Chief Operator Wastewater Treatment Plant

City of Lebanon • Lebanon, TN

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Chief Plant Operator is a senior-level position responsible for managing and supervising the operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant. This role oversees and coordinates daily operations, ensures compliance with regulations and permits, and supervises plant operators and maintenance staff. The position involves analyzing data, optimizing plant performance, collaborating on capital projects, and performing technical and administrative tasks including reporting and laboratory testing. The Chief Operator also operates equipment, performs manual labor, and may perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of complex wastewater treatment processes and principles.
• Knowledge of chemical addition and treatment chemicals.
• Knowledge of complex laboratory tests and analysis.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations.
• Knowledge of managing and overseeing equipment operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance.
• Knowledge of complex process control and optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, I&C, process control, laboratory, and microbiology.
• Skill in managing operation and control of treatment process.
• Skill in managing equipment maintenance and repair.
• Skill in complex troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Skill in clear and concise communication and record keeping.
• Skill in fostering and promoting teamwork.
• Ability to analyze data and make decisions to more complex issues.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems through corrective action.
• Ability to communicate and delegate assignments effectively.
• Ability to work safely, follow, and enforce safety protocols.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and priorities.
• Ability to know regulations and standards.
• Expert level verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear and concise reporting and giving direction to lower-level staff.
• Ability to provide information to solve problems along with corrective action options.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with subordinates, other employees, and deal effectively with the public.
• Ability to understand complex technical documents and regulations.
• Ability to interpret complex instructions and manuals.
• Ability to produce accurate reports and logs.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to follow complex written and verbal instructions with precision.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments.
• Ability to understand and use complex technical terminology related to wastewater treatment.
• Basic math operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Understanding of decimals, fractions, and percentages.
• Algebraic skills: Formula calculation and manipulation.
• Ability to perform solution concentration and dilution calculations.
• Geometric skills: Volume and area calculations.
• Ability to perform flow rate and velocity calculations.
• Expert level data interpretation and analysis.
• Expert level trend recognition and forecasting.
• Ability to calculate chemical dosage and flow rates.
• Ability to determine treatment process efficiency.
• Ability to understand and calculate sludge volumes and pumping rates.
• Ability to use calculator and computer software for mathematical calculations.
• Ability to apply complex mathematical concepts to real-world problems in wastewater treatment.
• Ability to understand and work with units of measurement, conversion factors, and mathematical formulas related to wastewater treatment.
• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D) required.
• Grade 4 WWTP Operator Certification through TDEC. (Must obtain Grade 4 certification within 18 months of hire with prior experience or reciprocity from another state)
• Must attend all training courses necessary for Grade 4 certification.
• Must attend all continuing education courses to keep certification current.
• A valid Tennessee Driver license with clear driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Some college or Bachelor is preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience or related supervisor training courses are preferred.
• CDL license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates daily operations of WWTP ensuring compliance with regulations and permits.
• Supervises & trains plant operators, maintenance staff, and other personnel.
• Enforces safety protocols and emergency response plans.
• Assists in performance evaluations and personnel action plans.
• Assists in development and maintains standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules.
• Analyzes data and optimizes plant performance and making adjustments as needed.
• Collaborates with management on capital improvement projects.
• Ensures compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and laws.
• Performs technical and administrative tasks including reports and records.
• Assists in scheduling plant operators shift assignments and training schedules.
• Performs complex laboratory tests and analyzes results to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Operates skid steer and telehandlers.
• Performs manual labor, housekeeping, and grounds keeping tasks.
• May perform other duties as assigned by WWTP Superintendent or Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED