Job Description

WASTEWATER TREATMENT SUPERINTENDENT

JOB CODE 51250

Effective Date:	12/92A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to direct the overall operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment plants, wastewater reuse and reclamation facilities. The Wastewater Treatment Superintendent is responsible for the administration and supervision of programs, activities and functions relating to the construction, operation, and maintenance of all treatment plants. This involves the efficient operation and maintenance of the plants and proper monitoring and reporting of the operation. Effective use of computerized process control and data handling systems is an essential element of the employee's work. Development of marketable by-products that reduce the overall facility costs are a significant responsibility of the position, as is the operation of the upgraded facilities for groundwater recharge to reduce the overdraft of groundwater. The incumbent is guided by the policies and assignments received from an Assistant Water Services Director, but exercises independent judgment in accomplishing the work and developing new programs, unusual expansion, and improvement projects, and is held accountable for results. Success of the employee's work is measured through reports, conferences, program results, and economy of operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews design documents and specifications for facility expansion to ensure constructability and operability in compliance with the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Arizona Department of Health Services, and Department of Environmental Quality;
• Studies operating cost records of plants and makes corrections or suggests solutions to problems;
• Advises on future systems improvements deemed necessary to dispose of expected increases in wastewater volume;
• Writes comprehensive reports on plant operations, productivity improvements, and energy conservation programs to provide information required by local, state or federal agencies and management;
• Ensures EPA permit compliance, and coordinates legal responses to enforcement actions;
• Reviews budget estimates prepared by subordinates and transmits their requests to an Assistant Director with recommendations;
• Provides solutions to the more difficult technical or public relations problems;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in, and the operating and maintenance practices of, a modern computerized wastewater treatment system.
• Administrative and modern computerized office management techniques as applied to the operation and management of a large wastewater treatment facility.
• Ordinances, rules and regulations governing the treatment and discharge of wastewater under State and EPA regulations.
• Principles and practices of civil or sanitary engineering.
• Effective supervisory practices and motivational techniques.
• Management principles and practices including management by objectives, personnel selection, goal setting and program budgeting.

Ability to:

• Organize, supervise and inspect the work of employees engaged in the operation and maintenance of treatment plants.
• Direct work in the repair and maintenance of plant equipment and facilities.
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper English sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Review plans and specifications for the construction of treatment plants.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Observe, compare, or monitor data to determine compliance with prescribed operating standards.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously.
• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces at a treatment plant.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements at a treatment plant.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a Grade IV Operator Certification in Wastewater from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality by the end of the probationary period.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Five years of experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants at a professional level, three years of which must have been at a supervisory level, and a bachelor's degree in sanitary, civil or chemical engineering or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.