Performs difficult technical, administrative, and managerial work planning, organizing and supervising the operations, maintenance and repair of a water reclamation facility.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class plans for twenty-four-hour operations of a plant to treat and dispose of wastewater in an environmentally safe manner. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. This position shall serve as the backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the wastewater treatment plant and the backup ORC for the City’s spray irrigation program, ensuring continuity of regulatory oversight, operational compliance, and proper reporting when the primary ORC is unavailable. Work involves planning and assigning work to subordinates, inspecting the operations of the plants through observation and interpretation of laboratory results, and ensuring proper preventive maintenance and repairs. The employee coordinates with laboratory staff to ensure plant integrity and that permitted limits are met. Work also involves participating in long- and short-range capital facilities and equipment construction and renovation, establishing and maintaining records and reports necessary for full compliance with all regulations and for effective management decision-making, requesting necessary resources in the annual budget, and training, motivating, coaching, and ensuring effective productivity of division personnel. Work involves public contact, initiative and judgement. The employee is subject to emergency call back work and may be subject to the hazards associated with working around raw wastewater and treatment machinery including hazards of noise, vibration, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and may be required to enter crawl spaces, sewage and water line pipes, and other hazards and use protective breathing equipment. The employee may also be subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens in coming in contact with raw wastewater. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and reports for productivity, and compliance with required laws and regulations and for acceptance of customers and the general public.
Plans, organizes and directs the work of subordinates engaged in plant operations and process control and facility maintenance.
Participates with management in planning for current and future capacity needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance.
Researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
Establishes, maintains, and analyzes a variety of reports as required and as needed for effective management decision-making.
May serves as Operator in Responsible Charge of the wastewater plant.
Plans and requests necessary resources for plant operations as part of annual budget process; administers approved departmental budget; purchases various chemical, tools parts and supplies.
Supervises and participates in preventive maintenance programs and repairs for plant equipment and facilities; participates in repair activities as needed.
Schedules, motivates, coaches, and reviews the performance of staff; ensures proper training and certification of assigned personnel; recommends and participates in disciplinary actions; conducts the hiring process.
Backs up other staff as needed.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment.
Considerable knowledge of laboratory analysis, preventive maintenance practices, and residuals management methods and regulations.
Thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to wastewater treatment and related safety practices.
Some knowledge of the City budget, purchasing, and personnel policies and practices.
Knowledge of modern and effective supervisory practices including motivation, communications, delegation, discipline, team building, performance review, and other supervisory practices and related laws and regulations.
Knowledge of the application of information technology to plant operations and record keeping.
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, problem solving and customer contact.
Ability to plan an organize work over a broad scope of 24-hour operations and to create and articulate a departmental or organizational vision of excellence.
Ability to analyze information and make effective decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, media, industrial officials, regulatory officials, contractors, other employees, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective data, records and reports for management decision making and regulatory compliance.
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a community college with a degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field and considerable water or wastewater treatment experience, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirement
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, Wastewater Operators Grade IV level certificate from the State of North Carolina within one (1) year of hire, is required.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, Spray Irrigation certification within 18 months of hire, is required and Wastewater Residuals Land Application within 24 months of hire, is required.
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess visual acuity necessary to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, perform extensive reading, and operate a computer terminal.
