Assistant Operations Manager

About the role

AlexRenew is one of the most advanced wastewater utilities in the United States, serving over 300,000 customers in Alexandria, VA, and parts of Fairfax County. Each year, the facility processes and treats approximately 13 billion gallons of wastewater received from area homes, schools, and businesses to protect public health and the environment.

The Assistant Operations Manager supports the Operations Manager in directing the daily operation of AlexRenew's Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), external pump stations, interceptor systems, tunnel infrastructure, and combined sewer outfalls. This position assists in coordinating Operations Supervisors and operating staff, monitors process performance, maintains operational records, supports training and professional development, and helps ensure safe, reliable service and regulatory compliance. The position acts on behalf of the Operations Manager when assigned, within delegated authority. The Operations Manager retains the designated Operator in Responsible Charge responsibilities unless a separate designation is formally made.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates daily staffing, shift coverage, priorities, assignments, and work handoffs with Operations Supervisors; follows up on completion and escalates unresolved operational issues to the Operations Manager.
• Monitors plant processes and collection system infrastructure through SCADA, operating reports, laboratory results, and field inspections; recommends or directs operating adjustments within approved procedures and delegated authority.
• Participates in daily process and coordination meetings; communicates process changes, equipment limitations, maintenance activities, weather impacts, and operational risks across shifts and departments.
• Assists in supervising and coaching Operations Supervisors and staff; supports performance evaluations, employee development plans, corrective action documentation, and consistent application of policies.
• Develops and maintains operating schedules, training plans, procedures, checklists, and shift communication practices; verifies staff competency and completion of required training.
• Reviews logs, sampling records, operating data, incident reports, and other compliance documentation for completeness and accuracy; coordinates corrections and timely escalation of potential permit or regulatory issues.
• Coordinates operational support for preventive and corrective maintenance, shutdowns, capital projects, contractor work, and equipment commissioning; confirms operating constraints and safe return to service.
• Supports emergency response, wet weather operations, after-hours coverage, and incident follow up; assigns resources, documents actions, and notifies the Operations Manager and other stakeholders as required.
• Promotes safe work practices, personal protective equipment use, hazard reporting, and participation in AlexRenew's Environmental Management System and safety programs.
• Coordinates with the laboratory and process teams on sampling, treatment performance, and process optimization; supports the Pretreatment Program when facility impacts require operational input.
• Helps develop operating budgets and forecasts for chemicals, supplies, training, equipment, and contracted services; reviews inventory and purchasing needs within delegated approval limits.
• Assists in developing operational summaries, recommendations, procedures, and reports for the Operations Manager; identifies recurring issues and implements approved improvements.
• Maintains knowledge of current relevant issues and industry trends.
• Serves as backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), on call 24 hours per day.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chief Operator.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in water or wastewater treatment, environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering or related area is preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in public sector wastewater utility or similar industry desired.
• Virginia Wastewater Works Operator Class 1 License required or ability to obtain within one year of accepting job assignment.
• Experience with process control, SCADA, maintenance management systems, regulatory records, emergency response, and occupational safety practices.
• Knowledge of advanced wastewater treatment, pumping and collection systems, laboratory and field testing, applicable permits, and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of OSHA standard requirements for industrial safety and basic utility-related emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of business management and project management principles and practices.

Skills

• Key Competencies: Accountability, Quality of Work, Initiative, Safety Awareness, Teamwork
• Ability to interpret trends, identify operational risk, make timely decisions within assigned authority, and communicate urgent issues clearly.
• Ability to direct and develop employees, plan shift coverage, document performance, and coordinate effectively with Maintenance, Laboratory, Process, Engineering, and external partners.
• Strong written communication, record review, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and asset or work order systems.

Schedule

The Assistant Operations Manager works a swing shift from 1:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday through Thursday, alternating between an eight-hour shift on Friday and a scheduled Friday off.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may perform on an occasional to regular basis while performing functions of this job. A detailed Physical Demands Analysis is available in Human Resources and a copy will be provided to all incumbents in this position.

• Frequently required to walk and stand for nine hours a day.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include depth perception, near and far acuity, color and field of vision.
• Constantly communicate with management and coworkers, and listen for emergency sirens and alarms.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Environmental conditions necessitate following strict safety guidelines and use of Personal Protective Equipment.

• Work performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, with outdoor trips between buildings and some outdoor work required.
• Some areas of the plant are hot and humid at times.