Chief Plant Operator

• Responsibility for overseeing all plant operations and act as the Chief Operator.
• Ensures all Federal, State, local laws, rules and regulations are met complied with regarding all plant operations.
• Oversees operators, gives direction, assigns work, inspects and verifies work is completed and is held accountable for performance of the operations team.
• Remains up-to-date with industry advances, new regulatory requirements, and technical knowledge and recommends their applications where applicable.
• Develops written manuals and instructions; instructs staff in new operating procedures and methods; creates training instruction manuals in assigned areas of responsibilities.
• Coordinates activities of the operations staff with other departments to determine proper operation and process parameters for the water treatment plant and oversees their implementation.
• Coordinates treatment plant operations with laboratory staff and treatment plant management to ensure that the plant is in compliance with all health and safety standards.
• Reviews and updates as needed all company emergency and operational plans and programs and verifies all plans comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Be available at all times (on duty or on call) to respond by phone or physically to emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays (within one hour).
• Has primary responsibility for after-hours response to address operational issues at the plant, including treatment failures and emergency plant shutdowns, in close coordination with other department leads.
• Coordinate with the client, regulatory agency, and other key stakeholders related to the operations of the plant.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and works with assigned staff to ensure the proper, safe, and efficient operation of the water treatment plant; provides for the training of assigned personnel in proper and safe plant operations; evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.
• Supports the water treatment plant’s safety program; ensures subordinates follow safety practices in work methods and procedures; enforces proper safety procedures while working in dangerous situations; educates employees on rules, regulations, codes, safe work habits and potential hazards presented by their work.

Qualifications

Experience

• At least seven (7) years or progressively responsible experience in water treatment facility operations, including four (4) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• At least five (5) years of experience with advanced water treatment technologies utilized in the plant, sufficient to operate and maintain the plant.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the production, treatment, and delivery of potable water, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and relevant Environmental Protection Agency and State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water regulations.
• Knowledge of standard Cal/OSHA safe work practices and safety equipment related to the work; special safety requirements when working with chemicals, respiratory safety requirements related to the work, and HAZMAT requirements for chemicals used at the treatment plant.
• Budgeting, recordkeeping and purchasing practices and procedures, including the drafting of specifications for chemicals and equipment.

Education

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; and possession of an associate’s degree in water treatment, water technology, public health, chemical, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.

License or Certificates

• Valid (and maintain) California class C driver's license with good driving record (required)
• Valid (and maintain) State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment 5 Certificate (required)
• HAZWOPER certification