Water Resources Superintendent

City of St Joseph; Buchanan Township (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St Joseph seeks a capable wastewater treatment supervisor to direct daily operations, coordinate with Public Works, and oversee both plant and laboratory staff. The role requires leadership to ensure efficient, compliant operations and timely reporting.

Preferred candidates hold a Michigan Class B wastewater operator certification or have a plan to obtain Class B within 12 months, with a high school diploma and related coursework.

Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and ability to travel between City facilities.
• Michigan Class B municipal wastewater treatment operator certification preferred.
• Class C certification acceptable with timeline to obtain Class B within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Direct and participate in operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities.
• Coordinate lift station and collection system needs with Public Works and other City staff.
• Supervise assigned operators and laboratory staff; schedule work and coverage; evaluate performance.
• Monitor treatment performance; interpret laboratory results and operating data; direct process adjustments.
• Oversee sampling, laboratory quality control, and equipment calibration.
• Prepare and administer the operating budget and assist with capital improvements.
• Promote safe work practices and coordinate emergency response.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Lead operator experience

Wastewater treatment knowledge

Laboratory procedures

Industrial pretreatment

Mechanical systems

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in water resources or environmental science

Related degree preferred

Job description

Direct and participate in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment
plant and related facilities. Coordinate lift station and collection system needs with
Public Works and other City staff.
Supervise assigned operators and laboratory staff, schedule work and coverage,
establish clear expectations, evaluate performance, and support training and
advancement in operator certification.
Monitor treatment performance, interpret laboratory results and operating data, and
direct process adjustments. Oversee sampling, laboratory quality control, equipment
calibration, and accurate operating records.
Position Posting
Manage compliance with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permit and applicable requirements of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great
Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prepare and submit
required reports and coordinate regulatory inspections and corrective actions.
Administer the industrial pretreatment program, coordinate sludge and biosolids
management, and address discharges that could affect treatment performance or
permit compliance.
Plan preventive maintenance and repairs for pumps, motors, controls, chemical feed
systems, and other equipment. Maintain asset records and coordinate contractors,
supplies, and equipment purchases.
Prepare and administer the operating budget, recommend capital improvements, and
help develop funding priorities, equipment replacement schedules, and plans for
system extensions.
Promote safe work practices, coordinate emergency response, and communicate
operational issues and recommendations clearly to the City Manager, staff, regulators,
and the public. Perform related duties as assigned.

A current Michigan Class B municipal wastewater treatment operator certification, or
higher, is preferred. The City will also consider a candidate who currently holds a Michigan
Class C certification and can meet the eligibility requirements, take and pass the required
examination, and obtain Class B certification within 12 months of hire.
Class C applicants must document their education, qualifying experience, and testing
timeline consistent with EGLE requirements. Until Class B certification is obtained, the City
will maintain appropriately certified operational coverage and assign duties consistent with
the employee’s certification and legal authority.
High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by training in wastewater treatment.
Relevant college coursework or a degree in water resources, environmental science,
chemistry, biology, or a related field is preferred.
Progressively responsible wastewater operations experience, including the ability to
make sound process decisions, troubleshoot equipment, maintain compliance, and
direct the work of others. Supervisory or lead operator experience is preferred.
Position Posting
Working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, laboratory procedures,
industrial pretreatment, mechanical systems, and applicable environmental and
workplace safety requirements.
Ability to prepare budgets and reports, maintain accurate records, use operating and
office software, and communicate effectively with employees, contractors, residents,
and regulatory agencies.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel between City facilities and respond to
operational needs outside normal working hours. Any additional vehicle qualifications
must match the equipment assigned.