Operator in Charge

Job Title: Water / Wastewater O.I.C.

FLSA Status : X Exempt Non-Exempt

Department: Operations

Location: Almena, WI

Direct Supervisor: VP of Operations

Indirect Supervisor: COO

Travel Expected: 10%

# of Direct Reports: 1-5

Job Summary

The Water / Wastewater Operator in Charge (OIC) is the designated operator responsible for the overall operation and regulatory compliance of the water and/or wastewater treatment facilities and related systems The OIC provides technical and operational leadership, makes final process control decisions, ensures permit and safety compliance, understands and drives site financial budget P&L KPI’s, and directs the work of other operators and support staff on site.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the operator in responsible charge for assigned systems, ensuring that water and/or wastewater treatment systems are operated in compliance with all permits, regulations, and standards.
• Monitor, interpret, and respond to SCADA/HMI trends, lab results, field data, and alarms; make final process control decisions, including major adjustments, startups, shutdowns, and bypasses as required.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of operators and other personnel on shift, including task assignment, process monitoring, data collection, housekeeping, and basic maintenance.
• Proven track record of interpreting and managing business KPI’S and P&L budgetary goals.
• Review operating logs, bench sheets, lab reports, and process data for completeness, accuracy, and early signs of operational or compliance issues; initiate corrective actions and escalate as necessary.
• Oversee and participate in the collection and analysis of routine and compliance samples; verify that sampling and testing procedures meet regulatory and QA/QC requirements.
• Ensure required regulatory records, reports, and documentation (e.g., daily logs, DMRs, MORs, incident reports) are accurate, complete, and submitted on schedule; provide data and explanations for internal and external audits/inspections.
• Coordinate and support preventive and corrective maintenance with maintenance staff and contractors, helping to plan outages and process changes to maintain effluent and water quality.
• Lead or assist in responding to emergencies and unusual events (e.g., process upsets, power failures, equipment failures, SSOs, main breaks, storm events), implementing contingency plans and notifying supervisors and regulators as required by policy.
• Monitor adherence to safety policies and procedures, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, chemical handling, PPE, and fall protection; participate in and sometimes lead safety meetings and training.
• Train, mentor, and coach Operators I–III and trainee personnel in plant operations, procedures, safety, and basic troubleshooting; provide input on performance and development needs.
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, and process optimization initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support safe, compliant, and efficient operation of water and wastewater systems, with ownership of the performance on-site.
• Coordinates and provides on-site leadership for additional capex projects as needed.
• Any other duties or projects as assigned by management.
  
  

Education And Experience

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED required; additional technical coursework in water/wastewater, environmental science, process technology, or related field preferred.
• Substantial experience in water and/or wastewater operations, typically five or more years with demonstrated journey‑level competency and prior responsibility for process control decisions.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of the highest or next‑to‑highest grade Water and/or Wastewater Operator certification required for the facility by state or local regulation (sufficient to be listed as Operator of Record/Operator in Responsible Charge).
• Valid driver’s license.
• HAZWOPER or similar training is a plus.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements, including how operational decisions impact permit compliance and public/environmental health.
• Strong process control and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to interpret SCADA trends, lab data, and field conditions and make sound, timely decisions.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and understanding of treatment equipment operation and maintenance, with the ability to coordinate work with maintenance staff effectively.
• Thorough understanding of safety and risk management practices in water/wastewater operations; ability to model and enforce safe work behaviors.
• Effective leadership and communication skills, with the ability to direct, coach, and motivate operators and interact professionally with supervisors, regulators, and the public when needed.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to keep accurate records and prepare clear reports.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, enforcing KPI accountability, and effectively managing P&L to achieve business objectives.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work performed in water and wastewater treatment plants, pump/lift stations, and field environments, with exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions.
• Regular standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and lifting materials and equipment within established weight limits.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours call outs as the designated OIC.