Operations Team Leader

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities.  If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. 

Build a rewarding career at Aqua as an Operations Team Leader reporting to the Area Manager of the White Haven Division. This role has primary responsibility for facilities in the White Haven Division and secondary responsibility for facilities in the Honesdale Division.

This role oversees the operation, maintenance, staffing, safety, budgeting, business activities, and employee performance of assigned water and wastewater facilities. Water assets include well stations, treatment plants and equipment, mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, meters, and other current or future water treatment and distribution assets. Wastewater assets include treatment plants and equipment, lift stations, manholes, equalization basins, and other collection system components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Supervise facility operators, seasonal employees, and contractors, emphasizing safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Interview and hire employees, set high-performance standards, and manage performance in accordance with applicable HR policies and procedures. Oversee onboarding and training for new employees.
  Hold regular staff meetings to share company updates and information, discuss ideas for continuous improvement, and support a high-performing culture.
• Manage the company’s work order process for the assigned division. Regularly review work order status, ensure timely closeout, and correct miscoded orders.
• Implement safety policies and procedures. Inspect job sites, operating facilities, and equipment for compliance and promptly address deficiencies.
• Develop and implement training programs that maintain staff competency in assigned roles.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and manage performance. Review six-month probationary evaluations for operations personnel.
• Process invoices, purchase requisitions, and other accounting controls in compliance with budgets and established work processes.
• Oversee operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance in the assigned area. Investigate system upsets, determine corrective actions, and direct the required operational response.
• Monitor and maintain inventories of necessary parts, tools, chemicals, and other equipment.
• Coordinate with other operational groups to share resources and meet workload demands.
• Oversee maintenance of system assets by employees and contractors, including replacements, relocations, and repairs of system appurtenances. Ensure all work meets company and regulatory standards.
• Manage the operations budget and support Engineering in administering capital budgets for water and wastewater. Prepare and monitor expense budgets, explain variances, and collaborate with Engineering and senior management to fund and complete capital projects.
• Maintain operational databases and reports, including compliance sampling and data submissions, hydrant flushing, valve exercising, water loss, production, and Pennsylvania One Call activities.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure construction projects meet company specifications, are properly documented, and are completed on schedule.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with public utilities, municipalities, the Pennsylvania DEP, and local fire departments. Represent the company in meetings with township, county, and regulatory agencies regarding construction, maintenance, and other company business.
• Stay informed about regulations affecting utility operations. Assess the operational impact of regulatory changes and recommend appropriate actions.
• Use required company software proficiently after training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This position works closely with the Field Supervisor on many of the responsibilities listed above.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in water or wastewater utility operations and/or supervision is required.
• Required Pennsylvania DEP Water and Wastewater Operator certifications; must be obtained within 48-months of hire.
• A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of excavation and work-zone safety.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and objectively and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented, multitasking environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be exposed to extreme temperatures, noise, wet or humid conditions, mechanical and electrical hazards, gas exposure, fumes, dust, mists, gases, and poorly ventilated environments.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to see, hear, speak, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Supervises on-call personnel and participates in a rotating supervisor on-call schedule.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).  
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.