Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager

GFL Environmental Inc.•Peoria, IL

2d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the operation and maintenance of a wastewater pretreatment facility treating landfill leachate sources. Ensures regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and safety standards while managing staff and budget. The pretreatment facility has a design treatment capacity of 0.40 MGD, an average daily influent flow of 0.02 MGD, and operates under a Wastewater Discharge Permit issued by the Greater Peoria Sanitary and Sewage Disposal District. The primary treatment processes include chemical oxidation, metals precipitation, and dissolved air floatation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Chemical, or Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent technical experience).
Extensive hands-on experience managing industrial or municipal wastewater treatment operations (5–10+ years), with supervisory roles.
Possession of ability to readily obtain a valid Illinois Class K treatment operator certification for Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Pretreatment.
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.
Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for the safe operation of a water treatment plant.
Knowledge of chemical application in the water treatment process.
Strong understanding of environmental and safety regulations; ability to manage permits, sampling, and reporting accordingly.
Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory analytics, and industrial effluent testing protocols.
Strong command of regulatory frameworks and discharge permit compliance.
Knowledge of plant safety protocols, chemical handling, and maintenance of a safe work environment.
Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, including operations, maintenance, and laboratory staff.
Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Solid financial acuity for budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
Exceptional communication skills to interact with stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and public entities.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operation of the following treatment equipment and processes: Influent Receiving, Storage, Blending, Chemical Oxidation, Chemical Precipitation, Dissolved Air Floatation, Sludge Dewatering Process, Chemical Feed Equipment.
Monitor and analyze process data, adjust controls, and identify inefficiencies or deviations from performance targets.
Interpret sampling data, identify trends, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement corrective actions.
Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance schedules, ensuring prompt repairs of mechanical and monitoring systems.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, particularly the Wastewater Discharge Permit and IEPA water quality standards and reporting requirements.
Perform necessary monitoring in accordance with facility operating Wastewater Discharge Permit.
Prepare and submit required operational reports and Wastewater Discharge Permit monitoring reports.
Lead and develop operations, maintenance, and lab teams. Supervise hiring, training, scheduling, evaluations, and improvement plans.
Foster a safety-first culture, ensuring OSHA compliance and promoting GFL safe work practices.
Develop and manage facility operating budgets.
Routine operational and budget performance reporting to site General Manager.
Administer contracts and service agreements; manage procurement of chemical and equipment supplies.
Maintain computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and asset management systems.
Conduct process assessments and recommend optimizations or upgrades.
Planning, directing, and supervising the work of personnel.
Interface with internal engineering staff on capital improvements and process expansion.
Ensure plant grounds, buildings, and equipment are well maintained; manage odor control and environmental hygiene.
Oversee repair and rehabilitation projects and inspect projects for compliance.
Present operational updates to senior management, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Serve as primary contact for internal audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.