Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, skilled, technical and supervisory work in overseeing employees operating a water treatment plant supplying water for the municipal water utility.  Work involves oversight of the operation and maintenance of pumping, treatment and storage equipment & facilities required to produce, transmit, store and distribute potable water for human consumption in accordance with applicable State and Federal rules and regulations.  Supervision is exercised over other plant operators, maintenance personnel, and other assigned employees.  Works under the general supervision of the Public Works & Engineering Director and/or his/her designee.  This is a safety-sensitive position.

• Manages, evaluates, and assesses the work of plant operators and other subordinate employees;
• Schedules and assigns work;
• Trains employees in routine procedures and methods, providing technical assistance with unusual or complex problems;
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records and reports;
• Prepares and maintains computer records;
• Receives and investigates complaints;
• Responds to and resolves customer service requests;
• Assists with preparation of departmental work programs and policies, cost estimates, planning, and budget request;
• Controls expenditures in accordance with budgetary provisions;
• Specifies and requisitions supplies and equipment;
• Responsible for division safety training;
• Conducts or oversees regular inspections of equipment and facilities;
• Responsible for collection and analysis of compliance samples for the water treatment and distribution systems;
• Oversees work of subordinates to ensure conformance with required regulations;
• Prepares and submits periodic reports on plant operations to regulatory authorities;
• Plans and confers with consulting and city engineers on acquisi­tion and installation of equipment and use of improved techniques and processes;
• Coordinates and oversees work of contractors employed by the City;
• Monitors and coordinates implementation of maintenance plans;
• Determines and purchases chemicals and other operating supplies
• Works overtime hours as required or assigned;
• Subject to call-in for specified emergencies;
• Reports to work as scheduled and on time, even under inclement weather conditions.

OTHER DUTIES PERFORMED

• Participates as a member of the Public Works Management Team.
• Develops and implements new service programs and/or modifications to existing programs.
• Operates light automotive equipment.
• Participates on various employee teams as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from high school or possession of GED;
• Associates or bachelors degree in engineering, chemistry, biology or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the water treatment and/or water distribution industry with proven management / supervisory skills;
• Experience requirements may be reduced with an advanced college degree in a related field;
• Post-secondary education requirements may be reduced with extensive experience in the water treatment industry.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written communications;
• Ability to respond to verbal inquiries from management, staff, and customers;
• Ability to effectively present information verbally and/or in writing;
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications;
• Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly;
• Ability to prepare concise and effective records, reports, and correspondence;
• Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of water treatment;
• Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to water treatment;
• Knowledge of the use of tools and equipment associated with treatment of potable water;
• Ability to plan, assign, and review the work of others;
• Skilled in the operation of a personal computer, including spreadsheets, word processing, etc.;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Ability to learn new procedures and to apply the same to a variety of tasks;
• Ability to analyze water treatment problems and recommend solutions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Tennessee.
• Certification by the State of Tennessee Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Board as a Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator.
• May require State certification in bacteriological analysis, backflow prevention / inspection, and/or Grade II Water Distribution System operations