Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent-Northeast

For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.

Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 40,000 residents call Hickory their home and Hickory is the hub of a 350,000 metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, seven recreation facilities, two libraries, several golf courses, theaters, art museums, and eighteen gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out Hickory at www.hickorync.gov/employment or www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and the surrounding areas and what makes Hickory a "Well Crafted" City.

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.

All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check

Must possess a valid Class "C" driver's license from NC. Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Minimum age of 18. Prefer applicant who has thorough knowledge of the layout of city streets.

Performs difficult skilled technical and administrative work managing the operation, maintenance, and repair of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and on-site biosolids facility.

• Plans, directs, schedules, and manages the operation and maintenance of the WWTP and biosolids facility; oversees the preparation and maintenance of appropriate records and reports.

• Acts as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the WWTP pursuant to NCDEQ requirements.

• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Trains, schedules, assigns, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

• Researches and locates vendors; prepares requisitions.

• Assists in the preparation of the annual wastewater treatment system budget; monitors expenditures under the current budget.

• Develops and recommends short and long range plans for the improvement of the treatment facility through the use of improved techniques and processes.

• Supervises and assists with the wastewater treatment process, including process control techniques and equipment operation.

• Orders the treatment chemicals, processes laboratory chemicals, and supplies necessary for division operations.

• Collects samples for bacterial analysis.

• Records observations of plant operations.

• Prepares all monthly reports concerning department operations for submission to state and federal regulatory agencies as required.

• Provides information to civic and educational groups regarding wastewater treatment services.

• Supervises the maintenance of operating equipment to ensure proper treatment and reduce mechanical failure.

• Develops, oversees, and enforces plant safety programs and manages significant quantities of hazardous chemicals.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and processes of modern wastewater treatment practices and the chemical and physical processes involved in wastewater and sludge treatment.

• Ability to oversee and manage WWTP and biosolids maintenance operations.

• Ability to detect and remedy flaws in WWTP and biosolids process control.

• Thorough knowledge of relevant federal and state laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and test procedures.

• Knowledge of department and city budgeting practices.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, regulatory agencies, and the general public.

• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems and repairs.

• Knowledge of the operations of municipal wastewater systems.

• Skill in the supervision and motivation of personnel.

• Experience utilizing various tools and laboratory equipment used in the wastewater treatment process.

• Ability to issue and understand oral and written instructions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completing a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification and ability to readily obtain other state-certified licensure as appropriate
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 50 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third party specialist.

SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of safety devices such as masks, goggles or gloves.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Environmental Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. Completed work is spot-checked for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the state and federal environmental protection guidelines and city policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied administrative, supervisory, and technical duties. Constantly changing environmental conditions and strict guidelines and regulations contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to manage the overall operation of a wastewater treatment and on-site biosolids facility. Successful performance helps ensure the safe discharge of wastewater into area streams and compliance with environmental regulations.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, vendors, state regulatory personnel and other city employees.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, Wastewater

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate personnel, and provide services.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has direct supervision over Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, Heavy Equipment Operators, and Maintenance Worker - Wastewater.