Water Reclamation Facility Supervisor

City of Kinston•Kinston, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs difficult technical, administrative, and managerial work planning, organizing, and supervising the operations, maintenance, and repair of a water reclamation facility. The position plans for 24-hour plant operations to treat and dispose of wastewater safely and in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. It serves as backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the wastewater treatment plant and the City’s spray irrigation program, maintaining regulatory oversight, operational compliance, and reporting when the primary ORC is unavailable. The supervisor plans and assigns subordinate work, monitors plant operations and laboratory results, and ensures preventive maintenance and repairs. The role coordinates with laboratory staff to protect plant integrity and meet permitted limits. It also contributes to long- and short-range capital planning, construction, and renovation; maintains records and reports for regulatory compliance and management decisions; requests budget resources; and trains, motivates, coaches, and supports the productivity of division personnel. The work involves public contact, initiative, and judgment. The employee works under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and reports for productivity, regulatory compliance, and acceptance by customers and the general public. Emergency call-back work may be required. The employee may encounter hazards related to raw wastewater and treatment machinery, including noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, confined or difficult-access spaces, and blood-borne pathogens. Protective breathing equipment may be required.

Requirements

Considerable water or wastewater treatment experience, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of hire, a Wastewater Operators Grade IV certificate from the State of North Carolina.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire, Spray Irrigation certification.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire, Wastewater Residuals Land Application certification.
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in North Carolina.
Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of laboratory analysis, preventive maintenance practices, and residuals management methods and regulations.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal wastewater treatment laws and regulations and related safety practices.
Knowledge of City budget, purchasing, and personnel policies and practices.
Knowledge of supervisory practices, including motivation, communication, delegation, discipline, team building, performance review, and related laws and regulations.
Knowledge of applying information technology to plant operations and record keeping.
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, problem solving, and customer contact.
Ability to plan and organize work across 24-hour operations and articulate a departmental or organizational vision of excellence.
Ability to analyze information and make effective decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, media, industrial and regulatory officials, contractors, employees, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective data, records, and reports for management decision-making and regulatory compliance.
Ability to perform basic life functions including climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
Ability to perform heavy work, exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity sufficient to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, read extensively, and operate a computer terminal.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a community college with a degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct subordinate work in plant operations, process control, and facility maintenance.
Participate with management in planning for current and future capacity needs and plant modifications to improve efficiency or meet regulatory requirements.
Research and recommend strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
Establish, maintain, and analyze reports needed for regulatory compliance and management decision-making.
Serve as Operator in Responsible Charge of the wastewater plant when needed, and provide backup ORC coverage for the spray irrigation program.
Plan and request plant-operation resources through the annual budget process, administer the approved departmental budget, and purchase chemicals, tools, parts, and supplies.
Supervise and participate in preventive maintenance and repairs of plant equipment and facilities.
Schedule, motivate, coach, and review staff performance; ensure appropriate training and certification; recommend and participate in disciplinary actions; and conduct hiring.
Back up other staff as needed.
Perform related work as required.