What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Wastewater Plant Operator position at WSSC Water?
The Chief Wastewater Plant Operator supervises the operation of a large, complex, multi-process wastewater treatment plant that has a design flow of 1 MGD or greater. The position oversees the management of associated solids processing and treatment facilities.
Essential Functions
- Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
- Plans, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of operating plant personnel including, but not limited to, efforts and initiatives to avoid plant upsets that could jeopardize health and safety
- Performs expeditious diagnosis and correction of process issues resulting from unusual environmental, weather-related, human-mediated, or various emergency or non-emergency factors or conditions that could lead to process upsets
- Prepares job performance evaluations, approves timesheets, and recommends relevant training
- Promotes safe work practices and investigates accidents
- Establishes operating standards and determines and prioritizes plant operational activities; provides general instructions to staff for wastewater treatment, process control, and solids handling to maintain compliance with provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act
- Assists in developing long-range plans, procedures, and improvements in operating the wastewater treatment plant and associated solids handling facilities including, but not limited to, reviewing contract documents, drawings, and specifications
- Assists in coordinating construction projects, and implements measures to maintain adequate treatment performance during construction activities at the plant
- Analyzes plant and laboratory reports and directs adjustments of process controls to improve treatment and maintain regulatory compliance
- Assists in developing and implementing appropriate operator training programs; conducts classes to improve operator knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Prepares comprehensive reports on plant operations
- Supervises the maintenance of records of plant operations and the preparation of fiscal and payroll reports
- Submits requisitions for chemicals, materials, tools, equipment, and contractor services as needed
- Coordinates chemical deliveries and other goods and services that are needed for plant operations
- Develops budgetary estimates of plant needs and assists in preparing the annual budgets
- Provides mentoring, leadership and training to operating staff
- Performs operational inspections of existing and new facilities to ensure equipment and processes operate properly and follow specifications, and to correct deficiencies
- Responds to plant emergencies outside of regular work hours as needed
- Participates in long-range planning, design, and construction activities
- Serves as a subject matter expert in evaluating the skills of operating staff as required
Other Functions
- May be requested to coordinate and conduct plant tours and open houses; connects with customers and public officials on matters related to the plant
- May be required to participate in standby/callback duty
- As a member of the WSSC Water All Management Team, the Section Manager will participate in cross-team committees established to support and advance the WSSC Water Mission and Vision
- Performs related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Work is performed in both an office and a plant environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of machines, equipment, materials, and operating practices of a large advanced wastewater treatment plant
- Thorough knowledge of chemical, biological, and physical processes involved in the treatment of wastewater
- Knowledge of plant discharge requirements under the Federal Clean Water Act
- Demonstrated ability to organize and supervise Wastewater Plant staff and others engaged in plant operations
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, various sections within WSSC Water, public officials, and the public
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 3 years experience at the level of a senior operations or maintenance position at an advanced large wastewater treatment facility
Responsible for the daily Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facility