Wastewater Treatment Plant- Lead Operator

Basic Purpose of the Job:
Under general direction, plans, organizes and supervises the work of staff engaged in a variety of operational, maintenance, repair and construction activities primarily at the wastewater treatment plant and all related components. As Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), directs and assists with operations and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment plant including adjusting process controls daily as required to meet the discharge limits. Inspects, monitors and documents operations and prepares reports to meet regulatory requirements for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and safety standards at the wastewater treatment plant.

Essential Functions:
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives for the utilities department. Implement established policies and procedures. Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities, recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Perform plant operations including adjusting process controls to daily-required parameters. Inspect, monitor and document plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instrumentation. Perform routine and prescribed analysis of wastewater, biosolids and related by-products as needed.
• Establish schedules and methods for the personnel in the Wastewater Treatment division.Plan, prioritize, supervise and review the work of staff involved in a variety of operations, maintenance, repair and construction at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Coordinate work crew activities with other crews and departments, as well as outside agencies and contractors. Maintain daily log of activities.
• Inspect the work of crews in progress and, upon completion, ensure all work complies with local, state and federal standards. Respond to weekend or holiday call-outs as needed.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve issues. Conduct informative tours in a professional and courteous manner.
• Participate in the full range of operations, maintenance, and repair and construction duties, including performing the most difficult duties assigned to the work unit.
• Assist in preparing bid specifications; requisition supplies and materials; maintain and control appropriate inventory levels; interpret and implement plans and work orders.
• Provide water quality sampling on wastewater treatment process to assist with operational decisions and to meet State and EPA regulations.
• Inspect, test and maintain backflow preventers at the wastewater treatment plant to ensure compliance with potable water supplier.
• Manage Industrial Pretreatment Program, coordinate with Environmental Coordinator to communicate with existing and new businesses regarding Industrial Pretreatment Program requirements and rates, maintain records, and coordinate strength surcharges with Customer Service Technicians.

Supervision

• Feedback: Establish goals and expectations for workers. Write and conduct employee evaluations.
• Staffing: Ensure position descriptions are accurate and assist in interviewing and selecting candidates appropriate to the work.
• Scheduling: Ensure schedules are set to get the work done in accordance with HR guidelines.
• Training: Assure implementation of job specific training to ensure employee success.
• Coaching: Set and discuss expectations for employee success. Conduct a formal mid-cycle progress review in addition to regular meetings with each subordinate.
• Problem Resolution: Handles or gets assistance with employee issues in a timely manner to prevent escalation of problems and disruption to the department.
• Employee Management: In accordance with HR polices, use established procedures to manage employee behavior. Actions are consistent and provide opportunity for the employee to improve.

Core Beliefs:
Core beliefs are deeply held values and assumptions that guide individuals in the workplace. Core beliefs define how we do things. By establishing core beliefs, the City of Montrose is creating a common culture that shapes employee behavior in a positive and predictable manner. When these beliefs are shared, they create cohesiveness and mutual commitment in the organization and flexibility to changes as they occur.

Our core beliefs are centered on exceptional service and are based around treating our customers and fellow team members with dignity and respect. We value teamwork and recognize that we must continually strive to improve the customer experience. Every team member, regardless of job title, plays a part in creating a service environment and each are empowered to respond to the needs of our customers and teammates. We have six Core Beliefs: Respect, Ethics, Leadership, Accountability, Transparency, Excellence in Service (RELATE).

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); supplemented by specialized training in environmental technology, construction and maintenance technology related to wastewater treatment operations.
• Experience performing public works operations, wastewater treatment plant operations, construction and maintenance work in the assigned area of responsibility, including one year of supervisory or lead responsibility.
• Knowledge of equipment and materials related to position. Must be able to operate all equipment used within the division and train division personnel on proper equipment operation.
• This position is subject to non-standard working hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Licensures & Certificates (must be active and current.):

• Current Colorado Class A or B Commercial Drivers license with acceptable driving record or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• WW-A, CCWP Certifications; Ability to obtain Cross-Connection Control Backflow Tester Certification within one (1) year.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
Requires ability to perform heavy manual labor. Strenuous physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 100 pounds; frequent lifting, carrying, walking and standing, hand/eye coordination. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequent hand/eye coordination for operation of personal computer, and use of hands to handle small parts; vision for reading and preparing written reports and documents; frequent speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with employees and citizens. Requires driving and walking during inclement weather. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.