Wastewater Plant Manager

About the role

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, seeks a Supervisor in charge of all Central Division wastewater collection systems, lift stations, and treatment facilities. The ideal candidate will manage and oversee operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely repair, maintenance, and management of assets and operations via an electronic work order management system.
• Train and develop Wastewater Department employees to comply with Aqua policies, procedures, and practices.
• Serve as the Responsible Operator In Charge (ROIC) for all Central Division Wastewater Department NPDES systems and other jurisdictions as required.
• Comply with all IEPA and EPA regulatory requirements related to the Department operations.
• Administer non-union employee relations, including staffing, labor relations, compliance with personnel policies and programs, staff development, and personnel reviews.
• Manage accounts payable expenditures, materials, chemicals, equipment, fleet procurement, and inventory control/reconciliation.
• Identify, develop, and manage capital expenditures within the Wastewater Department.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineering, operational, and compliance staff to ensure capital expenditures are in accordance with established budgets and operational plans.
• Supervise others who perform NPDES and process analyses in wastewater treatment as needed.
• Supervise all wastewater employees at the division level including operator trainees/operators, maintenance, laboratory, and team lead personnel.
• Prepare, review, and submit regulatory agency required reporting and monitoring, with oversight by the Area Manager and Compliance Manager.
• Evaluate new treatment processes through pilot studies and develop capital projects or process changes to implement improvements in quality or efficiency of operation.
• Manage operational readiness of plant and collection system equipment including computerized control systems and monitoring sensors.
• Oversight of department safety programs, safety leadership, and training of employees.
• Utilize and support Aqua safety program and policies in conjunction with State Safety Specialist including but not limited to process safety, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Risk Management Plan, Lock Out/Tag Out and Confined Space Program.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or engineering is preferred but not required. An advanced degree is advantageous.
• At least 10 years of experience in the industry with 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Previous experience should include work with computer control systems and programming, environmental chemistry and laboratory procedures, computational skills to calculate chemical dosages and determine calibration of chemical feed systems, basic mechanical skills to maintain large pumps, drives, motors, piping systems, chemical feeders and storage tanks, knowledge of electrical power distribution and control systems.
• Must have the ability to motivate oneself and others to accomplish required tasks, and the ability to work with and motivate people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must possess the ability to think analytically and logically with strong attention to detail.
• Must be available for emergencies or consultation 24/7 and respond when necessary.
• Class 1 Illinois Public Wastewater Operator’s Certificate is required but will consider candidates with the ability to obtain a Class 1 certificate within the specified experience requirement.
• Candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

Qualifications

• Advanced mechanical skills to maintain large pumps, drives, motors, piping systems, chemical feeders and storage tanks.
• Knowledge of electrical power distribution and control systems.
• Basic understanding of environmental chemistry and laboratory procedures.
• Computational skills to calculate chemical dosages and determine calibration of chemical feed systems.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively conduct business with internal and external customers and represent the company.

Skills

• Microsoft Office (Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with public officials, staff, and management.
• Ability to establish meaningful, timely and attainable goals and effectively coordinate multiple projects.

Benefits

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $113,000 - $145,000.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the job and the community.

Contact Information

To apply for this position, please contact us at (1-877-271-9012).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).