Wastewater Operation and Maintenance Supervisor

Wastewater Operation and Maintenance Supervisor

Salary

$84,966.00 - $108,413.00 Annually

Location

Water Resource Recovery Facility 1300 Market Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

348-0826

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

Since building our wastewater treatment facility in 1931, weve changed a lot more than the name. Weve worked hard to restore the quality and reputation of the Grand River, our most precious resource, and we are looking for a Utilities Operations Supervisor to help us continue that mission.

We treat over 40 million gallons of wastewater every day using state-of-the-art technology to ensure sustainability. In this role, you will directly support these operations by supervising our utility maintenance teams, addressing citizen sewer and drainage concerns, and coordinating emergency repair crews to protect our community and our waterways.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations, trains new employees.
• Supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of wastewater processes, including preliminary treatment, preliminary clarification, activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, secondary clarification, disinfection, solids processing, solids thickening and solids dewatering, Biodigestion, Phosphorus recovery, and cogeneration.
• Maintains safety of employees, system users and the general public through the progressive use of standard safety practices, SOPs, predictive and preventive maintenance, prioritization of corrective actions and general oversight plant and systems
• Maintains inventory of treatment supplies and chemicals, odor control chemicals and equipment; researches, selects and orders parts and equipment; manages contracts, invoices, procurement systems and contractors
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, safety meetings, project review meetings, construction progress meetings, design review meetings and training sessions
• Analyzes operations and maintenance manuals and standards for all assets in the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, storm-water system and water distribution system; maintains the Computerized Maintenance Management System
• Responds promptly to customer inquiries; handles and resolves customer complaints; obtains and evaluates all relevant information to handle inquiries and complaints
• Maintains detailed records and logs; prepares reports related to the work
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget; manages the expenditure of appropriated funds; participates in development of system modifications and improvements; oversees special projects related to utility maintenance and operations
• Performs related work as required

Hours

This position is one of five responsible for overseeing the plants 24/7/365 operations. There are five different shifts that need to be covered. The Plant Superintendent assigns shifts based on the operational needs of the plant. Shift assignments are reviewed regularly, and there is potential for rotation among them. The City offers a shift differential of up to $2.00 per hour for any work performed during off-hours.

Possible Shift Assignments:

1st Shift

• Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

2nd Shift

• Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

3rd Shift

• Saturday through Wednesday, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (the following day)

Relief Shift: This position has a four-day work week and requires working two ten-hour afternoon shifts and two ten-hour night shifts. The schedule is as follows:

• 3rd Shift: Thursday and Friday, 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM (the following day)
• 2nd Shift: Sunday and Monday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma (or GED equivalent)
• -AND--
• Six (6) years of experience in operations, maintenance, and/or repair work, especially related to plant operations, including considerable supervisory experience
• -OR--
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses (More information on licensing requirements: HERE)

• State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class B license
• -OR-
• State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license with the ability to obtain a Class B within one (1) year of hire

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01

Do you possess a high school diploma (or GED equivalent)?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess six (6) years of experience in operations, maintenance, and/or repair work, especially related to plant operations?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", please write N/A.

04

Do you possess supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your supervisory experience identifying the type and number of employees you oversaw and the work they were performing. If you answered "No", please write N/A.

06

Do you possess a State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class B license, or a Class C license with the ability to obtain a Class B within one (1) year of hire?

• I possess a State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class B license
• I possess a State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license with the ability to obtain a Class B within one (1) year of hire
• Neither/Not Applicable

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Rapids

Address 300 Monroe Ave, NW

8th Floor, Room 880

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone (616) 456-3176

Website http://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/jobs/human-resources-Department