WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHIEF OPERATOR – GRADE 4

City of Lebanon TN; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 78,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

18 PTO days first year

Health, dental, vision, life and long‑

Disability insurance

Pension/401(k) hybrid

Job summary

The City of Lebanon invites applications for a Wastewater Treatment Chief Operator – Grade 4. The role oversees daily plant operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and leads plant personnel in a fast‑paced, safety‑driven environment in Lebanon, TN.

Qualified candidates hold a TN Grade 4 certification, a relevant science degree or extensive experience, and are prepared for 24/7 utility operations with on‑call duties. Residency in nearby counties is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• TDEC Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
• At least 60 months of experience at a Grade 4 wastewater treatment facility, or a bachelor's degree in science.
• Valid Tennessee driver's license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required continuing education and training.
• Strong knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, process control, laboratory analysis, hydraulics, mechanics, electrical systems, instrumentation and controls, microbiology, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate daily wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and applicable laws.
• Supervise, train, and direct plant operators, maintenance staff, and other personnel.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze operational data, and make process adjustments.
• Perform complex laboratory testing and analyze results.
• Troubleshoot complex operational and equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Assist with SOPs, maintenance schedules, employee evaluations, personnel action plans, shift assignments, and training schedules.
• Enforce safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Utilities management on plant performance, process optimization, and capital improvement projects.

Skills

Wastewater processes

Process control

Laboratory analysis

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Instrumentation & controls

Regulatory requirements

Education

TDEC Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification

Bachelor's degree in science

High school diploma or GED

Job description

City of Lebanon, Tennessee

Wastewater Treatment Chief Operator – Grade 4

Salary: $37.58 – $44.21 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Located in the heart of Wilson County and just minutes from Nashville, the City of Lebanon is a growing Middle Tennessee community of approximately 53,000 residents. Founded in 1801, Lebanon is the Wilson County seat and is part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The Opportunity

The Wastewater Treatment Chief Operator is a senior‑level position reporting to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager under the direction of the Utilities Director. The Chief Operator oversees daily wastewater treatment operations, provides leadership and training to plant personnel, and ensures safe, efficient, and regulatory‑compliant plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate daily wastewater treatment plant operations.


• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and applicable laws.


• Supervise, train, and direct plant operators, maintenance staff, and other personnel.


• Monitor plant performance, analyze operational data, and make process adjustments.


• Perform complex laboratory testing and analyze results.


• Troubleshoot complex operational and equipment issues and implement corrective actions.


• Oversee equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.


• Assist with SOPs, maintenance schedules, employee evaluations, personnel action plans, shift assignments, and training schedules.


• Enforce safety protocols and emergency response procedures.


• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, and documentation.


• Collaborate with Utilities management on plant performance, process optimization, and capital improvement projects.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The position directly supervises approximately 1–10 employees and is responsible for planning, assigning, and directing work, training employees, and resolving operational and personnel issues.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.


• TDEC Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.


• At least 60 months of experience at a Grade 4 wastewater treatment facility, or a bachelor's degree in science.


• Valid Tennessee driver's license with a clear driving record.


• Ability to obtain and maintain required continuing education and training.


• Strong knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, process control, laboratory analysis, hydraulics, mechanics, electrical systems, instrumentation and controls, microbiology, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience or related supervisory training.


• CDL license.


• Some college education or bachelor's degree.

Work Schedule & Availability

This position supports critical infrastructure and requires 24/7 operational availability, including rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency assignments.

The Chief Operator will participate in a rotating on‑call schedule and may be required to report to duty or remain onsite during severe weather, power outages, or other emergency operations.

Due to the position's on‑call and emergency response responsibilities, residency in Wilson County or a surrounding county is preferred, including Cannon, Davidson, DeKalb, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, or Trousdale Counties.

What We Offer

The opportunity to join the City of Lebanon Utilities team and play a key leadership role in maintaining an essential public utility for a rapidly growing community.

Benefits: The City of Lebanon offers full‑time employees a competitive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays, 18 PTO days during the first year (increasing to 23 days after the first year and with additional increases based on years of service), health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and a pension/401(k) hybrid retirement plan through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).

The City of Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.