Wastewater Operations Supervisor

Explore a Rewarding Career with the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

Spanning just 7 square miles in south Central Pennsylvania, the City of Lancaster is home to nearly 60,000 diverse residents. The City oversees a range of public services including fire and police, health, housing, parks, streets, as well as water and wastewater for upwards of 120,000 customers in the surrounding region. This work is powered by nearly 600 employees who are committed to the core values of quality, teamwork, integrity, and respect.

Primary Functions and Job Details

Performs technical and supervisory work in the operation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant and its sludge treatment facilities.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.
• Plans, assigns, and inspects the work of wastewater operator technicians and sludge dewatering technicians engaged in the operation of screening and grit facilities, primary clarifiers, aeration tanks, final clarifiers, pumping operations, chlorine contact tanks, sludge dewatering processes, and biosolids stabilization processes.
• Coordinates and tracks training for wastewater operator technicians and sludge dewatering technicians, including operator certification training.
• Reviews plant data. Supervises operator technicians who conduct wastewater tests in accordance with Chapter 252 of the PA Laboratory Certification Regulations and operator and sludge dewatering technicians conducting process control testing.
• Recommends and/or makes changes in plant operating conditions based on plant data.
• Directs operator technicians to keep tanks clean of all floating grease, oil and other floating matter.
• Maintains accurate records of equipment operation, chlorine cylinder changes, oxygen generation and storage system operations, and general inventory records.
• Checks the operation of the plant and sludge processing, and all mechanical equipment; determines components requiring replacement or readjustment; requisitions chemicals, supplies, and equipment.
• Responds to emergency calls regarding mechanical problems; assists with minor repairs and requests assistance for major breakdowns.
• Schedules and supervises sludge disposal in accordance with PA Department of Environmental Resources regulations.
• Maintains safety records and prepares reports.
• Collaborates with City and consultant personnel to identify, define and solve operational problems.
• Reviews and/or prepares technical specifications for contracts related to wastewater operations.
• Monitors employees' work levels and reviews performance.
• Takes meter certification readings in the absence of the Wastewater Quality Supervisor.
• Conducts monthly air permit inspections and maintains required records and tracking data.
• May conduct special studies of wastewater treatment processes and prepare reports.
• Assists with snow removal operations at the plant, including scheduling and supervising assigned staff.
• Utilizes the City's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to enter and track work orders. Generates reports as needed from the CMMS for Federal, State and local requirements.
• Ensures compliance with the wastewater plant NPDES permit.
• Assists in annual budget preparation.

Typical Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Associate degree in Sanitary Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and/or environmentally related study is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience in wastewater treatment operations is required.

• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver's License is required.
• Possession of a Class "A", Type 1 Wastewater Operator's Certificate issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or reciprocal license is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of practices related to wastewater operations.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment used in the wastewater treatment plant operation, maintenance and repair is required.
• Knowledge of plant computer monitoring and control (SCADA) system.
• Knowledge and ability to understand the operations of the plant and pumping station equipment to efficiently write and amend equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledge of Wastewater state and federal regulations.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
• Proven proficiency in knowledge, understanding, and use of the Microsoft (or similar) suite of tools (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required.
• Proven ability to interpret, verify, and accurately enter data into a computer database is required.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and to maintain positive interactions is required.
• Positive interpersonal skills are required.
• Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment is required.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and focus on customer needs is required.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and continuous improvement is required.

• Indoors, environmentally controlled.
• Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.
• Exposure to noise and pollution.

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hard-hats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators.

• Requires lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Requires standing outdoors for long periods.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires being on-call on rotating basis for addressing after-hours problems and breakdowns at plant and pumping stations.
• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

The City of Lancaster, PA provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefits-eligible positions. Available benefits include Medical (PPO and HDHP/HSA options), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, Pension plans, and 457 Deferred Compensation. Employees also receive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leave, as well as 13 paid holidays for non-essential positions. Essential positions receive bonus days in lieu of holidays.