CHIEF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Performs technical and administrative work in supervising/assisting the Operations and/or Maintenance Programs/Projects of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Conventional Water Plants and Advanced Membrane Water Treatment Facilities. Does related work as required.
 
Work is performed under the direction of the Treatment Plant Supervisor.  Supervision is exercised over plant operational personnel as assigned.

Essential Functions/Duties

 

Supervises and schedules the work of personnel of the plant, gives instructions on operational procedures; Provides technical supervisory support to Lead Plant Operators; Plans and conducts or oversees in-service training of new employees; Inspects the operation of the plant to ensure conformance to standards and proper operation; Enforces plant safety regulations; Maintains daily records and reports on plant operations and activities; Participates in staff training; May be required to serve as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC)	50%
Assists in the installation and start-up of new and rebuilt equipment as assigned; Initiates, reviews, coordinates and closes CityWorks Work Orders; Coordinates and supervises the parts storage cage; Supervises operation of computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system; Supervises solids transfer from sedimentation basins and sludge removal from the Sludge Plant; Coordinates Training and Maintenance of the Advanced Membrane Water Treatment Facilities	30%
Serves as technical resource for Operations staff with regards to troubleshooting process control issues; Supervises operational quality control programs; Assists in coordinating Division-wide operational projects; Assists in coordinating Division-wide maintenance program; May be required to be on the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Team; Serve as Operator On-Call as designated	15%
Supervises and/or participates in the preparation and submission of State and Federal Operational reports as required; Develops budget recommendations as requested; Oversees the conducting of operational analytical tests; Performs related tasks as required	5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, characteristics, and equipment of water or wastewater plant operations including detailed knowledge of the mechanical, electrical and process aspects of all facilities; knowledge of laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, advanced knowledge of chlorination requirements; thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles involved in the plant; advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in plant operation and chemical treatment functions; ability to make complex mathematical calculations; ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; demonstrated leadership skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to supervise operations as on-call personnel; ability to act on the behalf of the Plant Supervisor in his/her absence; ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal skills/working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and the general public. 
 

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelors degree in a physical or natural science or equivalent with a minimum of 3 year’s progressive experience in the operations and/or maintenance of a large water or wastewater treatment facility (5 years preferred); or an Associate degree or equivalent in a related field with a minimum of 5 year’s progressive operations or maintenance experience in a large water and/or wastewater treatment facility (7 years preferred). Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Ability to push, pull and lift 50 lbs.  
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s license.   Possession of a Water Plant Operators “A” certificate as issued by the NC State Board of Certification or the ability to acquire within 3 years.  Possession of a NC Wastewater Plant Operator Grade IV certification within 3 years.  
Complete NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 training within 12 months.