Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent
Position Summary/Purpose
The Superintendent of Wastewater Treatment Plant provides strategic and operational leadership for the Town’s wastewater treatment plant, collection system, pump stations, and related infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant wastewater operations that meet all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements to operate a Class IV Plant. The Superintendent oversees plant operations, maintenance, capital improvements, regulatory compliance, budgeting, staff management, and public and agency coordination.
Essential Job Functions
Direct and oversee daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, sewer collection systems, and lift/pump stations.
Ensure wastewater treatment processes meet all applicable environmental, operational, and permit requirements.
Develop and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for plant equipment and infrastructure.
Monitor system performance and implement operational improvements to increase efficiency, reliability, and service quality.
Oversee laboratory testing and analysis of wastewater, sludge, and effluent to maintain regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
Conduct regular inspections of facilities, equipment, pump stations, and collection systems.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, permits, and reporting requirements.
Investigate system failures, environmental concerns, and operational issues, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
Support development and enforcement of wastewater-related ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Participate in planning and review processes related to development projects, stormwater management, and wastewater infrastructure impacts.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee construction, repair, replacement, and infrastructure improvement projects.
Prepare and review bid specifications, contracts, and technical documentation.
Manage procurement activities for equipment, supplies, and services.
Serve as contract administrator for wastewater-related projects and vendor agreements.
Cookordination with engineers, consultants, contractors, and Town departments on special projects and system improvements.
Supervise and support wastewater treatment plant personnel, including operations, maintenance, laboratory, electrical, mechanical, and administrative staff.
Establish work priorities, assign responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide coaching and development opportunities.
Participate in hiring, disciplinary actions, performance management, and workforce planning in coordination with Human Resources.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and safe operating practices.
Develop and manage the department’s operating and capital budgets.
Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility within approved budget limits.
Approve invoices, track financial activity, and maintain operational records and reporting systems.
Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and budget information to Town officials, boards, and regulatory agencies.
Serve as staff liaison to the Sewer Authority and attend related meetings as required.
Will be required to attend occasional night meetings.
Respond to resident, contractor, and business inquiries regarding wastewater operations, service interruptions, system issues, and regulatory requirements.
Communicate effectively with the public, Town officials, consultants, contractors, and outside agencies.
Provide technical guidance and explain regulations, procedures, and operational impacts in a professional and customer-focused manner.
Other Functions
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience: Associate’s Degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Wastewater Technology, or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater operations, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience within a public utilities or municipal utility environment; or
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater operations, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience within a public utilities or municipal utility environment.
Experience working with regulatory agencies, consulting firms, contractors, and compliance programs in a public utilities environment preferred.
Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, certifications, and directly related experience demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of the position may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal wastewater and utility safety regulations, operational standards, and industry best practices required.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the preparation and presentation of technical reports.
Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and independent decision-making skills required.
Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical data and work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Strong customer service and collaborative leadership skills required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other administrative software systems required, including the ability to learn and utilize specialized public utilities software applications.
Criminal background check, drug screening, and driving record check required prior to employment.
Special Requirements
Valid CT Driver’s license
Connecticut DEP Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Class III Required; a Class IV is preferred, and the selected candidate must obtain it within a timeframe determined at the time of hire.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge of Wastewater treatment plant operations and collection systems
Environmental regulations, permits, and compliance requirements
Mechanical systems, pumps, motors, and treatment equipment
Budgeting, procurement, and contract administration
Sewer construction and infrastructure maintenance
Supervisory and personnel management practices
Interpret and apply technical regulations, policies, and operational standards
Analyze operational data and implement process improvements
Prepare technical reports, budgets, and presentations
Lead teams effectively and manage multiple priorities
Build productive relationships with employees, regulators, contractors, and the public
Respond effectively to emergencies and operational issues
Technical proficiency
Technical aptitude and ability to effectively use operational and administrative technologies, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), regulatory reporting platforms, spreadsheets, databases, and other software used for operational monitoring, reporting, budgeting, and compliance documentation
Ability to analyze operational data, generate reports, maintain electronic records, and adapt to evolving technologies and reporting requirements
Skills
Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong computer and technical reporting skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and operational software systems
Organizational and project management skills
Ability to manage complex operations with attention to detail and regulatory compliance
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and with the public
Job Environment
Administrative work is performed in a moderately noisy office with regular interruptions during the day via telephone; perform regular inspections of Treatment Plant, pump stations, and construction sites which include very loud situations under possible adverse weather conditions, including extreme hot and cold and smelly location and exposed to mechanical equipment and vehicles;
Occasionally driving to inspect complaints from citizens.
Requires the operation of a motor vehicle, cellular and other telephones, personal computers, copiers, facsimile machines, and other standard office equipment.
Makes frequent contact with Sewer Authority, contractors, property owners, business, public officials, engineers, vendors, engineers, Town Attorney, Town staff, Town Officials other towns, many regional and state agencies.
Contacts require a high level of professionalism and a high level of patience and resourcefulness to explain regulations to others.
Errors in judgment or omissions could result in monetary loss, loss of service, injury to employees, damage to equipment and facilities, legal ramifications and potential liability.