Chief Wastewater Plant Operator

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting online applications for a Chief Wastewater Plant Operator. The employee performs difficult technical work planning and supervising the operation of a wastewater treatment plants; does related work as required. This is responsible technical and supervisory work in directing the operations and activities of the municipal wastewater treatment plants and laboratories. The work involves responsibility for directing and participating in the activities of the municipal pumping stations and treatment plant on an around‑the‑clock basis. The employee in this class exercises considerable independent judgment in scheduling and directing plant activities. Supervision is exercised through subordinate personnel over a staff of Wastewater Plant Operators, Plant Maintenance Mechanics and other personnel. The work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative and technical superior who reviews work through conferences, evaluation of reports and results obtained.

Essential Functions of Position:

• plans, schedules and directs the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants;
• formulates operating policies and procedures, and sees that they are adhered to by personnel;
• directs chemical and bacteriological examinations of sewage at various stages of treatment;
• prepares chemical required in operation of laboratory;
• Investigates and takes appropriate action to dispose of complaints;
• makes and installs recommendations for improving system and operations;
• confers with engineers and others regarding the efficiency and economy of plant operation;
• advises and assists in the design and installation of pumps, machinery and other equipment;
• completes monthly, quarterly, annual and other monitoring reports;
• prepares requisitions for plant supplies and materials, and approves invoices for them after they have been received;
• performs related tasks as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of the processes involved in the treatment of sewage; thorough knowledge of the functions and mechanics of wastewater treatment plant machinery and equipment, and of its servicing and maintenance requirements; thorough knowledge of the physical, chemical and bacteriological processes involved in sewage treatment; some knowledge of engineering principles as applied to large‑scale sewage treatment operations; ability to plan, supervise, schedule and direct the work of subordinate Wastewater Plant Operators, Plant Maintenance Mechanics and other personnel; ability to make decisions recognizing established precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees and the general public; ability to diagnose and alleviate plant operating, maintenance and water pollution control problems.

Acceptable Experience and Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in environmental health or a related area supplemented by the completion of approved course work in sewage treatment and considerable experience in the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment equipment, including experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator II; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the State of Tennessee. Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

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