Operations Team Leader

Essential Utilities, Inc.•White Haven, PA

About The Position

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is hiring an Operations Team Leader for the White Haven Division. The role has primary responsibility for facilities in the White Haven Division and secondary responsibility for facilities in the Honesdale Division, and reports to the Area Manager of the White Haven Division. The Operations Team Leader oversees the operation, maintenance, staffing, safety, budgeting, business activities, and employee performance of assigned water and wastewater facilities. These assets include water wells, treatment plants and equipment, mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, meters, wastewater treatment plants and equipment, lift stations, manholes, equalization basins, and other present or future water-treatment, distribution, and wastewater-collection assets. The position works closely with the Field Supervisor on many of its responsibilities and supervises on-call personnel while participating in a rotating supervisor on-call schedule.

Requirements

Experience in water or wastewater utility operations and/or supervision is required.
Pennsylvania DEP Water and Wastewater Operator certifications are required and must be obtained within 48 months of hire.
A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.
Working knowledge of water and wastewater infrastructure.
Working knowledge of excavation and work-zone safety.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally.
Strong customer service skills.
Ability to perform effectively under pressure.
Ability to assess situations quickly and objectively and determine an appropriate course of action.
Ability to manage multiple projects independently and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented, multitasking environment.
Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
Ability to see, hear, speak, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise facility operators, seasonal employees, and contractors, emphasizing safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Interview and hire employees, establish performance standards, manage performance in accordance with HR policies, and oversee onboarding and training.
Hold regular staff meetings to share company updates, discuss improvement ideas, and support a high-performing culture.
Manage the division work order process, review order status, ensure timely closeout, and correct miscoded orders.
Implement safety policies and procedures; inspect job sites, facilities, and equipment for compliance and address deficiencies.
Develop and implement training programs to maintain staff competency.
Conduct staff performance reviews and review six-month probationary evaluations for operations personnel.
Process invoices, purchase requisitions, and other accounting controls in compliance with budgets and established work processes.
Oversee operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance; investigate system upsets, determine corrective actions, and direct operational responses.
Monitor and maintain inventories of parts, tools, chemicals, and other equipment.
Coordinate with other operational groups to share resources and meet workload demands.
Oversee employee and contractor maintenance of system assets, including replacements, relocations, and repairs, and ensure work meets company and regulatory standards.
Manage the operations budget and support Engineering in administering water and wastewater capital budgets; prepare and monitor expense budgets, explain variances, and collaborate to fund and complete capital projects.
Maintain operational databases and reports, including compliance sampling and data submissions, hydrant flushing, valve exercising, water loss, production, and Pennsylvania One Call activities.
Partner with Engineering to ensure construction projects meet company specifications, are documented, and completed on schedule.
Develop and maintain relationships with public utilities, municipalities, the Pennsylvania DEP, and local fire departments; represent the company in relevant meetings.
Stay informed about utility regulations, assess operational impacts of changes, and recommend appropriate actions.
Use required company software proficiently after training.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervise on-call personnel and participate in a rotating supervisor on-call schedule.