Deputy Leader (Assistant Plant Manager) Water & Wastewater

About the position

In the role of Deputy Site Leader, the successful candidate will assist the Site Leader in managing daily operations, ensuring that all activities align with organizational goals and operational standards. Support the Site Leader in addressing operational challenges, providing hands-on assistance and contributing to quick, effective solutions. Help relay site goals, procedures, and updates to team members, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout the site. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by supporting team members, helping to resolve any issues, and promoting teamwork. Flexibly manage various responsibilities, stepping in to handle tasks as needed and adapting to the changing needs of the site. Assist in maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency, working closely with the Site Leader to implement process improvements. Serve as a secondary leader, stepping in to lead site operations in the absence of the Site Leader, ensuring continuity of operations.

Responsibilities

• Foster teamwork and collaboration, ensuring that communication flows smoothly across all team members to ensure team alignment and site goals are met.
• Support the Site Leader in managing team performance, helping to identify areas for improvement and offering coaching as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to assist in liaising with the Site Leader, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Provide support in client communications and is capable of stepping into client-facing roles when necessary.
• Assist the Site Leader in promoting a safety-first culture and conducting regular safety checks or audits.
• Assist the Site Leader in mentoring junior team members, providing guidance and support for skill development and performance improvement.
• Demonstrate a desire to grow into a future leadership role, with a focus on developing both operational and leadership skills.
• Implement and enforce comprehensive safety protocols, procedures, and best practices at the operational level.
• Conduct regular safety training and awareness programs for all site personnel.
• Continuously monitor and report on safety performance metrics, including incident rates and near-misses, to drive improvement.
• Oversee contract execution for the site.
• Ensure adherence to established environmental, health, safety, operating, maintenance, and emergency response procedures.
• Monitor project delivery performance.
• Maintain high standards of quality and consistent results.
• Coordinate problem resolution and manage conflicting priorities.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with site-level customers and stakeholders.
• Respond to customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve customer experience and satisfaction.
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives to enhance site-level performance.
• Monitor and report on site-level financial transactions to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Independently manage facilities generally less than 1 MGD; or support Site Leader with generally 1-5 MGD facilities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• A degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field is strongly preferred but not required.
• Comprehensive understanding of unit processes applicable to water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of water treatment processes (e.g., coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection).
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes (e.g., primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment).
• Preferred knowledge of electrical systems relevant to water/wastewater facilities.
• Preferred knowledge of mechanical systems used in treatment plants.
• Preferred knowledge of instrumentation and control systems for process monitoring and automation.
• Proficiency in general computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with data entry and management systems.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems (desirable).
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Familiarity with water quality testing and analysis techniques.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for equipment and processes.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to foster teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Desire to grow into a future leadership role.

Benefits

• Paid time off policies.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Employer sponsored 401(k) plan.