Deputy Leader

Veolia Environnement SA•Newport, RI

About The Position

The Deputy Leader plans, organizes, and supervises the day-to-day activities of wastewater treatment plant operations, coordinating maintenance and operations while ensuring appropriate staffing and compliance with safety requirements. The role oversees operation and maintenance of the plant and Easton Beach ultraviolet disinfection systems and ensures SCADA programming issues are addressed, including coordination with external vendors. It combines technical and operational support with purchasing, planning, scheduling, and supervision across multiple vocations. The position receives administrative and process-control direction from the Deputy Leader and Maintenance Supervisor. It exercises general and direct supervision over the Chief Operator and Maintenance Foreman, as well as support teams through subordinate supervisors. The role also supports budget administration, asset evaluation, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and the safe and effective management of the operational and maintenance team.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or a related field; additional related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Five years of experience in wastewater treatment plant maintenance or operations.
Complete understanding of the ultraviolet disinfection process, including Trojan 4000 and 6000 systems.
Understanding of SCADA and operational technology systems.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and policies relevant to the area of responsibility.
Knowledge of wastewater regulatory compliance methods, practices, standards, and specifications; safety policies and practices; wastewater facility and equipment maintenance and repair; and facility operations and servicing requirements, including ultraviolet disinfection and SCADA systems.
Knowledge of wastewater industry operations, including primary and secondary treatment processes, activated sludge systems, equipment maintenance, and laboratory procedures including instrumental analysis.
Supervisory and leadership skills, resource-management techniques, conflict resolution skills, and professional writing skills.
Ability to manage plant operations and interpret and apply technical standards, procedures, regulations, and safety policies.
Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions; identify inefficient facility operations and develop effective, compliant operating programs; interpret technical instructions and complex flow variables; and prioritize multiple tasks and demands.
Ability to operate a personal computer, standard and specialized software, modern office equipment, and facility maintenance software.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish cooperative working relationships.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects concurrently, on time and within budget.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and review the work of professional, sub-professional, and contract personnel, and to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; demonstrate professionalism, ethical integrity, customer service, and commitment to organizational success.
Ability to direct and conduct work safely in accordance with wastewater best practices and company safety procedures.
Ability to work evenings and weekends and respond off-hours to emergency situations.
Possession and maintenance of a Grade III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the Rhode Island Certification Board; Grade II certification with proof of eligibility for the Grade III certification examination may be accepted, with Grade III required within one year of appointment.
Possession and maintenance of a Rhode Island driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to use standard office and plant equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb stairs and ladders up to 30 feet; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; maintain sustained posture for prolonged periods; distinguish colors or symbols; read printed materials and a computer screen; communicate effectively; and smell to distinguish odors.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and manage operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s wastewater treatment facility and equipment.
Develop and implement division goals, objectives, work plans, reports, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate with departments to ensure compliance with regulations, industry standards, and safety policies and procedures.
Monitor ultraviolet disinfection system operations and ensure procedures are followed.
Coordinate treatment plant responses to emergency situations.
Assist in overseeing the preventative maintenance program.
Attend meetings with outside agencies and organizations, participate in community and professional groups and committees, and provide technical assistance as needed.
Collect data, prepare monthly flow reports, and prepare written correspondence for review.
Enforce safety measures and programs and ensure staff, consultants, and contract employees work safely in accordance with established procedures.
Plan, organize, administer, review, and evaluate the work of the operational and maintenance team.
Provide feedback on team selection, training, professional development, and work evaluations; assist with discipline as required and enforce safety directives.
Assist in developing and administering the annual R/R and FCM operating budget for expenditures and purchases.
Prepare purchase requests and requests for vendor, contractor, and maintenance services.
Complete the yearly evaluation of City assets and prepare a written report for review.
Investigate and oversee correction of ultraviolet disinfection operational malfunctions.
Control requisitions for supplies, materials, and equipment.
Perform related duties and other duties as assigned.