Wastewater Operations Superintendent - SR-24

Salary : $74,796.00 - $110,808.00 Annually
Location : Future vacancies with immediate vacancy in Hilo, HI
Job Type: Permanent & Temporary Positions
Job Number: 2026-00040
Department: Environmental Management
Division: Wastewater
Opening Date: 03/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Duties Summary


Plans, directs, and coordinates the installation, maintenance, and operation of all wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems in a major geographical district; and performs other related duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division in Hilo.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate supervisors, the process control and operation of the wastewater treatment and disposal facilities, pump stations, and systems in an assigned district; coordinates the shutdown of facilities for repairs; coordinates work with other district superintendents.
• Plans, lays-out, and assigns through subordinate work relating to the operation and maintenance of all equipment in the wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Evaluates the operation and maintenance functions of the wastewater treatment plants and effectuates changes that increase efficiency and economy.
• Analyzes and evaluates the operation and maintenance functions and recommends and implements new or improved practices and standards.
• Participates in planning and makes recommendations on plans, designs, and specifications for new facilities and alterations to existing facilities.
• Determines dependability, adequacy, and feasibility of structures and equipment.
• Recommends and implements revisions or new policies and procedures for the operation and maintenance of the facilities.
• Participates in meetings with engineers to discuss the design, operation, maintenance, and/or new construction of wastewater equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Participates in the preparation of the division's budget; approves requisitions for purchases; reviews and controls expenditure of funds.
• Recommends equipment purchases and replacements; participates in the preparation of specifications; prepares applicable purchasing forms.
• Evaluates the utilization of personnel; recommends changes in position duties, transfer of positions, or additional positions to achieve maximum operational effectiveness.
• Confers with supervisors and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions including terminations; directs the completion of job performance reviews, new hire orientations, and safety and operational trainings; oversees job interviews, grievances, investigations, and resolution of public or employee complaints.
• Oversees the maintenance of records, data, and files; prepares operational reports.
• Develops, organizes, coordinates, and/or conducts training program for plant personnel.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the department's safety program and activities; enforces the safety policies and regulations.
• Reviews and approves building and plumbing permits for residential and small commercial plans and specifications for connection to County sewer systems.
• Provides construction management and inspection services as assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings; may attend hearings or meetings and present testimony relating to the wastewater operations and programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Training and Experience:
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and
• five (5) years of work experience in the operations, construction, or repair and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities, of which
• three (3) years' experience shall have been in a supervisory capacity, and
• possession of a current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade IV at time of filing (scan and attach a copy of your current certificate to your application), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other comparable valid driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision; procedures and practices pertinent to the operation of wastewater facilities and equipment; program planning and budgeting principles; laws and regulations applicable to the operation of wastewater facilities; occupational hazards and safety practices; report writing, and; record keeping practices and procedures.

Ability to: Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of subordinates involved in the operation of wastewater facilities and equipment; review and interpret plans and designs prepared by engineers and contractors; evaluate and recommend improvements to work practices and procedures; interpret and apply policies, regulations, and laws; understand and follow purchasing policies and procedures; develop and conduct training and safety programs; maintain records and prepare reports and budget estimates; deal effectively with employees, representatives from other governmental agencies, engineers and contractors, and the public; give and follow oral and written instructions, and; direct work in emergency situations; work odd hours and under hazardous, obnoxious, and unfavorable surroundings.

Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Benefits of County Employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program : This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.

Supplemental Information
Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification,
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates.

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:
Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner. Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you. This is a new feature created by our vendor, NEOGOV.

Please add View email address on click.appcast.io to your contact list. Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password. In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you. The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
E-mail:
Benefits of County employment : The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Employees start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire. 14 hours are earned after a full month of service, which equals to 21 days per year, with a maximum accumulation of 90 working days.
• Sick Leave: Employees start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire. 14 hours are earned after a full month of service, which equals to 21 days per year, with no limitation on the amount of sick leave that may be accumulated.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County provides a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program : Scholarship program for employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning, subject to eligibility requirements and reimbursement limits.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: A federal program forgiving the balance of federal student loans for individuals working in public service. For program requirements and additional information, please visit
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan covered under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries. For more information visit
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible employees may participate in the Island Savings Plan (a deferred compensation plan as provided under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code.) This is a voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan that allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions into a variety of investment options.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Eligible employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for their portion of insurance premiums, qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers the following health benefit plans for eligible employees:
  • Medical Plan (HMO or PPO)
  • Vision Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan

These benefits are administered by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. For more information about current employee contribution rates and plans see the EUTF website ().

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The County offers a voluntary assistance program which provides its employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: The County provides a free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, such as: Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Victims Protection Leave, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, Donor Leave, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and to legislative and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.
01



REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. The information provided to these Supplemental Questions may be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or you receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. Any information you submit may be verified.


When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience Sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking.

I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information.

02



Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the closing date of the recruitment, unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position. It is essential that you describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Note: Calculation of experience is based on full-time, 40-hour work weeks. Part-time experience must be pro-rated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours per week is equivalent to six months of experience. In addition, hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week, per work experience, will not be credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours per week is equivalent to one year, not one and one-half years.

• I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information.

03


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HiSET)?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have five (5) years of work experience in the operations, construction, or repair and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities?

• Yes
• No

05


If you answered "Yes" to question #4, in which of the following areas do you have experience? Select all that apply.

• Operation of wastewater treatment plants
• Operation of wastewater collection systems
• Construction of wastewater treatment plants
• Construction of wastewater collection systems
• Repair and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants
• Repair and maintenance of wastewater collection systems
• None of the above

06


For each response marked in question #5, please describe where you gained the work experience. Describe each change in employer or position separately. Include the following information:
A. Employer's name
B. Your job title
C. Employment dates (from month/day/year to month/day/year)
D. Hours worked per week
E. The grade level or type of treatment plant or system you worked in
F. Detailed description of your duties
G. The percentage of time you spent performing this work.


If you answered "None of the above," enter N/A.
Be specific and complete ALL questions for ALL experience you are claiming. The following are unacceptable responses:
- See above
- Refer to resume
- See attached


07


If you answered "Yes" to question #4, were three (3) of those years in a supervisory capacity?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to question #7, please describe your supervisory work experience in the operations, construction, or repair and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities. Treat each change in employer or position separately. Include the following:
A. Employer's name
B. Your job title
C. Employment dates (from month/day/year to month/day/year)
D. Hours worked per week
E. Description of your duties
F. The number of employees you supervised and their job titles
G. The percentage of time you spent performing this type of work.

If you answered "No", enter N/A.

Be specific and complete ALL questions for ALL experience you are claiming. The following are unacceptable responses:
- See above
- Refer to resume
- See attached


09


Do you possess a current permanent State of Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV certificate?
Note: Certificate must show a valid expiration date.
(Scan and attach a copy of your current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV certificate to your application.)

• Yes
• No

10


Do you have a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing? (You will be required to submit valid your driver's license at time of hire.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question