Job Title

DescriptionGENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:Work involves ensuring drinking water permit compliance and operational responsibility for the City's water treatment plants, tanks and facilities.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:• Controls water treatment plant processes and equipment per established procedures to purify/clarify water for human consumption and industrial/commercial use and to ensure a continuous, adequate supply of potable drinking water meeting federal/state regulations.• Responsible for performing all required water treatment quality control tests to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations; makes adjustments; trains water treatment operations personnel as required.• Responsible for maintaining permit compliance including completion of all necessary tests, inspections, documentation, samples, or other requirements; keeps up to date on regulatory changes or new permitting requirements and plans/executes accordingly. • Establish performance metrics and key operational indicators to evaluate treatment efficiency, regulatory compliance, and staff productivity.• Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensures staff are properly trained in their application to promote safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations. • Supervises and assists in the operation, maintenance and repair of water treatment plant facilities/equipment and monitors water treatment operations/processes per established procedures to optimize efficiency.• Plans, prioritizes, directs and performs operations and maintenance activities of the water treatment plants, wells, water tanks, water booster stations, and other related facilities.• Communicates all facts essential to the efficient operation of the water treatment plants and reports all operating problems or emergencies immediately to the Deputy Director of Water Operations and in his absence, the General Manager.• Coordinates the work of the water treatment plant operations staff with that of other divisions including water distribution and water engineering; ensures a positive and cooperative work interaction between water treatment plant operations and those of other divisions or departments.• Conducts ongoing facility and treatment process assessments; monitors treatment processes and establishes and adjusts treatment process operating parameters to meet operational needs.• Oversees all aspects of facility operations including but not limited to, security, access, proper housekeeping and grounds keeping, process control and monitoring, facility record keeping, etc.• Performs preventive maintenance and improvements to the facilities responsible for. Coordinates directly with vendors to perform contract work and repairs.• Responsible for all division vehicles, equipment and tools for proper inspections, functionality, safety, maintenance and proper process operations.• Coordinates with Water Engineering on management of water treatment assets and ensuring proper capital improvement planning for asset management and replacement. • Recognizes training needs of water treatment plant staff; provides or coordinates training and training opportunities in work and safety procedures as required; complies with and enforces all city and OSHA safety regulations and requirements.• Coordinates and conducts educational and public awareness tours of the water treatment plants for local civic, school, and other interested parties.• Takes a lead role in the handling of water quality or treatment related customer questions, complaints, and follow up action(s) as necessary.• Develops, coordinates and assists in execution of plans, if necessary, for emergency situations, specifically: water shortages, service disruptions, boil water notices or potential shutdowns due to inclement weather or emergency maintenance work.• Proactively maintains/monitors inventory of all necessary chemicals, supplies and equipment; initiates/approves requests for new or replacement materials.• Prepares daily, monthly, and/or other production operations and maintenance reports as required.• Develops and refines operational protocols for water treatment activities; monitors and inspects plant equipment and operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations.• Supervises, directs, disciplines, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining and completing employee performance appraisals.• Processes documentation pertaining to payroll and personnel; maintains records.• Performs other related duties as required.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of:• Knowledge of basic water chemistry and microbiology as it relates to treatment and supply of drinking water.• Knowledge of regulatory standards and monitoring requirements under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act & applicable state law.• Knowledge of water sampling techniques and procedures. Knowledge of laboratory principles, terminology, safety precautions and equipment as they relate to water testing.• Knowledge of and ability to use computers or mobile devices applicable to the duties of the position, including office communication and record keeping tools; any required service order software; asset management database; or regulatory specific digital platforms or software .Skills and Ability to:• The ability to follow standard water sampling and field analysis procedures and maintain sample integrity.• The ability to use laboratory and sampling equipment. Ability to use equipment such as a propane torch, an adjustable wrench, a pipe wrench, and a screwdriver or utility knife.• The ability to compare test results to established standards and make appropriate reports to higher level staff.• The ability to read and understand maps; perform spatial queries using GIS-based mapping software. Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with other utilities divisions, city Departments, the general public, and customers.• Ability to meet with customers, general public, business owners and others to answer water related questions, resolve issues and effectively communicate the priorities and functions of the department.• Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to keep complete and accurate records. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to maintain a professional attitude. • Ability to proactively manage and maintain facilities, pumps, valves and other equipment or assets critical to the function of the division• Ability to manage and maintain high expectations of subordinate employees; training and development of their knowledge and skills to increase operational excellence and efficiency of the division.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:• Current State of Mississippi Class "B" Water Treatment Plant Operator's license. • High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. A combination of equivalent education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.• At least five years of progressively responsible and comparable experience in civil engineering, water resources engineering, water treatment plant operations, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.• Experience and familiarity with motors, pumps, basic electrical knowledge, fluid flow, and mechanical components.• Familiarity and experience with water distribution systems including a variety of valves, equipment, repair methods, terminology and basic understanding of system design.LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:• Must possess a valid Driver's License and acceptable MVR.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:• Certification in wiring, mechanics, piping or other building construction related trade.• Experience in asset management and digital recordkeeping.• Experience with water tank maintenance requirements, standards and improvements.• Experience in well drilling operations, components, maintenance and repair.• Experience managing a high performing teamPHYSICAL, MENTAL, & OTHER CAPABILITIES:The job is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Work exposes the employee to hazards of construction sites including dangers of moving heavy equipment, hazardous chemical exposure, inclement weather conditions, and high noise levels. Work requires regular physical activities such as walking, climbing, crawling, standing, stooping, bending, and operation of a motor vehicle. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. This position is considered essential during inclement weather/emergency situations and to occasional call-out during night and other off-duty time during emergency/non-emergency events.