Austin Water Operations & Maintenance Superintendent – Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant

About This Position

 

For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up – we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Job Description:

Purpose: 

Working independently, this position organizes and manages the operations and maintenance of a water treatment plant, a wastewater treatment plant, multi-zone water distribution system, or wastewater collection system.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Interprets and reviews compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Monitors operational/mechanical expenditures. Evaluates bid proposals and recommends selection.

• Coordinates facility activities with system requirements.

• Coordinates operation/maintenance of treatment facilities, water distribution system, or wastewater collection system with engineers, other departments, contractors, State/Federal regulatory agencies, neighborhood associations, and citizens.

• Manages site requirements (noise, environment, security). Manages safety programs, including inspections/reporting.

• Manages regulatory requirements: EPA, TCEQ, Watershed Protection, and AFD.

• Develops and recommends changes to operating procedures.

• Analyzes and interprets data and prepares reports, including performance measures.

• Prepares budget for facility.

• Provides technical advice to internal and external customers. Researches and responds to management and citizen questions.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of water treatment facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, multi-zone water distribution systems, or wastewater collection systems.

• Knowledge of EPA and regulatory requirements.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.

• Knowledge of supervisory/managerial techniques and principles.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities,

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and operation of industrial facilities related to the position, including three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and operation of a water treatment plant, multi-zone water distribution system, wastewater treatment plant, or wastewater collection system, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and operation of industrial facilities related to the position, including seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and operation of a water treatment plant, multi-zone distribution system, wastewater treatment plant, or wastewater collection system , including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations: TCEQ Class B Wastewater License or higher.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising the operation and maintenance of a or biosolids system.

• Experience supervising a staff of 30+ employees.

• Experience with budget preparation and monitoring.

• Experience and knowledge of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting and reporting requirements.

• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), data analysis, project management, and asset management-based systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to travel to more than one location.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant (BMP) receives biosolids that are generated from the wastewater treatment process and further processes these solids to create compost for land application and public sales.

Position Overview:

The Austin Water Operations & Maintenance Superintendent position will oversee the operations and maintenance of Hornsby Bend BMP and supervise leadership personnel and other staff as designated by plant assignment. Other duties include but are not limited to, prioritization of plant safety and plant permit compliance; budget management; plant project coordination; communication with vendors, contractors, and other Austin Water work groups.

Salary: $84,670 – $107,500 annually, based on qualifications and experience.

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:
Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant
2210 S FM 973, Austin, Texas 78725

Days and Hours:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours may vary as needed to support the utility that operates 24/7.

This position is considered essential and may be required to work during inclement weather and on weekends and holidays. Shift work, overtime, callback, and on-call work may be required based on business needs.

Essential Employee:

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Technical Licensure:

• This position requires a Class B (or higher) Wastewater License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

• If you hold an equivalent license from another state that is eligible for reciprocity from TCEQ, please note that reciprocity is required by the date of hire.

• TCEQ may restrict granting an occupational license to individuals with certain criminal convictions. To review TCEQ’s criminal conviction guidelines, go online to TCEQ.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• A cover letter is required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe in concise detail their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please do not use “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.

• Statements such as “see resume” will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Please include contact information from previous employers.

Assessment Requirement:

Skills and competencies relevant to this position will be assessed. A minimum score of 70% is required to be considered for the interview phase of this recruitment process.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water must review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Electronic Notification to Applicants:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.

• Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

• Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date.

• We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.