SALARY RANGE: Range 50 - $74.60 to $95.21 Hourly

DEFINITION:
Under the direction of the Operations Superintendent, responsible for the operation of a complex secondary treatment facility to meet and/or exceed all N.P.D.E.S. discharge requirements for the treatment plant. Also assists in the planning, scheduling and oversight of subordinates in the Operations Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Chief Operator position reports directly to the Operations Superintendent. Must be able to assume on-shift responsibility for facility operations and for directing operators in a safe and efficient operation of wastewater treatment plant in order to meet all N.P.D.E.S. discharge requirements.

SUPERVISON EXERCISED:
Daily supervision of the Operations Department staff. Assume operational responsibility of the plant in the absence of the Operations Superintendent.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Direct staff in the operation of a complex secondary and tertiary treatment plants.
Direct staff on the safe and efficient operations of all auxiliary facilities such as chemical handling, solids disposal, compressed air systems, water reclamation and co-generation.
Inspect plant facilities and evaluate laboratory and operational performance data to analyze process trends; direct staff in making process changes and make recommendations to ensure plant compliance with Federal and State regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment and disposal.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate managers, the activities of the operations division staff; performance criteria and production requirements; selects or approves the selection of division staff and evaluate staff performance; apply Agency personnel, purchasing and administrative policies to division operations.
Ensure operators are well trained and knowledgeable of treatment systems by conducting hands-on and classroom training and adhering to the Agency training programs.
Assist in providing plant personnel a safe and harassment free work place.
Supervise and/or maintain accurate records of personnel, materials, equipment and plant operations.
Have functional working knowledge of personal computers, applicable software programs and SCADA systems.
Works efficiently and effectively with all other departments to achieve the most economical and satisfactory resolution to operational concerns.
Plan and prepare division operational and capital budget requests; administer approved budget allocations; control the expenditures of approved budget allocations to assure the efficient and effective use of available resources.
Maintain consistent operating practices by writing, reviewing, and revising operational policies and procedures.
Write reports, memoranda and correspondence; make presentations to staff, public and professional groups concerning agency and management issues.
Perform other duties or special projects as assigned and/or directed.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Thorough knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential job functions: The operation and routine preventive maintenance of modern primary, secondary and advanced wastewater treatment principles and practices. Safety practices, codes, regulations and procedures as they apply to wastewater treatment facilities, chemical handling, gas management systems. Must have thorough knowledge of applicable public health and governmental regulations; wastewater sampling and standard process operation of a wastewater treatment system. Must know basic arithmetic, reading and writing.
General knowledge is required to perform the essential job functions: Use of equipment used in wastewater treatment processes, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, engines, meters, blowers and compressors.
Five years experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator supervisor or equivalent position responsible for directly supervising subordinates.
Minimum of five years supervisory experience.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a Grade 4 certificate (Grade 5 preferred) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and skills stated above.
High School Diploma or equivalent
Graduation from a college or university with an associate of arts degree. A baccalaureate degree in business administration or equivalent is desirable.
Must posses a valid California, Class C, driver's license in good standing.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure assemble, copy, and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with Agency personnel.

Mathematical Ability:

Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals and ratios.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to pass Agency's pre-employment physical examination.
Ability to wear and operate SCBA and related respiratory protection equipment.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as assembling equipment.
Ability to exert effort in strenuous physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. Ability to lift and move 65 pounds or more.
Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather conditions, working in wet and/or odorous areas, working in tanks and/or confined spaces.
Ability to be subject to 24-hour recall, variable working hours, overtime, weekends and holidays. May be required to perform stand-by duties and respond to plant emergencies

Environmental Adaptability:
Some tasks may risk exposure to temperature variations, sewage, toxic agents/chemicals, noise, machinery, vibrations, electrical currents, wetness and dust.

APPLY: https://www.socwa.com/about-socwa/employment

SOCWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

South Orange County Wastewater Authority

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Chief Plant Operator