Chief Plant Operator

City of Denton • Denton, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the water treatment plant staff, the treatment process, and operation of the distribution system. This role involves planning, scheduling, tracking staff work time, coordinating equipment, maintaining operator information on a central data system, and ensuring plants are staffed 24 hours per day/7 days per week. The Chief Plant Operator develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintains Safety Data Sheet documentation, and ensures plant operations meet regulatory standards through staff training and education. This position also collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure equipment operability, performs troubleshooting and corrective actions for process and equipment malfunctions, monitors inventory levels, orders chemicals and supplies, and forecasts material demands. Calibrations of process control equipment are performed, and issues are addressed promptly. The role involves investigating and resolving internal and external stakeholder concerns, collaborating with other Chief Plant Operators for operational understanding and backup coverage, and performing duties of assigned staff as needed. Additionally, the Chief Plant Operator is responsible for selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating staff, as well as developing, managing, and monitoring the budget to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) years’ experience as an operator in a 15 MGD or greater water treatment plant
• Three (3) years’ experience in water plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Two (2) years of management or supervisory experience
• Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Must possess or able to obtain a Grade “A” Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of water quality monitoring equipment.
• Skill in moderate-to-complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skilled in reading and comprehending highly technical or specialized materials.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, blueprints, schematics, and/or other related development documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and train through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to document all adjustments necessary and approved to complete the project.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety protocols and safe work procedures.
• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and employment history verification, and social security number verification.
• Must pass a physical examination.
• Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the TCEQ.
• Must possess or able to obtain a Grade “A” Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Any combination of related education and experience that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

• Perform supervisory duties including planning, scheduling, tracking staff work time, coordinating equipment, maintain operator information on central data system, and staff to ensure the plants are staffed 24 hours per day/7 days per week.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain Safety Data Sheet documentation.
• Ensure plant operations are performed to regulatory standards through staff training and education on City of Denton, Department SOPs, policies, processes, and best techniques and practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure equipment operability through observations, upkeep, and use of computerized maintenance management system and the procurement of parts.
• Perform troubleshooting duties and evaluate the treatment process and equipment malfunction(s); determine and take corrective action to ensure plant is operational.
• Monitor and ensure appropriate inventory levels, order chemicals and supplies, and forecast material demands.
• Perform process control equipment calibrations and address identified issues; notify leadership immediately if not able to resolve issue.
• Investigate internal and external stakeholder concerns; perform research for issues coordinates and facilitates necessary actions to resolve concern as appropriate; when necessary, communicate directly for identification of service needs and address concern with appropriate written, verbal, or in-person follow-up.
• Collaborate with plant Chief Plant Operator(s) to understand how each plant produces water and sends water to the distribution system; provide back-up coverage, as needed.
• Perform duties of assigned staff, as needed.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

What This Job Offers

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