Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Facilities Manager

Job Overview
The City of South Sioux City, Nebraska, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as our next Wastewater Treatment and Water Facility Manager. This is an opportunity to lead essential public utility operations, guide regulatory compliance, supervise a dedicated team, and help shape critical infrastructure that supports a growing community. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, and a commitment to dependable public service.

Why South Sioux City?

South Sioux City offers the best of both worlds: the accessibility and affordability of a welcoming Nebraska community with the advantages of the larger Siouxland metro area. Located in the tri-state region of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, the city is part of a metro population of more than 160,000 and is just minutes from major highways, regional employers, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, an active parks and recreation system, and convenient access to riverfront trails, youth sports, and outdoor amenities. South Sioux City is proud of its continued investment in infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life—reflected in its long-standing community motto, “Where Quality of Life is a Cardinal Rule.”

About the Role

Under general administrative direction, the Wastewater Treatment and Water Facility Manager plans, organizes, and directs the operation, maintenance, repair, and regulatory compliance of the City’s wastewater treatment, wastewater collection, water treatment, and water distribution systems. This position plays a key leadership role in protecting public health, ensuring environmental compliance, managing utility staff, overseeing budgets and capital improvements, and maintaining safe and reliable utility service for the community.

Key Responsibilities

Utility Operations

• Direct and oversee daily operations of the new municipal AGS (Aerobic Granular Sludge) wastewater treatment facilities.
• Assist Water/Sewer Superintendent with operations of water treatment facility and water and sewer distribution systems.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and continuous operation of all utility systems and related infrastructure.
• Monitor treatment processes and system performance to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Coordinate emergency response activities involving water distribution, wastewater collection, treatment facilities, and utility infrastructure.
• Maintain operational records, reports, and documentation required by regulatory agencies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to drinking water, wastewater treatment, environmental protection, and worker safety.
• Prepare and submit required operational, discharge monitoring, water quality, and permit reports.
• Coordinate inspections conducted by Nebraska Department of Water Energy and Environment, EPA, and other agencies.
• Maintain required permits and certifications.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to address operational or compliance deficiencies.

Personnel Management

• Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate utility department employees.
• Assign work priorities and ensure completion of assigned tasks.
• Recommend personnel actions including hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, licenses, and training.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability throughout the department.

Budget and Asset Management

• Prepare and administer annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Develop long-range replacement schedules for equipment and infrastructure.
• Oversee purchasing and inventory management of equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
• Assist with utility rate studies and financial planning.

Capital Improvement and Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee utility infrastructure improvement projects.
• Work with engineers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies on construction and rehabilitation projects.
• Review plans, specifications, and project proposals related to utility operations.
• Assist in developing and implementing the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Public Relations and Customer Service

• Respond to customer concerns and inquiries regarding utility operations and services.
• Provide technical information and recommendations to elected officials, City administration, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Attend City Council, committee, and board meetings as required.
• Assist with public communication regarding water quality, environmental compliance, and utility projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of water treatment and wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Knowledge of Nebraska laws, regulations, and permit requirements governing wastewater treatment facilities, public water systems, operator certification, reporting, inspections, and municipal utility operations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct complex utility operations.
• Analyze technical and operational data and implement improvements.
• Prepare reports, budgets, and regulatory documentation.
• Communicate effectively with employees, officials, regulators, contractors, and the public.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and operational challenges.
• Interpret engineering plans, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Water Technology, Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering Technology, Public Administration, or a related field, or a combination of education and experience in municipal wastewater treatment and water systems.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Experience

• Experience operating a wastewater treatment plant and municipal water systems, with increasing responsibilities.
• Experience managing municipal utility budgets and capital improvement projects.
• Experience with SCADA systems, GIS, and utility asset management software.
• Experience working with elected officials and regulatory agencies.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Nebraska Driver's License.
• Nebraska Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Preferred Nebraska Class I Water Operator Certification, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Additional certifications as required by state regulations.

Salary Range

Salary shall be established by the City Council and/or City Administrator based upon qualifications, certifications, experience, and applicable personnel policies.

Pay: $78,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Wastewater treatment: 5 years (Required)
• Supervisory leadership: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Wastewater Certification (Required)
• Water Treatment Plant Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $78,000 - $98,000