Wastewater Operations Superintendent

City of Tracy • Tracy, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The ideal Wastewater Operations Superintendent candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, regulatory compliance, and treatment processes and systems. They possess the ability to effectively manage budgets, capital projects, contracts, and operational priorities while building strong partnerships with regulatory agencies, consultants, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, innovation, and a proactive approach to solving complex operational challenges, driving continuous improvements in plant performance, efficiency, and service delivery. They are a forward-thinking leader who inspires teamwork, fosters accountability, and ensures the delivery of safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible wastewater services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration and management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, equipment, material and tools used in the operation and cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
• Knowledge of the operation of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
• Knowledge of basic standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of capital improvement construction, inspection, and funding.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, City, department, and division regulations, codes, policies, and procedures related to the operations of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Knowledge of practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Knowledge of intermediate mathematics and computer skills including SCADA operating systems.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Knowledge of computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• Ability to select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the wastewater treatment plant and the City.
• Ability to prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to analyze and interpret plans and specifications in accordance with design requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
• Ability to independently conduct studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Ability to effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals, governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
• Ability to learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Equivalent to an associate degree in wastewater technology, laboratory, chemistry, or related field and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• Possession and maintenance of a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V certification is required.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the wastewater treatment plant within the Department.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the wastewater treatment plant; recommends within policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of operating and capital improvement program (CIP) budgets for the wastewater treatment plant; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Participates in developing and planning and manages preventative and long-term maintenance and safety programs.
• Serves as the City Representative for inspections and interaction with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board; compiles, reviews, and submits required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Performs periodic inspections of all phases of the wastewater treatment process to ensure balanced and proper operation of all systems; recommends alterations and changes in operating procedures as necessary.
• Exercises authority over wastewater treatment plant process control matters in accordance with direction provided from the Assistant Director.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, boards, and City Council.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of wastewater operations; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 4% COLA increases in July 2027 and 2028
• 9/80 schedule, providing a three-day weekend every other week
• Fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Life insurance
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match
• Longevity pay
• CalPERS retirement (2% @ 55 or 2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree