CHIEF OPERATOR IN CHARGE WATER/WASTEWATER PLANTS

Overview

This position is responsible for complex technical and supervisory work involving operating, maintaining, planning, organizing and supervising the daily operations of the surface water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, and sewer collection system. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable drinking water and wastewater treatment regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the State of New Mexico Drinking Water Regulations, and the Clean Water Act. This position exercises close supervision over water and wastewater personnel, treatment plants, and equipment. The position requires considerable technical knowledge and the use of independent judgment in the safe and efficient management and operation of a large complex potable water purification treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant. Supervision is received from the Public Works Director/City Engineer; however, an employee in this position exercises considerable independent discretion in plant operation procedures within established technical standards, departmental rules, and regulations. Instructions to the employee are general and the employee must routinely use independent judgment when performing tasks

Responsibilities

- Personnel: Plans, supervises, schedules, and reviews the work of certified operators and maintenance personnel. Provides training and guidance to assigned personnel. Train subordinate personnel in the proper inspection, adjustment, and repair of water purification equipment and machinery. Perform employee actions as appropriate for a Chief Operator, including employee evaluations, verbal and written reprimands, and career development of assigned staff. Recognize and report poor performance of staff to Director; work with the Director to develop employee action plans. Enforce safety standards and procedures. Plant Operations: Plan, schedule and manage the operations and maintenance of the water plant, lift stations, wastewater plant, water distribution system, and sewer collection system. Monitor water and wastewater treatment plant efficiency, quality control, and adherence to state and federal regulations governing water and wastewater operations and worker safety. Manage plant The City of Aztec is an Equal Opportunity, Reasonable Accommodation Employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Page 2 of 4 operations by studying operating records and water quality test results and using those records and test results to implement process and operational changes to improve operations. Formulate operating procedures; ensure procedures are adhered to by personnel. Assist the Director in preparing budget and expenditure estimates and tracking expenditures. Ensure routine maintenance and routine cleaning of treatment plant equipment such as chlorinators, lime slakers, flocculators, sludge collectors, filters, screens, chemical feeders, vacuum filters, pumps, valves, conveyor systems, and related equipment is performed as needed to preserve equipment and produce water that meets all regulatory requirements. Develop procedures for the management of chemical and supply inventories. Regulatory Compliance: Operate water treatment facilities to ensure compliance with all applicable drinking water and wastewater treatment regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the State of New Mexico Drinking Water Regulations, and the Clean Water Act NPDES permit requirements; failure of which could lead to serious damage to the public perception that the City has the ability to provide safe drinking water. Ensure operations meet the requirements of the state and federal OSHA regulations. Oversee and conduct water quality tests required by state and federal regulations. Develop and submit timely reports for submittal to federal and state regulators to meet reporting requirements. Oversee the logical and orderly filing of documents as required by state and federal regulations, including maintaining records for the required amount of time dictated by the regulatory framework. Plant Maintenance: Gather and develop materials, methods, best practices, and equipment used in operating and maintain the water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution, and sewer collection system. Develop and implement plant improvements. Oversee the work of contractors and subcontractors on maintenance, repair and upgrade projects. Coordinate with other groups/departments to complete projects. Other Duties: Perform general maintenance and labor activities as needed to perform essential duties. Such activities may include working with highly caustic and acidic substances, the ability to measure and mix chemicals, exposure to a variety of unique workplace hazards, and working around heavy equipment. Respond to citizen inquires/complaints regarding water quality issues and work to resolve issues. Work to resolve citizen complaints in a timely fashion.

Qualifications

- Minimum 2 year degree in physical sciences, business, water treatment, health, engineering tech, surveying tech, natural sciences, or related degree; or any equivalent combination of education and experience

- 7 years of progressively responsible experience

- Expert knowledge of the physical and chemical processes involved in water treatment; thorough knowledge of the functions and mechanics of water/wastewater plant machinery and equipment, and of its serving and maintenance requirements. Thorough knowledge of the physical, chemical, and bacteriological processes involved in water/wastewater treatment. In depth knowledge of the principles of surface water treatment. Considerable knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, and mathematics as it relates to water and wastewater treatment, processing, and testing. Thorough knowledge of the regulatory requirements for the production of drinking water, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the State of New Mexico Drinking Water Regulations. Knowledge of the regulatory requirements for the discharge of wastewater, including state regulations and the Clean Water Act NPDES regulations. Knowledge of water testing equipment and measuring devices. Knowledge of safety regulations, precautions and occupational hazards.

- Certificates/Licenses: State of New Mexico Level 3 Drinking Water Operator Certification. State of New Mexico Level 3 Wastewater Operator Certification. Continuing education as required by the State of New Mexico

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51.39 - $57.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week

Benefits:

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

- Aztec, NM 87410 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Aztec, NM 87410: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person