Operator Chief - Water

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Project Manager
Manager, System Operations Operations
Division Chief
Operations & Maintenance Chief
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor II
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor I

POSITION SUMMARY
This is a supervisory position responsible for the operation of an advanced surface water/wastewater treatment facility. This individual directs the operations of designated shifts which involve training and direction of junior level employees. This individual is also responsible for the correct and safe operation of all plant processes and equipment and ensures compliance with federal, state and local laws, as well as established applicable Authority policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for the controlled operations of major plant processes. Dictates settings for all operational processes and equipment to ensure the facility and/or system is operating correctly and safely. Responsible for solving operational issues within assigned capabilities and understands variable parameters for each shift. Responsible for ensuring correct and thorough completion of all process logs and records related to process control, laboratory and other data in plant and surrounding appurtenances. Responsible for operation of computer system during assigned shift and for preparation of reports as required by the federal, state. local laws and the Authority. Responsible for ordering and handling various chemicals used in the plant.

2. Responsible for accident prevention and safety training for employees to include emergency response, Safety Circle training and other safety training programs as assigned. Ensures that Authority security procedures are adhered to. May initiate changes to the plant's vulnerability and risk management plans. Responsible for coordination of response to emergency situations within set procedures.

3. Responsible for solving operational and mechanical equipment problems.

4. Effectively communicates with others to ensure good working relations.

5. Directly supervises group of non-exempt employees to include hiring, scheduling and performance evaluation. Available for questions and resolving issues 24/7. Responsible for the preparation of employee evaluations. Completes and generates operational reports as directed. Assures employee TCEQ licenses are up to date. As necessary supervises, directs and provides guidance to the Projects’ flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via hands on or remotely via SCADA

6. Responsible for implementing the optimization of treatment processes. Provides assistance and guidance to the maintenance department as related to the service of the equipment within the facility.

7. May assist Operations Division Chief/O&M Supervisor and/or Project Manager in performing various tasks and special assignments relating to the job. Assumes responsibilities of direct supervisor as required.

8. Performs additional duties as assigned. This could include such things as operating track mobile, moving rail cars, dealing with , federal, state, local agencies public inquiries. Assisting with updates to the emergency response plan to include training of operators. Executes assigned role and responsibilities related to SWP3 team.

9. Responsible for responding to various emergency situations, including after-hours, as directed by supervisor. Required to keep supervisor informed of the status of emergency situations.

10. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult. This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Regularly has full personnel supervisory responsibilities including interviewing perspective candidates, approving time, discipline and formal performance evaluations for positions of direct and indirect reports.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
May order or approve ordering of sampling supplies, laboratory supplies, equipment and clean supplies as needed for department use. May obtain quotes for services, materials, and equipment. May create purchase requisitions for approval by management. Assists project manager with annual budget preparation as related to area of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
(required level of education)
High school diploma or GED; sixty college credit hours preferred or equivalent technical education.

EXPERIENCE
(minimum years and types of related experience required)
Five years of experience at a water/wastewater treatment facility. Must include four years of supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
(any specialized certifications licenses or registrations required by TRA or other authority in order to do the job, including those the incumbent must be able to obtain)

Valid Texas driver's license. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class B Water or Wastewater Operator's License required. Class A Water or Wastewater license preferred.

KNOWLEDGE
(Information or facts than employee must know in order to be able to perform the work)
Requires advanced and complex knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Moderate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, etc. Requires a working knowledge of Project SCADA system, CMMS, GIS , Maximo, and process supporting software. Must be able to interpret multiple process and permit required lab tests. Requires knowledge of safety practices needed in water or wastewater facility.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance of physical tasks)

Must possess leadership ability and supervisory skills. The ability to make independent decisions as required by circumstances. Must be able to accurately interpret complex test results. Identify, troubleshoot and correct equipment malfunctions. The ability to communicate clearly essential information to supervisors and staff, as well as document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation. Must perform advanced and complex utility calculations and utilize test results for process adjustments. Must have ability to write technical documents.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED
Is guided primarily by established priorities and policies along with professional standards and best practices to guide decisions and direction or advice to others. Makes recommendations to supervision on process improvements after considering/analyzing various alternatives.

Based on knowledge of policies, precedents and procedures, may regularly assist others with standard work methods and problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions include exposure to adverse weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods of time, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, Authority vehicles, general and/or specialized material handling equipment. Subject to the use of respirators, SCBA's, PPE and other safety equipment as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.