Chief Operator - Leachate Treatment Plant

Frederick County Government•Landfill - Frederick, MD

About The Position

The Chief Operator plans, supervises, organizes, and directs technical staff responsible for maintaining and operating the Leachate Treatment Plant and conveyance systems. The role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal sampling, analysis, and wastewater-discharge requirements. It also oversees operations and maintenance of Division of Solid Waste and Recycling stormwater control features, including pump stations, generators, a dam, and related system elements. The position receives direction from the Deputy Director of Solid Waste and Recycling. This is a full-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, eight hours per day. Employees in this classification are designated as essential and must report during weather incidents, emergencies, or disasters when County offices are closed. The employee may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice, respond after hours, and be available on call for emergencies and special situations. Varied workdays may be scheduled during usual landfill operating hours, Monday through Saturday.

Requirements

Associate's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
At least 7 years of work experience in water or wastewater treatment operations, leachate treatment operations, or related work; experience must include at least 3 years supervising or managing staff.
A valid driver's license.
Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field with at least 5 years of the specified work experience, including at least 3 years supervising or managing staff.
Advanced knowledge of methods, materials, techniques, and equipment used in advanced wastewater, water treatment, or waste treatment systems.
Knowledge of related computer programs, including Microsoft 365, and ability to use automated procurement and work-order software.
Knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics as they relate to wastewater, water, or waste treatment.
Advanced knowledge of potential work hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
Basic knowledge of recordkeeping and reporting principles.
Skill overseeing and supervising staff, evaluating wastewater treatment plant operations, and analyzing samples.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as Division policies.
Ability to identify trends and troubleshoot problems in wastewater, water treatment, or waste treatment processes.
Ability to evaluate and propose improvements to wastewater plant operations through new technologies.
Ability to maintain required licenses and certifications.
Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering plans and other design drawings and participate in their review as needed.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, state and federal agency representatives, and the general public.
Strong written and spoken English communication skills, including preparing clear, concise, and accurate letters, forms, and reports.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements and working conditions, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Responsibilities

Supervise personnel and maintain proper operation of the leachate treatment plant, related systems, and stormwater management systems.
Oversee day-to-day operations and perform administrative work related to leachate and stormwater management.
Resolve routine and emergency treatment facility issues.
Implement and maintain scheduled routine, preventive, and emergency maintenance.
Ensure staff have the equipment, tools, and supplies needed to maintain the Leachate Treatment Plant.
Maintain regulatory compliance and monitor changes in regulations and treatment requirements.
Review plans for new and upgraded water treatment facilities.
Ensure wastewater discharge treatment complies with applicable local, state, and federal standards.
Schedule internal and external contractors to support maintenance and operations.
Perform administrative tasks, including hiring, disciplining, and evaluating staff, and enforcing departmental policies.
Oversee treatment plant operations and the collection, management, and manipulation of data and compliance activities.
Make decisions governing treatment of the landfill's leachate and work as part of internal and external teams.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

11 days of vacation leave, increasing after 2 years of employment.
15 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holidays; 10- and 11-month employees may not receive all holidays.
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive medical insurance plan options, including a County Health Savings Account contribution for employees enrolled in the high-deductible plan.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending benefits.
Employee Health Center with no- or low-cost primary and urgent care.
County-paid group term life insurance equal to 2 times annual salary and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
County- and employee-funded defined benefit pension plan, with vesting after 5 years of service.
Additional pension service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, and other eligible service.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee Wellness Program.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Other employee-paid benefits, including a Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, and a Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
Tool allowance.