Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class performs difficult skilled technical work overseeing the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and does related work as required. Reviews laboratory and operator reports of plant operations and laboratory analysis. Schedules workers for coverage of plant operations. Ensures that facilities and practices comply with all safety regulations. Prepares operator guidelines and standards practices. Prepares preventive maintenance schedules for plant equipment and facilities. Participates in major and minor repairs to plant equipment and facilities. Analyzes sludge volume and determines waste rate and timing; communicates instructions to plant operators. Employees are subject to hazards associated with water plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Work around water is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent and is reviewed by observation, conference, and the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices. Supervision is exercised over Water Treatment Plant Operators.

Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Essential Duties and Tasks
Oversees and participates in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant; maintaining records and logs; preparing reports.
Plans, schedules, supervises, and participates in the work of plant operators; ensures all shifts are manned in compliance with regulations; provides back-up and relief for shift; ensures plant is operating in compliance within State and Federal rules and regulations.
Serves as the ORC in the absence of the Superintendent.
Assigns, directs, and inspects the work of plant operators; coaches and counsels personnel; recommends disciplinary action; trains operators in use of all plant equipment and different treatment processes.
Conducts regular inspections of plant and equipment to ensure that it is operating properly at all times; monitors water plant operations including water flow, chemical feeds, tank levels, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, chlorinators, and other equipment; takes appropriate corrective action when required.
Monitors and oversees the collection of water samples; performs standard chemical and biological tests relating to plant operations; completes lab analysis of treated and untreated water to ensure quality.
Supervises the regulation and adjustments to motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions and to make process control changes.
Reviews lab and plant operation reports prepared by operators; identifies necessary changes in chemical, biological, or mechanical plant processes and functions.
Prepares, submits, and maintains a variety of reports and records on all phases of water collection, treatment, distribution, and consumption in accordance with State and Federal rules and regulations.
Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly, or fabrication of parts within arm’s length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.
Communicates with Superintendent and other operators regarding plant operations and issues to be addressed; recommends changes in plant process as necessary to improve plant efficiency.
Performs general building and grounds maintenance duties.
Responds to customer complaints and inquiries.
Ensures that safety policies and procedures are adhered to; conducts safety inspections, safety meetings and training.
Performs minor maintenance and repairs to equipment and machinery necessary for plant operations.
Additional Job Duties
Performs shift operation duties as required.
Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment of water treatment plant operations. 
Thorough knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved in the treatment of water. 
Thorough knowledge of mechanical and hydraulic engineering principles involved in plant operation. 
Thorough knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements. 
Thorough knowledge of routine laboratory procedures.
Thorough knowledge in preparing detailed reports and related documents and in maintaining records.
General knowledge in the use of standard office equipment and related software.
Thorough knowledge in the use of equipment associated with the position.
Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately.
Ability to make arithmetic computations; ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to use basic algebra in computing chemical feed amounts.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, consultants, inspectors, engineers, associates, and the general public.

Desirable Education and Experience

Associates degree with coursework in engineering, or related field and considerable experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Information

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire. 
Possession of Class “B” Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification and Class “C” Distribution Certification upon hire. 
Ability to obtain Grade I Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification. 
Must meet and maintain all department certification, license, and training requirements for position.
Completion of the defensive driving course within six months of employment.