Wastewater Chief Plant Operator

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Wastewater Chief Plant Operator position is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operation, development, repair, and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities You will take direction from the Wastewater Superintendent and/or Public Works Director. This position will require supervising, evaluating, planning, and participating in the day-to-day operations which includes the following:

• Mechanical maintenance and repairs of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and facilities.
• Overseeing processing and water quality laboratory testing.
• Assisting in the preparation and administration of the division budget, evaluates and trains assigned staff.
• Interfacing with and coordinates assigned functions with other City services and departments.
• Representing plant operations with government regulatory agencies.
• Ensuring safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Accepts administrative responsibility for the activities, operations, and services of the Wastewater Division in providing quality treatment service for the City
• Plans, supervises, prioritizes, monitors, and participates in the work of staff responsible for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater treatment plant and related collection system; ensures compliance with state, federal, and local mandates for water quality. Makes plant operation modifications as needed; provides monthly/annual reports to state, federal, and local authorities.
• Supervises and performs tasks related to the maintenance, repair, and construction of wastewater treatment plant facilities, lift stations, equipment, and related control systems.
• Inspects the maintenance and repair of equipment for quality, compliance with applicable standards, and proper operation.
• Oversees laboratory analysis programs for wastewater, sludge, and effluent and is responsible for operating and systems modification based on test results.
• Prepares a variety of water quality and industrial waste reports for regulatory agencies and internal operations.
• Conducts regular inspections to identify maintenance and repair needs; schedules, plans, and supervises the installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Evaluates and recommends the best use of supplies, materials, and equipment; requisitions, inventories, and supervises the use of all materials, supplies, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater facilities.
• Ensures that mechanical equipment receives proper lubrication, overhauling, and inspection; ensures proper calibration of pneumatic instruments; performs plant operation and maintenance assignments, as necessary.
• Evaluates staffing requirements and utilization of staff; supervises, evaluates, trains, and motivates assigned staff
• Develops and directs staff safety training programs; oversees safety of assigned staff and monitors work in progress; schedules staff work assignments.
• Assists the Public Works Director with operating and capital improvement budgets
• Analyzes annual operating costs and makes recommendations for budget development and improvements in operating costs
• Administers and monitors the approved budget; prepares project cost estimates and analysis.
• Attends and participates in organizational and community meetings as necessary
• Stays current on issues relative to wastewater treatment technologies; responds to and resolves community and organizational inquiries and complaints regarding treatment system operations.
• Represents the City’s wastewater treatment functions in public relations activities and with regulatory agencies.
• Establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the division.
• Enforces rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the operation of the wastewater treatment system and waste discharge requirements prescribed in all applicable sections of the Clean Water Act and California Water Code.
• Performs standby duties for water and wastewater treatment facilities on a routinely scheduled basis.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Modern principles, practices, and techniques of wastewater treatment plant operations, quality assurance, process controls, and systems maintenance.
• Testing methods and procedures, including qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Principles and practices of wastewater collection.
• Design, planning, and development of wastewater treatment facilities; cost, time, and materials estimating.
• Principles and practices of bacteriological and sampling techniques and mathematical analysis; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including those governing wastewater treatments, quality monitoring and control.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Use proper English, spelling, and grammar.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Proficient with office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize, and supervise the operation of a wastewater treatment plant and associated collection systems.
• Ensure equipment is maintained appropriately.
• Accurately supervise and perform water quality laboratory testing and analysis.
• Ensure chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests are conducted in accordance with mandates.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory tests and make modifications to wastewater treatment plant operations as required; read and interpret plant operations equipment.
• Maintain accurate and updated logs, records, and reports; prepare and submit comprehensive and mandated reports.
• Perform plant operation and maintenance assignments; represent the City’s wastewater treatment functions with other governmental agencies and community groups.
• Plan, organize, train, evaluate, and direct work of assigned staff; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations
• Read, interpret, and record data accurately
• Organize, prioritize, and follow- up on work assignments.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

SWRCB Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification