WTP Supervisor/ORC

General Statement of Duties

Serves as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) ensuring the City meets its permitted discharge levels; reviews laboratory reports for operational performance of the plant and oversees changes in the chemical and biological processes of the plant; may serve as back-up ORC of additional facilities or programs as authorized by the state.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in plant operations, process control, laboratory analysis, and preventive maintenance and repair of plant equipment and facilities;
• Supervises and schedules the work of plant personnel, gives instructions on general operative procedures;
• Motivates, coaches, and reviews the performance of employees; ensures proper training and certification of assigned personnel; recommends and participates in disciplinary actions; participates and recommends in the hiring process; plans, conducts, and oversees in-serve training of new employees and ongoing staff development;
• Makes educated process control decisions for efficient and compliant operation of the plant; serves as a technical resource for staff with regard to troubleshooting process control issues;
• Oversees compliance with all federal and state water regulations; prepare and submit various regulatory reports as required; researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water treatment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and practices and recognition of hazards in water treatment; including but not limited to occupational hazards as they relate to health and safety of employees in Water Plant Operations.
• Knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in difficult chemical and biochemical analysis of water.
• Knowledge of remote telemetry systems, mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to water treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of running a water treatment plant including the physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties of a potable water system.
• Knowledge of the application of information technology to the management of the plant, computer applications and peripherals in laboratory work.
• Skill and ability to effectively and efficiently manage a water treatment plant including all related administrative and supervisory functions involving personnel and budget administration.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to analyze information, perform mathematical calculations and make effective decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, City employees, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to read and interpret technical federal and state guidelines on water treatment procedures.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or a related field; bachelors degree highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in the management and supervision of water treatment plant operations as an ORC is required; an equivalent combination of education, training and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Directly supervises all Water Treatment Plant personnel.

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions in which the employee is subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment creating fumes, odors, and dusts and atmospheric conditions with extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time. Employee is subject to a level of noise requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Work involves shift work including holidays and weekends and emergency call-back service.
• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze laboratory results, data, and figures and to operate a microcomputer and perform visual inspection of measurement devices. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Strong sense of smell is required to perform duties.

Special Requirements

• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Drivers License.
• Possession of North Carolina Water Operators Grade A Certification.