Chief Plant Operator

Summary

This requisition expires on August 1, 2026 but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.

Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the water treatment plant staff, the treatment process, and operation of the distribution system.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Perform supervisory duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, tracking staff work time, coordinating equipment, maintain operator information on central data system, and staff to ensure the plants are staffed 24 hours per day/7 days per week.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain Safety Data Sheet documentation.
• Ensure plant operations are performed to regulatory standards through staff training and education on City of Denton, Department SOPs, policies, processes, and best techniques and practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure equipment operability through observations, upkeep, and use of computerized maintenance management system and the procurement of parts.
• Perform troubleshooting duties and evaluate the treatment process and equipment malfunction(s); determine and take corrective action to ensure plant is operational.
• Monitor and ensure appropriate inventory levels, order chemicals and supplies, and forecast material demands.
• Perform process control equipment calibrations and address identified issues; notify leadership immediately if not able to resolve issue.
• Investigate internal and external stakeholder concerns; perform research for issues coordinates and facilitates necessary actions to resolve concern as appropriate; when necessary, communicate directly for identification of service needs and address concern with appropriate written, verbal, or in-person follow-up.
• Collaborate with plant Chief Plant Operator(s) to understand how each plant produces water and sends water to the distribution system; provide back-up coverage, as needed.
• Perform duties of assigned staff, as needed.

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent; and,
• Six (6) years’ experience as an operator in a 15 MGD or greater water treatment plant including three (3) years’ experience in water plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); and,
• Two (2) years of management or supervisory experience; and,
• Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ); and,
• Must possess or able to obtain a Grade “A” Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment; and,

• Any combination of related education and experience that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of water quality monitoring equipment.
• Skill in moderate-to-complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skilled in reading and comprehending highly technical or specialized materials.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, blueprints, schematics, and/or other related development documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and train through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to document all adjustments necessary and approved to complete the project.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety protocols and safe work procedures.

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and employment history verification, and social security number verification.
• Must pass a physical examination.
• Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the TCEQ.
• Must possess or able to obtain a Grade “A” Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
• Tools/Equipment Used:Standard office equipment and a variety of manual, electric, and hydraulic hand tools and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking; moderate stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting; occasional crawling.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Vision: Must be able to distinguish between and identify colors.
• Lifting: Lifting no more than 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Environment: Works in an office setting office and outside with exposure to sun, heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather, noise, dust, chemicals, odors, potentially hazardous conditions, uneven ground, and rough terrain; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must maintain accessibility to respond to emergencies at all hours, if needed.Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, andweekends, as needed.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Quality Service
• Strategic Focus
• Fiscal Responsibility

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.