Job title:  Deputy Chief Water Plant Operator

Company name: Potomac Group Inc.

Location: Potomac, Maryland, USA 

Salary:  $67,636 - $103,250

Closing date: until filled 

General Summary    

The incumbent assists with supervision in the routine operation of a large and complex Water Treatment Class-4 conventional plant with advanced process components including ultraviolet disinfection facilities. In the absence of the Potomac Chief Water Plant Operator, assumes the primary role as the operator in responsible charge in the routine operation of the Plant. Also has primary management responsibility over the Plant’s solids collection, treatment and disposal facilities. The work is performed under the management and guidance of the Potomac Chief Water Plant Operator.

Essential Functions    

• Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or recommending termination.
• Assists in the planning, directing and reviewing of routine and occasionally complex work of plant operating personnel including but not limited to activities intended to avoid plant upsets that could jeopardize public health and safety.
• Coordinates career ladder program activities for the Plant.
• Performs expeditious diagnosis and correction of process issues resulting from unusual environmental, weather related, human mediated or other emergency or non-emergency factors or conditions that could lead to process upsets.
• Works with Plant Engineers to prepare draft internal operating procedures to be reviewed by the Potomac Chief Water Plant Operator and Superintendent.
• Assists the Chief Plant Operator in determining and prioritizing plant operational activities; provides general instructions to staff for water treatment, process control and solids handling, discharge and disposal to maintain compliance with provisions of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act as well as the Clean Water Act.
• Assists in development of long range plans, procedures and improvements for the operation of the water treatment plant and associated solids handling facilities including but not limited to the review of contract documents.
• Performs inspections at existing or new plants and/or remote facilities to ensure equipment and processes operate properly and in accordance with specifications, and to correct deficiencies.
• Coordinates chemical deliveries as directed by the Potomac Chief Water Plant Operator.
• May frequently be assigned the task of developing work-around strategies to maintain adequate production levels and optimized water quality during construction activities.
• Analyzes plant and laboratory reports and directs adjustments of process controls to improve treatment and maintain regulatory compliance with national primary and secondary drinking water regulations.
• Assists in development and implementation of appropriate operator training programs, and conducts classes to improve operator knowledge, skills and abilities.

Other Functions     

• The incumbent is viewed both within the Commission and regionally as a subject matter expert with regard to water treatment operations and regulatory standards under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
• The employee demonstrates an in depth knowledge of the WSSC Water Distribution System and is often consulted with regard to system demand issues.
• Acts on behalf of the Chief Plant Operator in his/her absence.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Work Environment And Physical Demands    

• Work will primarily be performed in a Plant Environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities     

• Extensive knowledge of machines, equipment, materials and operating practices of a large and complex water treatment Class-4 plant.
• Thorough knowledge of the chemical and physical processes in the treatment of drinking water pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; Knowledge of plant discharge requirements under the Federal Clean Water Act.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and supervise Water Plant Operators and other engaged in plant operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other units within the Commission, public officials, and the general public.
• Good physical condition.

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements    

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience at the level of work shift supervisor, responsible for the operation and maintenance of a complex Class-4 conventional water treatment facility.
• A minimum of 7 years or 12,600 hours of qualifying experience as an operator at a water treatment class 4 plant in Maryland or equivalent experience as an operator in another state (which has reciprocity)

Additional Requirements    

• The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid Class 4 Water Plant Operator Certificate.
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain Superintendents Certificate issued by the Water Board for the specific facility at which employment is held within one year.
• Incumbent must posses and maintain a valid Sampler’s License issued by MDE.
• This is considered to be an “emergency employee” position and therefore employees must report to work as scheduled under all weather conditions.
• Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License with no more than four points.
• May be required to participate in stand by/ call back duty.
• Completion of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Preferences    

• Courses in sanitary engineering, chemistry or microbiology. 

Supplemental Questions 

1. * Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have 2 years of experience at the level of work shift supervisor responsible for the operation of a Class 4 water treatment facility?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have 7 years or 12,600 hours of qualifying experience as an operator at a water treatment class 4 plant in Maryland or equivalent?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have a Water Treatment Class 4 License issued by the Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Do you have a valid Maryland Department Environment Sampler’s License?
   • yes
   • no
7. * Have you taken courses in sanitary engineering, chemistry, bacteriology, or related fields?
   • yes
   • no
8. * Do you have experience at a water/wastewater plant solids dewatering facility?
   • Yes
   • No

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application 

About Potomac Group: 

We live by a philosophy of loyalty to our people and results for our clients. Our success is built upon standards of only promoting from within, leading by example at all times, and working hard.

Apply here

Information

• Location: Potomac, United States

Media

Taxonomy

• Water Treatment Solutions
• Water Safety Plan
• Water Quality Management
• water treatment
• Water Treatment & Control
• Water & Wastewater Treatment