Plant Engineering Program Manager

Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant Cuyahoga Heights, OH, USA Description

JOB SUMMARY

Oversees the Plant Engineering Group, leading the execution of engineering initiatives in collaboration with other departments to strengthen plant performance, asset reliability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Identifies and evaluates improvement opportunities, drives cross-departmental integration and ensures the successful implementation of continuous improvement efforts. Provides leadership and coordination to align engineering solutions with operational needs and organizational goals. Performs other related duties of a similar nature as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leads efforts to identify problems and vulnerability in the reliability of treatment plant systems, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control equipment. Leads efforts to analyze and enhance performance of treatment processes such as primary, secondary, disinfection, biosolids handling and odor control systems and delivers a return on investment. Oversees the development and use of wastewater and hydraulic models to support plant system operation and reliability improvements. Administers the application of asset management and long-term infrastructure renewal strategies. Provides direction and oversight on troubleshooting and root‑cause analyses for process upsets, operational inefficiencies and equipment failures in support of plant system operation. Provides technical assistance in the development of preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize key equipment uptime and extend asset life. Oversees and performs cost‑benefit evaluations for equipment upgrades, process improvements and energy efficiency initiatives. Provides direction and oversight for the planning, scoping and management of minor capital improvement projects from concept through design, construction, commissioning and turnover for projects managed by Plant Engineering. Coordinates with consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure Plant Engineering managed minor capital projects meet technical, financial and regulatory requirements. Provides technical assistance with specification development for goods and service contracts that support plant system operation. Coordinates with Engineering & Construction (E&C) and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) departments to ensure needed capital improvements are identified and nominated as part of the annual capital improvement planning process. Participates in the validation of identified capital improvement needs and the prioritization of capital improvement projects. Supports O&M management in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Collaborates with leadership to identify and implement process improvements and automation enhancements that increase efficiency and provide plant staff with timely operational data to support informed decision‑making. Collaborates with other departments to evaluate new treatment strategies to support compliance with existing and future National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. Provides technical support and analysis to support utility resilience and sustainability such as energy recovery, nutrient removal optimization, biosolids beneficial reuse and greenhouse gas reduction. Sets strategic direction for the Plant Engineering group in alignment with the Sewer District’s goals and objectives. Develops, tracks and reports on performance metrics, evaluating progress toward established goals. Presents technical information, project updates and performance results to senior leadership and regulatory agencies. Supervises, directs and motivates staff to achieve high productivity, strong performance and positive morale. Conducts performance evaluations, develops staff development plans and provides individualized training, coaching and mentoring. Responsible for hiring, training and administering corrective actions as needed. Fosters teamwork, promotes a positive work environment and encourages collaboration between Plant Engineering and other departments while reinforcing accountability and the achievement of work objectives. Develops and maintains effective partnerships with external organizations, regulatory bodies and governmental agencies. Serves as a Sewer District representative at national, community and industry meetings to support collaboration, information sharing and organizational objectives. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE

Candidate must possess ten (10) years of progressive responsibility leading and supervising teams, projects and engineering processes, preferably within wastewater treatment and collection. Experience must include demonstrated success in management of technical staff, managing timelines and resources, prioritizing work based on business impact, supporting change management and process improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory drivers, overseeing budgets and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Experience must include five (5) years of supervising, managing and/or leading people, projects and/or processes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines. A current Professional Engineer’s (PE) license is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Candidate must possess knowledge in technology and planning for large‑scale utilities or industrial facilities. Knowledge of engineering theories, principles and practices and wastewater treatment applications, methods and practices is preferred. Candidate must possess a high level of written and verbal communication skills, proven experience planning strategically and effectively managing people and processes; ability to interact effectively at all levels of an organization, present ideas clearly and establish and maintain effective working relationships (internally and externally); and ability to lead, persuade, influence and negotiate with others to accomplish goals and objectives. Candidate must possess the ability to empower and develop others through motivating, delegating and appraising people and their performance; and ability to establish priorities and optimize performance through problem solving, setting goals/standards, decision making and managing/measuring work. Demonstrated ability to make decisions, think strategically and lead and implement organizational change.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to analyze, communicate, comprehend, make decisions, possess general intelligence, interact, interpret, negotiate, possess numerical intelligence, organize, problem solve, have resilience and perform tasks. Physical work will need to be performed, such as bending, climbing, driving, sitting, standing, talking, typing and walking. Repetitive movements will need to be performed such as simple grasping with one hand. Position will require visual demands of accommodation, depth perception and near acuity. Ability to withstand faint to moderate noise exposure for fifteen minutes or longer on an infrequent basis is required. Exposure to environmental conditions such as outdoor work, work around large machinery, work at heights and work inside confined spaces is encountered in this position. Pay Range USD, Commensurate with Experience Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

DISCLAIMER

The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Neorsd