Water Treatment Plant Operation Manager

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for the oversight and management of the City's water treatment plants, which involves overseeing the operations of the plant, inspecting equipment and machinery, and monitoring and adjusting pumping, feed, and flow rates; supervising, assigning, and reviewing the activities of Operators, Water Quality Technicians, Chemists, and Maintenance staffs engaged in water plant operations.
Reports to the Director of Public Utilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Supervises the daily operations of a water treatment plant; inspects all equipment and machinery to ensure proper operation; determines proper flow, feed, and distribution of chemicals, water, and liquids; maintains and monitors water quality standards as prescribed by the Virginia State Water Control Board, Virginia Health Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency; directs and plans the water quality and watershed management programs and sets standards and goals for plant; and oversees the repair of all plant equipment; coordinates plant activities and construction and repair projects.
Examines daily, monthly and yearly pumpage operational and maintenance reports for accuracy and to ensure compliance with federal, State and local standards and regulations.
Works with state Health Department and DEQ; approves and sets priorities and expenditure levels according to the annual operating budget; and assists in budget preparation for the division.
Complies with all regulations and guidelines of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) governing the Department of Public Utilities to include the application and renewal procedures of the USEPA for required licensure, including required disclosure of conviction and disciplinary actions.
Reviews and ensures proper training for the staff.
Plans and directs cross-connection school which provides training for licensed plumbers.
Reviews plumbing inspections, cross-connection reports; recommends containment devices.
Troubleshoots treatment problems and equipment failures; recommends course of action.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of water treatment and pumping plant equipment and machinery.
Has thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plants and related activities.
Has thorough knowledge of the mechanical maintenance and lubrication requirements of the equipment operated.
Has thorough knowledge of federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the treatment of water.
Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management.
Has considerable knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment.
Has considerable knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
Has considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of water treatment and water treatment plant operation.
Is able to prepare operating and recording procedures.
Is able to make repairs on plant equipment.
Is able to exercise independent judgment in making decisions and coordinating the proper operation of the plant.
Is able to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed systems and other related equipment.
Is able to direct the activities of staff.
Is able to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
Is able to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.
Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.
Maintains high quality communication and interacts within the department, and with co- workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific Duties and Responsibilities.
" Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines.
Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, City policy, standards and prescribed procedures.
Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.
Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.
Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.
Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.
Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.
Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.
Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.
Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.
e.
, poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.
Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit.
Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees.
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image.
Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons to maintain good will within the City.
Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine.
Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.
Avoids duplication of effort.
Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.
Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.
Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies.
Sees that the standards are not violated.
Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
May be required to wear OSHA approved safety clothing.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department.
Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met.
Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city.
Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives.
Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well.
Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the city.
Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications.
Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied.
Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory.
Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary.
Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled.
Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively.
Coordinates, audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively.
Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth.
Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department.
When a policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and City.
Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities.
Is not averse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members.
Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately.
Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function.
Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews department policies in order to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated.
Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance.
Works to see that established policies enhance same.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology or a related field and 5 – 7 years of progressively responsible experience in water treatment plant operations plus 3 – 5 years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Certification as a Class I Waterworks Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
Physical Demands MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of water plant machinery and office equipment including computer, spectrophotometer, chlorination units, diagnostic instruments, mechanics tools, etc.
Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demand requirements are for that of Medium Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.
Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of State health regulations, EPA guidelines, production reports, manuals, time sheets, etc.
Requires the ability to prepare annual reports, budgets, permit applications, cross-connection ordinance etc.
, using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including regulatory, engineering, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biological terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; to understand and interpret statistical calculations; to understand and apply the theories of algebra.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using water treatment equipment and office machinery.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as water treatment equipment and office machinery.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.
) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
This is a class description and not an individual position description.
A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.