Water/Wastewater Plant Superintendent

HIRING RANGE

$85,000-93,000

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Open until filled, apply by June 4, 2026 for first consideration.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs complex technical, administrative, and professional work planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the water and wastewater treatment plant within the Water Resources Department.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of water and wastewater treatment plants to ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant treatment of drinking water and wastewater for the citizens of the City. The employee provides technical advice and assistance to the Water Resources Director in long-range planning, plant construction and improvements, treatment capacity management, environmental and regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, maintenance activities, and coordination with customers and regulatory agencies related to water and wastewater treatment operations. Work includes treatment process oversight, regulatory compliance, plant maintenance, laboratory coordination, supervision of treatment plant personnel, and planning for delivery services to present and future customers. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to standards, instructions, and clear safety practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the division engaged in the operational, maintenance, of water treatment and wastewater treatment systems; ensures compliance with state and federal permits and regulations.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the construction and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Participates with management in planning for water and wastewater treatment services for the City; inspects treatment plant facilities, processes, and equipment to determine operational adequacy and effectiveness; develops and implements recommendations for plant improvements, upgrades, and expansions to meet current and future treatment demands; and manages contracts or in-house personnel involved in treatment plant construction, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Prepares and administers water and wastewater treatment plant budgets in consultation with the Director; prepares bid specification, analyzes bid proposals, and recommends bid awards for services and equipment; oversees a variety of contracts for adherence to specifications, quality, and timeliness; obtains quotes and requisitions equipment, materials, supplies, and chemicals.
• Interviews and selects treatment plant personnel in consultation with the Director; recommends promotions, merit pay and recommends necessary disciplinary actions; establishes and locates appropriate training programs; ensures the use of appropriate safety precautions and equipment; communicates, motivates, coaches and reviews subordinate employee work for maximum productivity.
• Coordinates the operations of the water and wastewater treatment plants with other City departments and other related local, state, federal and utility organizations.
• Coordinates with engineers on design and construction of infrastructure; plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers, citizens, and contractors; makes field investigations of projects to review progress and ensure completion.
• Oversees proper employee and laboratory certification compliance; oversees compliance with various federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conducts studies and prepares reports on efficiency and effectiveness of methods, programs, policies, equipment, systems, and other related water and wastewater treatment plant activities.
• Develops in concert with management, communicates, and enforces departmental policies, standards, and procedures.
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, files, and necessary operating data and trends; conducts analysis and makes recommendations.
• Oversees, participates in and plans for changes in regulations regarding water, wastewater, safety and other related issues; participates with industry officials to influence professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Performs additional duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal water and sewer utilities administration, planning, and organization.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and administration of water and wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations governing the operations of water treatment and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of management practices and theory.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and procedures related to water and wastewater treatment.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill and ability to effectively and efficiently manage a water treatment plant including all related administrative and supervisory functions involving personnel and budget administration.
• Ability to research and prepare technical reports and read and interpret technical federal and state guidelines on water treatment procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of personnel engaged in all phases of departmental operation over a wide scope.
• Ability to conduct field inspections, read and interpret specifications, blueprints, and schematic drawings, and make recommendations to resolve construction, maintenance, and design problems.
• Ability to conduct long-range planning for infrastructure needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, City employees, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports, and make public presentations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology, environmental sciences, or related field.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in the management and supervision of water and wastewater treatment operations is required; an equivalent combination of education, training and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered. Project management experience is preferred.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises all Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Plant personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions in which the employee is subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment creating fumes, odors, and dusts and atmospheric conditions with extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time. Employee is subject to a level of noise requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Work involves shift work including holidays and weekends and emergency call-back service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to inspect plans, designs, and written reports, prepare and analyze figures and data, and operate a computer terminal. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Strong sense of smell is required to perform duties.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, North Carolina Certifications to meet DEQ requirements, including but not limited to Grade A-Surface Water Treatment Facility Operator and Grade IV Biological Operator certification.