Class Summary

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE

The Wastewater Department strives to protect public health, property and the environment. Wastewater Management department manages comprehensive programs to efficiently and effectively operate the collection and treatment facility by conveying, treating all wastewater from homes and businesses through the treatment plant. The Wastewater Management Department provides essential services and operates an essential facility for our community.

POSITION PURPOSE

Provides strategic leadership and support to operate the wastewater treatment Plant. Performs responsible administrative, supervisory and environmental regulatory compliance work directing maintenance, operations, laboratory, HVAC/Odor Control, Instrumentational/Electrical Data Center activities of an advanced wastewater treatment plant and pump stations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Employee works under limited supervision and reports to the Wastewater Director. Directly oversees treatment plant operations and maintenance. Provides supervision to direct and indirect reports in professional, administrative, and technical positions. Employee supervises all functions of the treatment plants, Laboratory, HVAC/odor control, instrumentation/ electrical center, operations and maintenance workgroups, pump stations, biosolids, land applications and related facilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is within the wastewater treatment plant. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment with the ability to work under adverse conditions, such as in chemical atmosphere containing putrid materials, and work within a toxic or explosive gas environment. Need to be mobile enough to move quickly from building to building and up and down ladders and catwalks during plant inspections. Able to hear, with or without hearing aids, well enough to find and identify a single mechanical problem among much machinery noise. Ability to see, with or without corrective lenses, well enough to read fine print, such as blueprints, and detect subtle shades of color, such as color detection for titration.

Examples Of Job Functions

The following Responsibilities and Requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the planning, coordination, operation and maintenance of the instrumentation/electrical center pretreatment program, internal environmental control group (HVAC & odor control), laboratory, operations and maintenance workgroups of the wastewater (sewage) treatment plants, pumping stations, and biosolids facilities.
Responsible for directing subordinate supervisors in preparation and maintenance of facility safety records and documentation, including all Process Safety Management related activities, written policies, procedures and training.
Acts as the point of contact with county, state and federal environmental control agencies.
Assists or directs in-plant study courses in accordance with state laws.
Administers departmental public notice activities as required under various state and federal regulations.
Reviews plant maintenance and operations in order to evaluate plant performance and determine the need for changes in Operations and Maintenance activities and policies, particularly those requiring substantial capital expenditures.
Directs and oversees the City’s industrial pretreatment program.
Plans, assigns, and supervises special operations research projects and studies. Reviews the project results and their applications to plant operations. Assists in rate development and writing ordinances.
Implements plant conversion and alteration proposals, reviews engineering plans and specifications and coordinates all facility construction and modification activities with existing systems.
Presents technical and administrative information to the City Council, the Public Works Committee, and various citizens groups.
Supervises and participates in the maintenance of records and preparation of operational reports.
Assists in preparation of the annual plant budget, and exercises control over the expenditure of funds allocated for plant maintenance, operation, and related activities.
Directs the review and revision of operations, instrumentation/electrical/data, maintenance, laboratory, odor control (HVAC), and process control procedures completed by subordinate supervisors, including development of appropriate checklists and training documentation to ensure continuous and effective operation and maintenance of facility.
Inspects plant machinery and equipment which may require climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, exposure to machinery and confined spaces; inspect ongoing activities for safety and environmental compliance and for adherence to standard operating procedures.
Performs related work as required.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Extensive Knowledge of the bacteriological and chemical treatment of wastewater, its effect on plant machinery and equipment, and the legal requirements for its operation.
Knowledge of administrative and supervisory technique and methods and the ability to supervise the activities of subordinate personnel, deal effectively and courteously with others.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and system operation.
Knowledge of Washington state regulations and NPDES requirements.
Principles and practice of leadership and supervision, mentoring, training and evaluating the work of others.
Theories, principles, practices, procedures, methods and techniques of wastewater treatment.

Skill in:

Effective decision making.
Application of scientific principles and practices to plant operation and maintenance problems.
Preparing clear and concise communications, reports and technical documents.
Project management and concepts.
Leading, developing, training, and managing subordinates from a diverse background in creating a desirable work environment.

Ability to:

Analyze technical plant operating problems and determine the proper remedial action.
Deal effectively and courteously with other departments, outside agencies and the general public.
Build effective teams that have diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Communicate effectively, orally, electronically and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective public and working relations.
Effectively supervise, manage and train staff; supervise subordinate personnel and professional staff.
Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate complex data and facts to draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations.
Compose clear, concise and accurate reports using data and research gathered by self and others to effectively present to various audiences orally, electronically and in writing.
Adapt to other duties as assigned and prioritize, organize and plan work as needed to meet objectives.
Plan, initiate, manage and complete complex and multiple simultaneous work assignments with a minimum of direction; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally this will include:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with degree in public or business administration, civil or environmental engineering or related science,

Experience:

Six (6) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in the field of sanitation.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Washington State board of certification for wastewater operators- class IV Certification

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

As an exempt employee of the City of Spokane, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Plant Manager is subject to the City's Code of Ethics set forth in Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code. As such, "it is the policy of the City of Spokane to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees who shall maintain the utmost standards of responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as a public servant including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their City position, authority or resources for personal gain."

EEO STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.

City of Spokane

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Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Plant Manager