Water Plant Operations Supervisor

Performs supervisory work in planning, scheduling, and coordinating staff engaged in the operations of the city’s water or wastewater treatment plant. Serves as backup ORC of assigned plant.

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment of potable water and disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials.  Oversees the daily operations of the assigned plant.  Responsible for the supervision of the operations staff.   Work is performed on an assigned or rotating shift and includes monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, mechanical readings, and results of standard chemical and biological tests used to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate.  Other duties include performing standard laboratory duties and tests and assisting with plant and facilities maintenance.  Work also includes substantial record-keeping activities. Work also requires the employee to participate in personnel-related issues such as performance evaluations and employee counseling. Work is performed under the general supervision of the treatment plant superintendent.  Work is evaluated through observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operational standards, instructions, and safety practices.     

Makes plant tours and monitors plant and facilities periodically to ensure that equipment is operating properly.

Operates and monitors the functioning of pumps, clarifiers, motors, digesters, blowers, valves, aeration equipment, chemical feeders, and related equipment.

Collects representative samples from stages in the treatment process for laboratory testing.

Performs minor laboratory testing including chlorine residual, pH, temperature, hardness, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity.

Performs preventive maintenance including repacking pumps, greasing motors and equipment bearings, painting equipment and buildings, cleaning equipment and buildings, and assisting the maintenance personnel as needed.

Receives customer complaints and communicates same to the superintendent; assists superintendent with response.

Records gauge readings and prepare daily report forms.

Serves as supervisor in absence of ORC.

Maintains chemical supplies and orders as needed.

Other required duties as assigned.

Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of water and wastewater treatment.

Considerable knowledge of and skill in conducting standard laboratory tests and procedures used in water or wastewater treatment.

Considerable knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to water and wastewater treatment.

Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and applying necessary safety precautions.

Considerable knowledge of city policies and procedures related to the treatment plants division and personnel.

Skill in detecting flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determining remedial measures.

Ability to assign and supervise the work of subordinates, provide performance coaching, set priorities, motivate, train, and communicate effectively.

Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.

Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Work in this position is light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects).   Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.  The employee must have the visual acuity to prepare data and figures, operate equipment, and determine the accuracy of the work assigned.  The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including noise, exposure to chemicals, exposure to atmospheric conditions, and exposure to oils.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina. Position requires a high school diploma or GED and considerable experience in water or wastewater treatment operations.  Position also requires either (1) Wastewater Operator’s Grade IV certification and Land Application certification from NC DEQ or (2) Water Plant Operator’s A-level certification and a Physical Chemical I from NC DEQ, depending on the plant to which assigned.