Superintendent of Wastewater Treatment Plant

City of Northampton • Northampton, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for oversight, management and regulatory compliance of the operations of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and its ancillary sewer, leachate and flood control pumping facilities. The work consists of employing many different concepts, theories, principles, techniques and practices. Assignments typically concern such matters as studying trends in the field for application to the work and assessing services and implementing improvements. Relationships are constantly with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups and/or individuals such as civic leaders, peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation. Employee has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including personnel records, client records, medical information, court documents and sensitive financial records.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
• At least five to seven years of experience in the management of operations and maintenance of a grade 6 wastewater treatment facility and/or ancillary pump stations.
• At least three years of experience in the supervision of staff, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Massachusetts Certification as Grade 6C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator required at time of hire.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge of the principles and operating procedures of municipal wastewater treatment and sanitary sewer systems; knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques of wastewater treatment and state and federal pollution control regulations; knowledge of electricity and hydraulics; knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics; knowledge of occupational hazards and proper safety precautions to be used to prevent injuries.
• Ability to supervise personnel and prepare budgets; ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to read and fully understand construction and as-built plans.
• Mathematical skills, supervisory skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Supervises all personnel working in the Wastewater Treatment Plant including those responsible for Flood Control pump stations; instructs and trains personnel in operations and in maintaining safe working conditions; understands and enforces all safety regulations; assists personnel in obtaining and retaining required licenses; monitors compliance with Union contracts; recommends disciplinary measures as needed.
• Responsible for accurate and timely submission of all compliance based reporting with EPA, DEP or any other regulatory agency as required.
• Responsible for oversight and enforcement of the City’s sewer use regulations as they relate to Plant operations.
• Performs highly complex and sophisticated analyses of physical, biological and chemical treatment processes; manages and evaluates operation, laboratory, and maintenance functions and records for the Wastewater Treatment Plant; applies appropriate corrective measures to mitigate potential problems and restore proper operating standards and methods to Plant processes.
• Prepares and coordinates operating budgets and recommends capital expenditures for projects and equipment; reviews and submits all purchasing requests; controls expenditures; prepares specifications for purchasing.
• Conducts Plant inspections to determine efficiency, safety, and cleanliness; determines appropriate remedial actions in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Responsible for interactions with the public to communicate technical information or provide educational opportunities regarding Plant operations.
• Oversees technical aspects of sewer billing for large industrial users.
• Maintains attendance and payroll records.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

Benefits

• Benefits and privileges are consistent with Northampton Association of Professional Employees Association (NAPEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager