Division Supervisor/Assistant Chief Operator - Town of Amherst - AMHERST

Division Supervisor/Assistant Chief Operator

Division of Public Works- Sewer Fund/Wastewater Treatment Plant

FLSA Exempt

DPW-S Association – Level 4 

Job Summary:

The Division Supervisor/Assistant Chief Operator performs a variety of supervisory, semi-skilled and skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance and process control of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and associated collection system and pump stations. This work includes complex and refined analyses of physical, biological and chemical treatment processes; and assuring compliance with state and federal operating regulations. This position supervises, directs, and coordinates the work of the plant operators and maintenance staff; and assumes the responsibilities of the Division Director/Chief Operator in the event of their absence. Must participate in an On-Call Response Program to handle after hour emergency duties. 

Supervision Received:

Works under the broad guidance and direction of the Wastewater Division Director/Chief Operator, who outlines departmental policies and procedures, supervises and reviews work, and evaluates performance. The position performs regular daily duties independently and is given broad discretion in exercising judgment, making decisions, and determining appropriate courses of action. 

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises, directs, and coordinates the work of the plant operators and maintenance staff. Recommends new hires and trains assigned staff. Responsible for daily supervision, scheduling, assignment, and goal setting for assigned staff and others working in the functional area. 

Major Duties:

• Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance, and process control of an advanced secondary activated municipal wastewater treatment plant that uses biological nutrient reduction and pump stations; including complex and refined analyses of physical, biological, and chemical treatment processes, and managing the process for removal of nitrogen. 

• Conducts twice daily inspections of the plant to maintain optimal efficiency, safety, and cleanliness; Analyzes and evaluates operation and maintenance functions for the treatment plant; applies appropriate corrective measures to mitigate potential problems and to restore proper operating standards and measures to mechanical and biological processes at the plant and/or pumping stations in both emergency and non-emergency situations; Manages proper maintenance and usage of plant equipment, machinery, supplies and tools. 

• Coordinates plant preventative maintenance programs with the maintenance supervisor and outside contractors working for the Town of Amherst. 

• Acts as the plant liaison to the pump stations alarm monitoring company and other contractors and vendors as required. 

• Ensures that the plant and pump stations operate in accordance with state and federal operating regulations, including the standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Agencies. 

• Participates in the On-Call Response Program to handle after hour emergency duties; Performs duties of, and is designated as, Essential Personnel. 

• Schedules, assigns, and reviews work of subordinate staff, providing training and coaching; Assists in evaluating performance; Participates in new hire interviews; Makes recommendations for corrective and disciplinary actions. 

• Oversees the safety of workers by training and instructing individuals in proper safety procedures, in safe use of equipment related to confined space work areas, chemicals, hazardous materials, and fall protections situations, and by monitoring works in progress; Maintains a current knowledge of physical, chemical and biological safety hazards in the work place. 

• Monitors and remains current on updates and changes to, or that may impact, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. 

• Assumes the responsibilities of the Division Director/Chief Operator in the event of their absence. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent; AND
• Five (5) years of operational experience in a wastewater treatment facility PLUS a Massachusetts Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License, with willingness and ability to obtain Grade 6 licensure within one (1) year of hire OR one to four (1-4) years of operational experience in a wastewater treatment facility PLUS a Massachusetts Grade 6 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License, with willingness and ability to obtain a Massachusetts Grade 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License within one (1) year of hire;
• OR equivalent combination of the above education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform in the position.
• Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with tanker and airbrake endorsements, OR valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, with willingness and ability to obtain CDL Class B with tanker and airbrake endorsements one (1) year of hire.
• Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operations activities;
• Working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices;
• Skill in operation of the below listed tools and equipment, or ability to obtain skill through training;
• Ability to guide, direct and motivate employees and to organize and supervise the activities of crews;
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions, and ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public;
• Ability to respond to a plant or pump station emergencies after hours, as required, and to perform as Essential Personnel.

Preferred Requirements:

• Associates Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Grade 6 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License with willingness and ability to obtain a Massachusetts Grade 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License within one (1) year of hire.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and operating procedures of municipal wastewater treatment plants and sanitary sewer pump stations. 

Tools and Equipment Used:

Motor vehicle, tractor, dump truck, riding and push mowers, monorail hoists, trailers, floor maintainers, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, valve wrenches, computers, VFD’s controls, instrumentation, mobile radio, phone, calculator and basic lab instrumentation.

Physical Demand:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 plus pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and sprays, toxic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment can be loud in field settings and generator rooms, and moderately quiet in office settings. 

Selection Guidelines:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview, reference check, and job-related tests may be required. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

The Town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.