JOB TITLE: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 97340

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series describes work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and associated collection and conveyance systems.

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants.

An employee in this job supervises employees engaged in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. Work involves supervising employees operating and maintaining motors, pumps, aerators, filters, digestors, chlorinators, flow meters, and related equipment to control the flow and processing of wastewater; sustaining biological processes by adding air and nutrients to achieve natural self-purification processes, including coagulation of solids, oxidation, and nitrification; performing chemical tests of plant influent and effluent; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations for quality assurance purposes and required submission to regulatory officials. Work includes developing standard operating procedures; making process control decisions; and ensuring adherence to established procedures and regulatory requirements in the operation of wastewater treatment plants. Supervision is exercised over skilled workers and other staff assigned to wastewater treatment plants. Work is assigned by an administrative supervisor and reviewed for compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is differentiated from the lower level job based on the responsibility for supervising wastewater treatment plant operators, wastewater treatment plant trainees and other staff assigned to wastewater treatment plants.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Supervises employees engaged in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants.

• Trains new employees in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment equipment, collection and conveyance systems, and associated testing and regulatory compliance processes.

• Serves as responsible charge operator for wastewater treatment plants.

• Makes process control decisions regarding plant operation.

• Develops standard operating procedures to be used by others to implement process control decisions.

• Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, personnel attendance, and meter and gauge readings and reports required information to regulatory officials.

• Prepares periodic reports on plant operations as required by the PA Department of Environmental Protection and other regulatory agencies.

• Interacts with Department of Environmental Protection staff on permit issues.

• Develops and implements maintenance schedules, maintains maintenance records, determines the need for repairs, and responds to related emergencies.

• Reviews reports submitted by subordinates and prepares reports on plant operations and continuity of services.

• Travels to various field sites to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the processes and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants, including wastewater collection and conveyance systems, chemical treatment and testing of influent and effluent, and the associated hazards and safety precautions.

• Knowledge of the equipment and tools used in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, area, volume, and ratios.

• Ability to read and interpret digital and analog charts, graphs, meters, and other measuring devices used in wastewater treatment plants.

• Ability to read and interpret wastewater treatment plant data from various sources used to monitor and control plant operations.

• Ability to read and interpret wastewater treatment plant blueprints and equipment schematic diagrams.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the wastewater system to be operated or maintained.

• Certain positions require possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a water treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the water system to be operated or maintained.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

• Certain positions require possession of an active pesticide application certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for category 24, Swimming Pools.