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Gig Harbor, WA - Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor

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CITY OF GIG HARBOR
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SUPERVISOR

Nature of Work

This is skilled technical and supervisory work in the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The employee occupying this position is responsible for the operation and general maintenance of a wastewater treatment and disposal system utilizing wastewater lift stations, pressure mains and biological treatment in a single plant. Work involves operating, inspecting, and maintaining plant and systems equipment; making required chemical tests and analysis; and monitoring control and alarm equipment. An employee may work overtime and is subject to 24-hour call during scheduled duty periods and emergencies.

Controls Over Work

Under general supervisory control of the Public Works Director, incumbent operates with relative independence of action in planning and carrying out day-to-day activities. Technical guidance in the form of operating procedures and processes has been established by equipment manufacturers, design engineers, and the Department of Ecology. As the city's technical authority in wastewater treatment and disposal, incumbent will be confronted with problems for which these guidelines are inadequate, requiring the exercise of sound judgment in modifying or extending traditional methods with the approval of the Public Works Director. In the resolution of serious operational problems, the incumbent should consult with the manufacturer's local representatives as well as the Public Works Director/City Engineer. Supervision may be exercised over one or more plant operators, maintenance workers, or laborers. Work is reviewed mainly for effectiveness in meeting the established processes and procedures, conformance with federal and state laws, and resolution of problems as they occur.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Operates a wastewater treatment and disposal plant which provides treatment of wastewater through secondary treatment; operates gate valves; monitors operation of aerators to remove solids and reduce organics in the liquids; provides secondary treatment of wastewater where nonsettling wastewater solids are disposed of by bacteriological or biological growths and discharges purified effluent through the outfall for disposal into harbor.
  • Periodically collects samples from the incoming wastewater, recirculated sludge, discharged effluent, aeration chamber, and digester to determine such things as biochemical oxygen demand; temperatures, pH, suspended and dissolved solids; food to micro-organism rates; recirculation rates, chlorine residual; etc. Test results are correlated and the treatment process is adjusted to maintain the best possible treatment of wastewater at the lowest reasonable cost.
  • Maintains operator log to record daily flow of wastewater; reads flow meters, records readings and replaces meter charts; records daily maintenance performed on equipment; records amount of chemicals used and chlorine residual; and prepares periodic reports to State Ecology Departments, City Administrator, and Public Works Director.
  • Orders, stores, and accounts for chemicals and for other materials and supplies used at the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Inspects and maintains plant and system equipment which includes assuring proper operation of wastewater lift stations by checking operation of pumps, valves and ventilators; cleaning and servicing equipment; and checking telemetry alarm system which detects malfunctioning equipment.
  • Operates auxiliary diesel power generator to maintain plant and system operations during commercial power failure.
  • Oversees the general maintenance of plant buildings and grounds, including the supervision of the wastewater treatment plant operators.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of secondary wastewater treatment processes and the operation of plant and wastewater system equipment.
  • Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of attendant laboratory test equipment and procedures for collecting and testing wastewater samples.
  • Working knowledge of the principles and application of electrical motors and hydraulic equipment and mechanical equipment troubland the role public works takes in that administration.
  • Good knowledge of civil engineering theory, procedures, and practices as pertains to the design, construction, and maintenance of municipal public works.
  • Ability to formulate and implement a sound, progressive public works program and sustain operations and maintain responsibility for a variety of activities without regular direction.
  • Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of subordinates.
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and to individuals.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, contractors, engineers, property owners, and the general public and the ability to secure compliance with construction plans, specifications, and standards in a tactful yet effective manner.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office setting. However, due to the nature of the organization and the "on-site" supervisory and inspection duties performed, considerable time is spent out-of-doors. Also, during occasional emergency situations, the incumbent may be exposed to extreme weather and working conditions. Walking, standing, bending, and a limited amount of crawling and climbing is required.

Qualifications Required

Minimum: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in engineering or related field; a Washington state Class 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license, and five years responsible experience at a Class 2, or above, municipal wastewater treatment plant.