WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WTP) SUPERVISOR

General Statement of Duties

A responsible supervisory position managing and overseeing the Water Treatment Operations facility ensuring delivery of safe drinking water to the citizens of the City. Performs difficult skilled technical and administrative work supervising operations and maintenance programs of a water treatment plant; performs related work as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Resources Manager. Continuous supervision is exercised over assigned staff.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. The WTP Supervisor serves as operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the treatment plant ensuring compliance with all state and federal permitting.

Work involves, but is not limited to, planning and assigning work, inspecting the operations of the plant through observation and analysis of laboratory results, ensuring proper preventive maintenance and repairs, overseeing the operations of a state-certified laboratory. Work also involves researching, recommending, and implementing long-range and short-range capital facilities and equipment needs; development of an annual operating budget; establishing and maintaining records and reports necessary for full regulatory compliance and for effective decision-making; and motivating, coaching, and ensuring effective productivity of division personnel.

Work involves considerable initiative and judgement. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with exposure to noise, vibration, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and may be required to confined spaces, and other hazards.

General administrative direction is received regarding matters of policy, budget, long range planning, personnel matters, and work priorities. Work is evaluated through regular meetings, conferences and reports for productivity, and compliance with required laws and regulations.

Essential Functions And Duties

Serves as operator in responsible charge ensuring the city meets its permitted discharge levels; reviews laboratory reports for operational performance of the plant and oversees changes in the chemical and biological processes of the plant; may serve as Back-Up ORC of additional facilities or programs as authorized by the state.
Plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in plant operations, process control, laboratory analysis, and preventive maintenance and repair of plant equipment and facilities.
Supervises and schedules the work of plant personnel, gives instructions on general operative procedures.
Makes educated process control decisions for efficient and compliant operation of the plan; serves as a technical resource for staff with regards to troubleshooting process control issues.
Oversees compliance with all federal and state water regulations; prepare and submit various regulatory reports as required.
Manages all outside water contractor work being performed at the treatment plant for the City.
Ensures safe operating conditions are maintained at all times; coordinate safety programs and monitor compliance.
Perform administrative functions such as entering purchase requisitions and preparation of the division payroll.
Plans, conducts, or oversees in-serve training of new employees and ongoing staff development.
Participates with management in planning for current and future capital needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance.
Requests necessary resources for plant operations as part of annual budget process; requisitions supplies, chemicals, equipment and other resources.
Assists in monitoring permit compliance.
Provides oversight to the Cross-Connection Program for the City.
Researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
Supervises laboratory operations; ensures state annual re-certification; supervises contracted or in-house analysis of more complex properties and industrial samples.
Ensures proper preventive maintenance is performed on plant equipment and facilities; participates in trouble-shooting equipment repair needs and recommends in-house repair measures of contracted repairs.
Motivates, coaches, and reviews the performance of employees; insures proper training and certification of assigned personnel; recommends and participates in disciplinary actions; participates and recommends in the hiring process.
Maintains inventory of chemicals, solutions, and other laboratory supplies; Performs quality control program on equipment and supplies to assure reliable test results; maintains laboratory equipment in proper operating order; maintains state laboratory certification.
Interprets laboratory tests and prepares required reports; consults with, informs, and advises plant personnel about controls to be used, defects found, or changes in treatment process; participates in problem-solving regarding process control; conducts methodology experiments to identify process control strategies.
Coordinates contracted laboratory analysis; reviews results.
Conducts distribution system sampling at multiple sites monthly and packages samples for contract laboratory analysis.
Participates in updating ordinances, policies, and practices related to program.

Additional Job Duties

Performs additional related tasks as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water treatment.
Thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water treatment.
Thorough knowledge of safety procedures and practices and recognition of hazards in water treatment.
Occupational hazards as they relate to health and safety of employees in Water Plant Operations
Remote telemetry systems as they apply to plant operations.
Principles and practices of running a water treatment plant including the physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties of a potable water system.
Knowledge of the municipal budget, purchasing, and personnel policies and practices.
Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory practices including motivation, communications, delegation, discipline, performance review, and other supervisory practices.
Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the management of the plant.
Ability to analyze information and make effective decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city official, industrial officials, regulatory officials, contractors, other employees, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Thorough knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in difficult chemical and biochemical analysis of water.
Considerable knowledge of computer applications and peripherals in laboratory work.
Ability to read and interpret technical federal and state guidelines on water treatment procedures.
Ability to prepare and keep accurate records and prepare reports.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to provide training of operations or other staff in laboratory procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, and regulatory agencies.

Physical Requirements

Must be available for shift work and weekend work, as required.
Must be able to perform the basic life functions of stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze laboratory results, data, and figures, to operate a microcomputer, and to perform visual inspection of measurement devices.
Work in all weather conditions and may be exposed to noise, dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, solvents, grease or oils, electrical energy, vibrations, poor lighting, moving objects, odors, and slippery or uneven surfaces.
Strong sense of smell is required to perform duties.

Desirable Education And Experience

Graduation from college or university with a degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field, experience as an ORC, or considerable water treatment experience, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfies state requirements for Treatment Operator and ORC.

Minimum Education And Experience

High school graduation and three years of water treatment operations required to satisfy state requirements for Treatment Operator and ORC.

Special Requirements

Certification at Surface Level A by the State of North Carolina for Water Treatment.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Drug screening and criminal background check required.

Salary range will be determined based upon certifications, qualifications, and experience. The anticipated salary range below is for very well qualified candidates.

City of Kings Mountain

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