Operations Superintendent - Wastewater Treatment Facility

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Under the direction of the Project Manager plans, organizes, directs, trains and supervises the staff of wastewater treatment plant operators, residual technicians, and supervisors, in the safe and cost effective operation of the 67 MGD Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, wastewater and flood pump stations, combined sewer interceptor lines and CSO regulator stations. The Operations Superintendent will manage the operations scope of contract with the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) in order to develop a professional and mutually supportive relationship with the client and to execute policies and practices to ensure operations are in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Ensures operation of the treatment facilities and performance of staff is accomplished in a safe and cost-effective manner, ensures completion of scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance tasks assigned to the operations group, plans and coordinates major equipment outages, works closely with the maintenance manager to establish maintenance priorities and develop programs for equipment replacement and facility improvements. Responsible for maintaining operational areas in a professional and well-kept appearance.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Evaluates, selects and applies intensive and diversified knowledge of practical techniques, procedures and criteria to operate and oversee others in the operation of the wastewater treatment process and related equipment.
• Develops and monitors systematic, ongoing review of key performance indicators.
• Prepares weekly and monthly operations reports
• Directs the operations of biosolids storage, dewatering and drying processes, sets production schedules and coordinates a diversified sludge management program for delivery of residual solids products to multiple disposal options.
• Directs performance of facility operations staff and audits and controls expenditures of the operational cost centers; monitors quality of work to ensure adherence to Company and industry standards and compliance with state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Ensure safe, cost-effective and efficient operations to meet Veolia standards of practice, SWSC contract, and all regulatory requirements.
• Ensures a sufficient staff of trained, experienced operators and supervisors are available to execute and sustain complex operations.
• Conducts investigations to troubleshoot and resolve routine to complex operational process and solids handling problems. 
• Prepares and ensures that process control guidelines, testing, Standard Operating Procedures, Emergency Procedures and other accepted technical and operating tools are effectively utilized and applied in order to achieve the desired outcomes and results.
• Utilizes, develops, and manages the chemical, biosolids, and energy programs, contracts and usages to optimize the cost and budget results.
• Provides technical coordination and communication to the maintenance department and support functions to ensure that critical unit processes directly impacting key plant performance indicators and regulatory limits are being made available for PM and CM work and that capital equipment upgrades are being pursued in a timely manner. Coordinates with the maintenance manager to establish work prioritization and completion goals. Ensures timely completion of PM work assigned to the operations group. 
• Defines need for capital improvement projects and assists in the development of plans and specifications and coordinates construction contractor work with operations.
• Serves on committees and represents the United Water Springfield at meetings and conferences.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and an industrial plant environment which involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 
• Work environment also involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years working experience in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Five (5) years of experience in the role of a supervisor/manager. 
• Massachusetts Grade 7C Wastewater Operators License required. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Requires comprehensive/thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, biosolids handling programs, air emissions systems and standards, laboratory standard methods for water and wastewater, and operation and maintenance procedures for related equipment. 
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws pertaining to a wastewater treatment facility with a NPDES permit. 
• Excellent management, organizational, leadership, client relations, interpersonal, and communication skills in both oral and written forms.
• Comprehensive knowledge of operations, maintenance and wastewater treatment methods.
• Detailed knowledge required for a variety of conventional wastewater treatment processes and associated equipment including preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, odor control, chlorination, dechlorination, solids handling and all supporting processes.
• Must have detailed understanding of hazardous material handling, storage and usage
• Prepare, administer, and ensure compliance with annual $4 million operations department budget.
• Knowledge of engineering principles as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers, Google Suite and process control data management programs.
• Knowledge of CMMS systems and able to utilize them to schedule and monitor both preventative and corrective tasks.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of biosolids handling systems and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of air emission control systems and related permit and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read, review and comment on the facility’s blueprints, plans and schematics.
• Knowledge of power distribution equipment, power switching and energy management systems.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA safety requirements and related areas of confined entry, Personal Protective Equipment, CPR and First aid.
• Prepare and provide technical expertise in the development of air, biosolids and wastewater permits and reports for changing state and federal requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The job requires average physical effort including handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds standing; walking; climbing stairs, sitting; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and ability to smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $90000 to $100000 per year.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.