Chief Operator

Job Description

Job Description

 

Job Closes: 10/23/2026

GENERAL SUMMARY

Supervises staff performing labor in the operation of wastewater treatment, water treatment plants and lift stations. Collects and analyzes samples. Transports biosolids using heavy equipment. Conducts tours of facilities.

 

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Supervisory functions include: makes hiring and termination decisions; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
• Prepares and submits monthly reports to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Collects samples and performs analytical tests. Calculates loadings, chemical dosage rates, food and microorganism ratios, sludge ages, percent solids, and pounds wasted using algebraic formulas. Plans for bio-monitoring sampling projects. 
• Transports biosolids between facilities.
• Supervises the operation and administration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
• Oversees maintenance, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment calibrations at assigned plant site.
• Researches and prepares requisitions for the purchase of equipment, chemicals, supplies, contract lab work, and repair services.
• Conducts tours of assigned facilities.
• Supervises equipment operations, process operation, and safety procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position may directly supervise the Treatment Operators I-V and Treatment Crew Leader. Operations Specialists and Operations Technicians.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment operations to include a minimum of one (1) year experience in a supervisory capacity; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Wastewater Operator License, Class B

☒ Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality drinking water rules and regulations
• Principles and practices with extended aeration-activated sludge processes 
• Effluent limitations
• Sludge regulations, reuse water regulations, stormwater regulations, and industrial waste pretreatment systems
• Microsoft Office

Skills and Abilities:

• Interpreting and understanding lab analysis for proper process control
• Analyzing and interpreting documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture that reflects our Values In Action of Accountability, Excellence, Open and Direct Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

 

Physical Effort Requirements

Work Environment

Sedentary

Medium

Heavy

Good: Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

☐

☐

☐

Satisfactory: Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. 

☐

☐

☐

Disagreeable: Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.

☐

☐

☒

 

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium: Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy: E xerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

 

Work Environment Locations

Work Locations: Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be in the following types of environments:

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Office or similar indoor environment

☐

☐

☒

Outdoor environment

☐

☐

☒

Street environment (near moving traffic)

☒

☐

☐

Construction site

☐

☒

☐

Confined space

☐

☒

☐

Vehicle

☐

☒

☐

Warehouse environment

☐

☒

☐

Other: (Specify: )

☐

☐

☐

Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

Exposures

Exposures: Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be exposed to the following environmental exposures.

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

☐

☒

☐

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

☐

☐

☒

Communicable diseases

☐

☐

☒

Moving mechanical parts

☐

☐

☒

Fumes or airborne particles

☐

☐

☒

Poison ivy, wasps, snakes, and other natural hazards

☐

☒

☐

Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

☐

☐

☒

Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

☐

☐

☒

Other: (Specify: )

☐

☐

☐

 

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.