Senior Program Manager, Operations (Wastewater)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority•Chelsea, MA
•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Program Manager, Operations oversees the 24-hour operations of wastewater facilities, including wastewater pumping stations, combined sewer overflow facilities, and headworks facilities. The role directs shift operations to ensure efficient and effective facility operation, optimize performance, and meet permit requirements, while providing operations personnel with needed resources and support. The position coordinates operational planning and flow control, supports facility readiness and staffing during wet weather and emergencies, and works with engineering, SCADA, maintenance, and information systems teams. It also oversees personnel management, safety programs, operating procedures, training, continuous improvement, maintenance software use, emergency response preparation, and budget support for Wastewater Transport. The position 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. It is designated as essential for certain emergencies and requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation. The position is based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of wastewater utility planning, operations, and maintenance, 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Ability to participate in a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week on-call rotation for emergencies and wet weather.
  • Ability to report to work when designated as essential during inclement weather or other emergencies.

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 24-hour operations of all wastewater facilities under the Wastewater Operations Control Center.
  • Ensure proper readiness, staffing, and operation of wastewater facilities during wet weather events; create and implement wet weather staffing plans and participate in management's storm coverage rotation.
  • Coordinate with Operations Engineering staff on pumping stations, combined sewer overflow facilities, and headworks facilities to optimize treatment and flow control.
  • Monitor facility flow control performance, identify process control deficiencies, and update operating procedures in accordance with control strategies.
  • Work with SCADA and Operations Engineering staff to implement wastewater facility SCADA changes.
  • Work with MIS staff and the Director, Wastewater Operations and Maintenance to establish 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 activities, and contribute to 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 actions to the Director, Wastewater Operations and Maintenance.
  • Collaborate with the Manager, Training and Development to provide technical, supervisory, and managerial training and education for Wastewater Operations employees.
  • Oversee staff productivity monitoring and continual improvement through skills development, strategic planning, SOP improvements and research, and technology implementation.
  • Maximize effective use of Maximo maintenance software and related computer programs.
  • Manage department safety programs, encourage employee involvement, support the Authority-wide safety program, conduct inspections, and notify Occupational Safety and Health promptly about safety issues or risks.
  • Oversee periodic review and updating of SOPs and Facility Operations and Maintenance manuals, and ensure staff are properly trained.
  • Assist with Wastewater Transport budget management.
  • Establish emergency response procedures and oversee training and practice drills.
  • Ensure consistency and uniformity of 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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