Team or Function Overview:
At Hydromax Services, we believe in the power of honest and transparent service. As a locally owned company, we go above and beyond to ensure that our services are not only efficient and reliable but also conducted with the utmost integrity. Our Wastewater Treatment Plant team is central to delivering on that promise — and the Director of Wastewater Operations is the leader who sets the standard for how that work gets done.
Position Summary
The Director of Wastewater Operations is a leadership role with full responsibility of the water treatment plant and distribution system. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this position is accountable for the safe, compliant, and cost-effective operation of all plant functions. The Director owns the plant's operational performance, regulatory compliance, personnel management, and budget, serving as the primary decision-maker for all matters related to treatment, maintenance, and system integrity. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced operator who is equally comfortable in the field and in the boardroom, someone who can drive process improvements, develop a high-performing team, and represent the plant with confidence to regulators, ownership, and the community.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain full responsibility of the water treatment plant and water distribution system, ensuring continuous 24/7 operational readiness
- Monitor system controls, interprets meter and gauge readings, and observe operating variations to determine load requirements and take corrective action
- Oversee water flushing, sampling, and testing programs; ensure immediate corrective action when water chemistry is non-compliant with regulatory standards
- Ensure full compliance with all State operating permits, EPA, DEP, and applicable local regulatory requirements at all times
- Manage the used cooking oil (UCO) and dirt reclamation process in accordance with company standards and environmental regulations
- Maintain accurate logs of plant operations and in-process tracking of plant output characteristics
- Prepare and submit all required regulatory reports including Monthly Operating Records (MOR) and incident reports
- Provide direct leadership, supervision, and development of all plant and distribution system personnel
- Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and address personnel matters in coordination with HR leadership
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across the plant team
- Lead the design and ongoing refinement of organizational structure and operational processes required to fully execute plant service requirements
- Identify staffing needs, participate in hiring decisions, and ensure the team is properly trained and certified for their roles
- Serve as the escalation point for operational issues, equipment failures, and emergency situations requiring immediate leadership response
- Own the plant's operating budget and develop annual budget proposals, monitor expenditures, and report variances to the General Manager
- Identify and implement cost control measures without compromising safety, compliance, or service quality
- Evaluate capital expenditure needs for equipment replacement, system upgrades, and infrastructure improvements and present recommendations to ownership
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement of materials, chemicals, and services
- Track and report key financial and operational KPIs to the General Manager on a regular basis
- Direct the operation and maintenance of all water treatment equipment, raw water supply systems, and distribution infrastructure
- Implement and oversee a preventive maintenance program to minimize unplanned downtime and extend equipment life
- Ensure all maintenance activities are properly documented and that equipment records are current and accurate
- Coordinate with contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, inspections, and capital projects as needed
- Identify opportunities to improve plant efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance service reliability
- Stay current on evolving regulatory requirements, treatment technologies, and industry best practices
- Lead or support special projects, system upgrades, and process improvement initiatives as directed by ownership
- Represent the plant and company professionally in interactions with regulators, auditors, municipal partners, and community stakeholders
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- Full regulatory compliance maintained at all times, zero permit violations
- Plant operations running continuously and reliably with minimal unplanned downtime
- Operating budget managed within approved parameters with variances explained and addressed proactively
- Plant personnel led, developed, and held to consistent performance and safety standards
- All regulatory reports, MOR submissions, and incident documentation completed accurately and on time
- Regular operational and financial reporting delivered to the General Manager as scheduled
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in water treatment plant operations, maintenance, and system management
- Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role within a water treatment, wastewater, or utilities environment
- Must possess or have received through reciprocity a current and valid Class B operator's certificate (Level 3) or greater
- Demonstrated knowledge of water treatment principles, processes, and regulatory standards including EPA, DEP, and applicable local requirements
- Proven experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and reporting financial performance to senior leadership
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to engage professionally with regulators, ownership, and team members
- Proficiency with MS Office and the ability to navigate company platforms used for reporting, training, and communication
- Must possess a valid driver's license, social security card, and birth certificate
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen
- High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Regularly required to use hands to operate tools, controls, and equipment in both office and plant environments
- Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs. independently, and up to 80 lbs. with assistance
- Frequent sitting, walking, and standing; occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and balancing
- Must be able to safely climb ladders and stairs and mount and dismount equipment
- Specific vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Oral and auditory capacity for interpersonal communication and use of automated communication systems
Work Schedule & Requirements
- Standard schedule is Monday through Friday with on-call responsibility for after-hours operational issues or emergencies
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of operational data, regulatory correspondence, and financial information