Operations Supervisor (Wastewater)

Veolia•East Rockaway, NY

About The Position

The Operations Supervisor (Wastewater) provides day-to-day oversight of department staff and shift operations in coordination with the Plant Manager. The role leads plant shift operating teams and is responsible for operational, commercial, and personnel leadership to maintain efficient, cost-effective facility operations and compliance with corporate and regulatory environmental, health, and safety requirements. The supervisor directs and develops plant operators, coordinates work with other departments, Engineering, and contractors, and oversees routine operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, emergency response, facility improvements, and startup of new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities. The position also manages schedules, staffing, contract deliverables, materials and supplies, reporting, operational records, and safe work practices. The role operates equipment manually and through instrument control panels, operates company- and client-owned vehicles, and may work weekends, holidays, rotating on-call schedules, and additional hours as needed. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather. The environment may include exposure to noise, sewage, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents, vibration, slippery or uneven surfaces, moving machinery and vehicles, ladders or scaffolding, below-ground areas, and water or other liquids. A high school diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology/Laboratory, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must have at least five years of plant operations experience; ten or more years in wastewater treatment or a related field is preferred. A valid NYS driver’s license and a valid New York State Grade 3A Wastewater Treatment License are required; a 4A license is desired. The listed annual pay range is $100,000–$105,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least five years of experience working in a plant operations position.
Valid NYS driver’s license and ability to meet risk management guidelines.
Valid New York State Grade 3A Wastewater Treatment License.
Strong process control knowledge.
Excellent reading, math, writing, scientific, and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational, scheduling, and prioritization skills.
Ability to read and interpret maps, engineering drawings, blueprints, gauges, and graphs; understand and execute written and oral instructions, including complex technical instructions.
Ability to read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, and computer consoles; interpret service manuals and drawings; and write SOPs.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including providing input for and implementing corrective actions.
Proficiency with Windows, MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, OPS, EAM, CMMS, and other computer-based systems.
Working knowledge of computerized PLC/SCADA systems, DCS control systems, operating data acquisition, and historical trending systems.
Working knowledge of equipment specific to departmental needs and requirements.
Knowledge of standard laboratory sampling, testing, documentation, and related records and reports.
Knowledge of normal and abnormal process and equipment conditions and ability to take appropriate, safe actions.
Ability to operate complex controls, processes, and equipment.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant equipment, processes, regulations, requirements, and reporting.
Knowledge of environmental, health, and safety policies, procedures, and requirements.
Ability to be assigned responsible charge of the facility and react to unplanned events.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with management, supervisors, and staff, and make decisions without supervision.
Ability to manage time and prioritize work, communicate with people at all skill and experience levels, and lead by example, train, and mentor staff and team support personnel.
Ability to lead a department or team effectively under varied conditions, work closely with local contractors and vendors, work in a team-oriented environment, and work independently with safety awareness.
Ability to talk or hear; regularly stand, walk, sit, handle or feel items, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or smell; and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Close and distance vision are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology/Laboratory, or a related field.
Ten or more years of experience in wastewater treatment or a related field.
Experience with maintenance systems and project contract administration in the water/wastewater utilities industry.
Valid New York State Grade 4A Wastewater Treatment License.

Responsibilities

Supervise plant operators, direct their daily duties, and lead shift crews in monitoring plant operations and incoming data.
Manage, evaluate, schedule, and develop operations and maintenance staff, and ensure adequate staffing.
Coordinate projects with other plant departments, Engineering, and contractors.
Direct responses to alarms and abnormal conditions and lead emergency response actions.
Evaluate or supervise evaluation of the operation, maintenance, and performance of wastewater treatment facilities, processes, systems, and equipment.
Review and supervise implementation of system improvements, including optimization of system designs and operating parameters, performance testing, troubleshooting, and resolution of complex operational, equipment, and instrumentation problems.
Review facility designs and constructed facilities and make or approve recommendations for operational improvements.
Oversee construction management personnel implementing changes during facility upgrades and startup; supervise operational services and treatment plant construction personnel during startup and initial operation of new or upgraded facilities, processes, systems, and equipment.
Participate in developing and complying with operating policies and ensure compliance with environmental and safety rules.
Complete reports documenting plant status, equipment, operating data, and operational events; collect data on unplanned outages and recommend ways to reduce recurrence.
Serve as the real-time shift interface with the Commercial Group regarding plant operations, outages, fuel, and generation schedules.
Perform Issuer and Verifier functions using approved Lock Out/Tag Out systems.
Manage department contract deliverables and scheduling, and order materials and supplies.
Ensure equipment and processes are maintained and functioning properly, and maintain clean and safe workstations and treatment plant facilities.
Maintain operational documents and records and ensure work follows corporate and regulatory policies, procedures, and emergency response procedures.
Operate equipment and processes manually and through instrument control panels, and operate company- and client-owned vehicles.
Work weekends, holidays, and rotating on-call schedules as needed; respond to emergencies and work additional hours when needed to complete required tasks.
Carry out other duties as assigned.