Job title:  Chief Operator - Water Treatment

Employer:  City of Bellingham 

Department: Public Works

Location:  City of Bellingham, WA 

Salary:  $73,764.00 - $88,092.00 Annually

Closing date:  1/27/2017 at 4:30 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana 

Job summary:  

The Chief Operator - Water Treatment is responsible for supervision and direction of  watershed, water supply, water treatment, and water distribution operations; serves as the system administrator for water and wastewater computerized automated control and data acquisition systems; and recommends budgets, standards, and operations.  Error or negligence in supervision or performance could jeopardize municipal water supplies, facilities, and water/wastewater computerized process controls; put public health at risk; result in loss of life, property, financial resources, and equipment; and violate water quality, air, and other standards.  Works under the Washington State regulations and procedures for water supply and water treatment as well as City and departmental policies and procedures.
 

Supervisory relationships:  

Reports directly to the Public Works Superintendent - Operations.  Works independently under general supervision.  Maintains close working relations with supervisors at the waste water treatment plant and other city personnel.  Supervision of Plant Operators is a joint responsibility with the Operations Supervisor - Wastewater Treatment.  Serves as a member of the plant operations management team. 
 

Essential functions :

1. Plans, organizes, directs the day-to-day operation of the water treatment plant. Schedules work activities, making all necessary arrangements for supplies, equipment, and staffing. Determines service levels and establishes operating criteria for operators.
2. Jointly responsible for plant operator supervision with the Operations Supervisor - Wastewater including recommending employee hiring, operator training, supervision, evaluations, disciplinary actions, vacation scheduling, etc., of plant operators.
3. Coordinates and performs quality control testing and evaluation in conjunction with water treatment plant and other laboratory personnel to optimize the quality and quantity of water produced.
4. Develops and implements policies and procedures for proper operation of the plant and distribution system.
5. Performs project, plant operations team, vendor, and consultant responsibilities.
6. Coordinates watershed and water supply functions such as operation of the Lake Whatcom control dam, responding to public concerns on lake levels, producing flow reports, and collaborating with other departments.
7. Performs administrative duties in compliance with all City and departmental policies and procedures, state and federal water quality regulations such as completion of state reports, planning documents, performance documentation, inventory control, requisitioning supplies, bid specifications, etc.
8. Coordinates and performs systems administrator duties and responsibilities for water and wastewater supervisory control and data acquisition computer systems.  This includes responsibility for training plant operators, system backup, and writing system reports.
9. Recommends preliminary annual budget for the section; includes researching information for capital expenditures, and performing cost analysis for items such as chemical costs, water quality control, conservation, and regulatory compliance.
10. Assists the Superintendent on capital projects for plants and other facilities which may include providing operating data to engineers, reviewing construction documents, or recommending changes appropriate to operations.  Also works with engineers and other persons on capital improvement plans.

Additional work performed :

1. Facilitates and performs public education and community relations activities.
2. Plans and implements improved water supply and water treatment management, quality, reporting, and monitoring systems to meet new or revised water treatment standards.
3. Operates the water treatment pilot plant filter system to optimize treatment plant performance.
4. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical ability to perform essential functions of the job, including infrequently lifting up to 50 pounds.

Experience and Training:

• Two years vocational or college coursework in technical areas such as environmental science, civil engineering, or computer technology.
• Four years of experience required in a comparable water-related plant operations industry involving automated systems.  Must include two years of supervisory experience with responsibility for leadership, scheduling, training and skills development.  Experience with full responsibility for plant operations preferred.
• Familiarity with computer technology required.  Experience with systems development and troubleshooting preferred.

A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required skills and abilities will be considered.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal conviction and local background check.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and a good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire.
• This position is represented by a union and union membership is required within 30 days of hire.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Water Treatment Plant Operator IV within one year of employment.

NOTE:  Substitutions for education and training requirements are available as outlined in Washington Administrative Code 246.292.060, 12/27/90.
 

Selection Process:

As part of the application process please include the following:

• Cover letter addressing the following questions:
  • Describe your experience working in water treatment plant operations.
  • Describe your knowledge and experience with automated computer systems.
  • Why is this position appealing to you, and why is it the right step for you in your career?

Applications are initially reviewed for minimum qualifications and a standard degree of completeness. Candidates must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding level of qualifications for this position. This includes completing all application fields and supplemental materials. Relevancy of your experience and training, together with composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be considered when evaluating responses. Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training. Resumes and work experience listed on the application will not substitute for responses to the Supplemental Questions.

The most qualified candidates will be contacted to participate in a Panel Interview. 

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently.

About the City of Bellingham water treatment: 

The drinking water for the City of Bellingham and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District is supplied via two major intake structures in the lake.

The City of Bellingham treatment plant serves residents of Bellingham as well as five neighboring water districts and one tribal nation.

The City of Bellingham withdraws water from Basin 2 through a 1,200-foot wooden pipeline that leads to the screenhouse at Whatcom Falls Park. The treatment plant in Whatcom Falls Park is capable of producing 24 million gallons of drinking water per day. 

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Information

• Location: Bellingham, United States

Media

Taxonomy

• Wastewater Treatment
• Water Treatment Solutions
• water treatment
• Water Treatment & Control
• Water & Wastewater Treatment