Operator.
• Supervises plant operations and personnel; oversees scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and staff evaluations.
• Oversees process optimization and regulatory compliance; participates in inspections and audits.
• Assists with permit compliance and reporting; develops operational procedures and safety programs.
• Provides technical leadership for complex operational issues and oversees the pretreatment program.

Skills

Leadership

Operations supervision

Regulatory compliance

Training & certification

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental health or related field

Job description

Description

Assists the Chief Operator in directing the daily operation of the wastewater treatment facility. Serves as the Chief Operator's designated backup and assumes responsibility for plant operations during the Chief Operator's absence.

Summary of Duties

• Assists in supervising all plant operations and personnel.
• Acts on behalf of the Chief Operator during absences.
• Oversees process optimization and regulatory compliance.
• Assists with scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and staff evaluations.
• Coordinates employee training and certification.
• Participates in inspections and regulatory audits.
• Assists with permit compliance and reporting.
• Develops operational procedures and safety programs.
• Provides technical leadership for complex operational issues.
• Oversees the pretreatment program.
• Performs related tasks as required.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education requirements refers to job specific training and education required for entry into the position.

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in environmental health or a related area supplemented by the completion of approved coursework in sewage treatment and considerable experience in the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment equipment, including experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Licenses, certifications, and registrations refers to professional, state, or federal licenses, certifications, or registrations required to enter the position.

Valid TN Driver's License required. Requires possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the State of Tennessee. Possess a Pretreatment Certification issued by Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience refers to the amount of work experience that is required for entry into the position that would result in reasonable expectation that the person can perform the tasks required by the position.

8-10 years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment experience. 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.