Public Works Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor

City of Newberg Oregon•Newberg, OR

About The Position

Serves as a working supervisor of personnel assigned to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and assists the Public Works Operations Manager with supervisory direction for the organization, operation, and maintenance of the city’s water and wastewater treatment systems. Acts as divisional supervisor when the Operations Manager is absent. The position may also perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work and operate a variety of equipment. The role supports operations and maintenance for the city’s water and wastewater systems, including a Class II water treatment plant and a 4.0 MGD Class IV wastewater treatment system. The wastewater system includes lift stations, an activated-sludge secondary treatment plant, an in-vessel composting facility, a bio-solids management program, a wastewater laboratory, an industrial pretreatment program, and a recycled water facility. The position may be assigned Direct Responsible Charge responsibilities for water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and/or wastewater collection systems. The supervisor oversees assigned staff, works with union representatives under the applicable collective bargaining agreement, supports regulatory compliance, maintenance and capital planning, budgeting, project coordination, safety, and public communication. The position is considered essential personnel and may require reporting during City office closures and working outside the normal schedule to address system emergencies. Consequential decisions are made in consultation with the most senior operator on site.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED equivalent.
Five years of experience, including at least two years holding a Level III or higher wastewater treatment system certification.
Two years of experience with team lead or supervisory duties and budgetary duties.
Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Obtain Level IV Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification within one year of hire.
Ability to wear hazard-appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to become trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, Confined Space Entry, and loader and forklift operation.
Successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug screening, City of Newberg Fit for Duty Testing, any required job-related tests, and a criminal history background check.
Broad knowledge of operation and maintenance requirements for a Class II or higher treatment plant, reservoir storage, booster pump stations, well field supply systems, and capital improvement project planning, design, and construction.
Broad knowledge of wastewater treatment and lift station systems, equipment operation, and maintenance requirements.
Working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including water quality standards, wastewater discharge regulations, industrial pretreatment, bio-solids management, recycled water, labor and employment, and safety requirements.
Ability to troubleshoot water and wastewater treatment system problems and develop solutions.
Working knowledge of laboratory procedures used in water and wastewater analysis and knowledge of the chemical, biological, and physical treatment processes.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions related to water and wastewater treatment systems.
Working knowledge of fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control, and record keeping.
Ability to supervise and motivate staff, including hiring, employee recognition, semi-annual performance previews, performance improvement plans, and employee dismissal.
Skill in preparing and presenting staff and compliance reports and developing programs and procedures.
Ability to evaluate division operations, improve efficiency, develop goals, and manage long-range divisional planning.
Advanced computer skills, including MS Office products and database software; proficiency with Wonderware programming, SCADA systems, scheduling software, and work order and asset management systems.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public, outside agencies, and employees, and to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
Ability to develop and oversee a divisional budget, work safely, wear task-appropriate PPE, work as a team member, and cultivate a team climate.
Ability to work in confined spaces and meet the physical demands of the position, including regularly moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving up to 70 pounds.
Consequential decision-making must be conducted in consultation with the most senior operator on site.
Must report for scheduled shifts during City office closures when required and work overtime or extra hours as needed for system emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Post-high-school education in engineering, chemistry, water/wastewater technology, physical or biological sciences, mathematics, or operations management.
Any satisfactory combination of experience, training, or education demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential duties may be considered.

Responsibilities

Assist water and wastewater treatment teams with daily operations and maintenance, using asset management and work order software systems.
Ensure regular maintenance and necessary upgrades to water and wastewater facilities to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
Keep the Public Works Operations Manager informed and prepare reports on completed and proposed maintenance and plant upgrade projects for planning and budgeting.
Supervise assigned staff, including training, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, counseling, resolving grievances, recommending personnel actions, and administering discipline.
Work with union representatives in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and follow employment law and City policies and procedures.
Exercise independent judgment and take corrective action in response to equipment malfunctions, chemical spills, potential permit violations, and other emergencies.
Use and monitor computer workstations to log, retrieve, manipulate, interpret, and generate information; assist with related programming and software updates as needed.
Interpret laboratory test data and make adjustments according to established process control parameters.
Advise the Operations Manager and other City officials on divisional matters, provide information to civic, school, and public groups, and respond to public inquiries and complaints.
Provide project management support, including acquiring bids or RFPs, obtaining vendor quotes, answering questions, and coordinating projects.
Recommend equipment purchases and requisitions for supplies and materials needed for department operations.
Prepare operations, maintenance, and capital improvement budget recommendations and monitor expenditures against the approved budget.
Perform duties in accordance with safety and security standards; instruct equipment operators in safety procedures and monitor work in progress.
Maintain records related to personnel, equipment, inspections, maintenance, water supply and consumption, and system cleaning.
Serve as assigned Direct Responsible Charge for water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and/or wastewater collection systems.
Serve on assigned employee or other committees and provide backup to operations positions as needed.
Work outside the normal schedule when necessary to address unforeseen or emergency water and wastewater system issues.
Operate vehicles, tools, pumps, and other equipment as required for the position.