Description
Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to lead wastewater treatment operations in Greenville, Mississippi. This key leadership role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Greenville Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system while supporting the essential infrastructure that serves the local community. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a focus on continuous improvement in wastewater treatment and utility operations.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, compliance, safety, and performance of the Greenville Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated collection system assets. This position provides leadership to plant operations staff, ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations, manages budgets and resources, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable wastewater treatment operations. The Operations Manager serves as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, municipal leadership, and internal stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plant Operations & Compliance
- Direct and oversee the daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable permits, including NPDES requirements, state regulations, and environmental standards.
- Monitor plant performance, operational data, laboratory results, and process control activities to optimize treatment efficiency.
- Develop and implement operational procedures, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency response plans.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of regulatory reports and operational records.
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
- Assist engineering teams in support of EPA Consent Decree compliance activities, including the identification, tracking, and reporting of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).
- Must reside within a 30-minute travel time of the Greenville Wastewater Treatment Plant and be able to respond to on-call and emergency situations within the required timeframe.
Leadership & Staff Management
- Lead, coach, develop, and supervise plant operators, maintenance personnel, laboratory staff, and other assigned employees.
- Establish performance expectations and conduct employee evaluations.
- Coordinate staffing schedules, on-call rotations, and training programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of operations personnel.
Safety & Risk Management
- Promote and enforce all company and regulatory safety requirements.
- Conduct safety meetings, inspections, and incident investigations.
- Ensure employees maintain required certifications, training, and safety qualifications.
- Develop and maintain emergency response procedures for plant operations.
Financial & Asset Management
- Develop and manage annual operating and maintenance budgets.
- Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Manage contracts, vendors, equipment purchases, and service agreements.
- Assist with capital improvement planning and infrastructure upgrades.
- Maintain asset management and maintenance tracking systems.
- Serve as the liaison with City Hall and Public Works teams for budget matters and other operational information.
Client & Community Relations
- Serve as the primary operational liaison with City officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Support municipal leadership with operational updates, performance metrics, and capital planning recommendations.
- Respond to operational concerns, emergencies, and public inquiries as needed.
Required Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or related field preferred.
Experience
- Experience managing regulatory compliance, operations staff, and maintenance programs.
- Municipal wastewater treatment experience preferred.
Licenses & Certifications
- Mississippi Wastewater Operator Certification (Class IV preferred or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
- OSHA and safety-related certifications preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, laboratory testing, and process control.
- Strong understanding of NPDES permits and environmental regulations.
- Ability to interpret operational data and make sound process-control decisions.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
- Experience with budgeting, capital planning, and asset management.
- Ability to respond to emergencies and serve in an on-call capacity when required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SCADA systems, CMMS software, and operational reporting tools.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Regulatory Compliance (permit violations and reporting accuracy)
- Plant Performance & Treatment Efficiency
- Safety Performance (TRIR, incidents, near misses)
- Budget Adherence
- Equipment Reliability & Preventive Maintenance Completion
- Employee Development & Retention
- Client Satisfaction
- Environmental Compliance and Audit Results
Waggoner Core Expectations
- Inspire trust and accountability.
- Engage employees, clients, and stakeholders.
- Deliver safe, compliant, and efficient wastewater operations.
This position is responsible for ensuring the Greenville WWTP operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance while developing a high-performing team that supports the City of Greenville and Waggoner's commitment to operational excellence.
Why Join Our Team
We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! Waggoner Engineering provides a fun, family-friendly, and multicultural work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
- WEI Incentive Program
- Healthy Workplace Program
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Competitive Health Benefits
- Career Development and Training
- Flexible/Hybrid Schedule
- Community Service Opportunities
Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.