Water Plant Superintendent (N16)

The City of Annapolis is seeking an experienced, highly qualified technical leader to serve as Superintendent of the Water Supply & Treatment Facility (WSTF). Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, this position exercises considerable independent judgment in planning, organizing, directing, and supervising the daily operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the City’s water treatment plant, water supply wells, storage tanks, and remote facilities.

The Superintendent directly supervises plant operation and maintenance personnel, leads capital improvement efforts, ensures compliance with state and federal drinking water standards, and maintains strict operational readiness to deliver safe, clean, and continuous potable water to the Annapolis community.

• Facility & Process Management: Oversees the continuous, efficient operation and maintenance of the Water Supply & Treatment Facility (WSTF), water supply wells, five (5) water storage tanks, and the remote Pressure Booster Station.

• Regulatory Compliance: Collaborates closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the EPA, and local regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with all environmental laws, water quality parameters, and reporting requirements.

• Staff Leadership & Supervision: Trains, supervises, schedules, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate plant operations and maintenance personnel. Plans and participates in employee training programs.

• Resource & Inventory Control: Manages chemical usage, power consumption, spare parts, tools, and equipment replacement to maintain uninterrupted plant and remote system operations.

• Distribution Coordination: Partners with the Utility Department to coordinate water distribution system repairs, pressure monitoring, and operational adjustments.

• Budget & Cost Analysis: Tracks well draw-downs, power consumption, and production volumes; analyzes annual operating costs and formulates budget recommendations for the division.

• Process Optimization: Recommends and implements treatment modifications or equipment upgrades to elevate water quality and enhance operational cost-effectiveness.

• Emergency Response & On-Call Availability: Required to carry a City-issued cell phone and remain on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to plant emergencies, equipment failures, or water quality incidents.

• Technical Water Treatment Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of municipal water treatment processes, equipment maintenance, hydraulics of fluid flow, and the principles of electricity as a power source.

• Mechanical & Electrical Aptitude: Considerable knowledge of repair methods for electric motors, high-capacity pumps, chemical feed systems, and plant instrumentation calibration.

• Regulatory & Safety Fluency: Thorough knowledge of Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and federal drinking water laws, as well as safety precautions applicable to chemical handling and high-voltage plant operations.

• Problem Solving & Laboratory Testing: Skill in solving complex technical problems involving hydraulics/electricity and performing routine water laboratory control tests.

• Supervisory & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of technical personnel, maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, and the public, and foster a team environment.

• Education: High school diploma or GED certificate supplemented by an Associate degree from an accredited college in Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a closely related field (including relevant college-level coursework); AND

• Experience: Extensive experience in the operation and maintenance of a public water supply and treatment plant, including a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience over plant personnel; OR

• Equivalent Combination: An equivalent combination of education, specialized technical training, and progressively responsible experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Possession of an active Class IV Water Treatment Operator’s Certificate issued by the State of Maryland.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Superintendent’s Certification issued by the State of Maryland within six (6) months of hire or promotion.

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's driver's license.

• Safety-Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive. Appointment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment chemical substance screening, and the incumbent is subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing under Federal, State, and City guidelines.

• Physical Demands: Requires physical strength and agility to lift and maneuver heavy objects (up to 80-lb chemical bags, chlorine cylinders, tools, and heavy equipment), climb ladders/stairs, and navigate plant infrastructure.

• Work Environment: Work involves a combination of standard office environments and active water treatment plant spaces.

• Sensory Requirements: Visual acuity to operate plant machinery day or night and read technical instrumentation/reports; auditory and vocal capabilities to communicate via phone, two-way radio, and in noisy plant environments.

• Availability Requirements: Must be available and on-call 24/7/365 for emergency response.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.