Senior Program Manager, Operations (Wastewater)
About The Position
The Senior Program Manager, Operations oversees 24-hour operations of wastewater pumping stations, combined sewer overflow facilities, headworks facilities, and other wastewater facilities under the Wastewater Operations Control Center. The position directs shift operations and provides personnel with the resources and support needed to operate facilities efficiently, optimize performance, and meet permit requirements. The role oversees wet-weather readiness, staffing, and operations; coordinates with engineering, maintenance, information systems, and safety staff; and contributes to capital project design, construction, and startup. It also administers operational records and procedures, oversees personnel management and staff development, improves operating procedures and technology use, assists with budget management, and establishes emergency response procedures and training. The position is based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is designated essential during certain emergencies and requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation for emergencies and wet weather. The role works under the general supervision of the Director, Wastewater Operations and Maintenance or Manager, Operations (Wastewater), and exercises general supervision of the Program Manager and Operations Supervisors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Thorough knowledge of planning, operations, and maintenance of wastewater utilities, normally acquired through at least eight years of experience in a wastewater facility.
- At least four years of experience in a management or supervisory capacity.
- Valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license or an equivalent license from another state.
- Massachusetts Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s license.
- Massachusetts Grade IV Wastewater Collection Systems Operator Certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of appointment.
- Participation in an on-call rotation for emergencies and wet weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Excellent working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a large metropolitan sewer system.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, train, and assign duties to subordinates.
- Demonstrated successful experience managing in a union environment with a diverse workforce.
- Proficiency with personal computers, Microsoft Office Suite programs, databases, and data presentation and analysis tools.
- Working knowledge of SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems and procedures.
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating large wastewater facilities.
- Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.).
- Knowledge of statistical process control and work-process continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the 24-hour operations of wastewater facilities under the Wastewater Operations Control Center.
- Ensure wastewater facilities are ready, staffed, and operated during wet-weather events; create and implement wet-weather staffing plans and participate in management’s storm coverage rotation.
- Coordinate with Operations Engineering staff to optimize wastewater pumping stations, combined sewer overflow facilities, and headworks facilities for treatment and flow control.
- Monitor flow-control performance and identify process-control deficiencies.
- Update operational procedures to align with control strategies and work with SCADA and Operations Engineering staff to implement facility SCADA changes.
- Work with MIS staff and the Director, Wastewater Operations and Maintenance to set priorities and ensure responsive computer systems and scanner hardware and software.
- Coordinate with the Maintenance Department and establish priorities to support successful facility operation.
- Participate in capital project design, construction, and startup, including preparation of performance certification criteria and evaluation reports.
- Administer operational records and procedures for 24-hour Wastewater Transport facilities.
- Oversee department personnel management and ensure major initiatives and policy changes are communicated to staff.
- Identify organizational needs and recommend responses to the Director, Wastewater Operations and Maintenance.
- Collaborate with the Manager, Training and Development to provide technical, supervisory, and managerial training and education.
- Oversee staff productivity monitoring and continual improvement through skills development, strategic planning, SOP improvements, research, and technology implementation.
- Maximize effective use of Maximo maintenance software and related computer programs.
- Manage department safety programs, promote employee involvement, support the Authority-wide safety program, conduct inspections, liaise with the Manager, Occupational Safety and Health, and promptly report safety issues or risks.
- Oversee periodic review and updating of SOPs and facility Operations and Maintenance manuals, and ensure staff are trained.
- Assist with Wastewater Transport budget management.
- Establish emergency response procedures and oversee training and practice drills.
- Ensure consistent work rules in accordance with established policies and procedures and identify needed improvements to work practices.
- Mentor and guide junior employees’ performance and morale.
- Support and participate in MWRA recruiting efforts.
- Perform related duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
