Chief Operator - Wastewater

Employer pays 100% of premiums for family Health Insurance premiums and Employee Life and Short-term Disability Insurance and 90% of Family Dental Insurance premiums!

Come Join our TEAM and be an integral part of our newly energized, award winning, wastewater treatment facility.  Over the past two years the Merrimack Wastewater Treatment Facility has been undergoing a major upgrade on our 50 year old system, which will be completed in July 2024.  We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to help contribute the long tradition of excellence in plant operations, maintenance and composting.

This is skilled and supervisory work participating in the operation of municipal wastewater treatment facilities.  Work involves responsibilities for assuring the safe and efficient operation of the wastewater facility and wastewater pumping stations.  Work requires a technical knowledge of wastewater processes and requires the use of independent judgment in solving operating problems.  Work is subject to general policy direction of the Assistant Director of Public Works/Wastewater, and is subject to review by inspection and analysis of operating records.   Responsible for supervising the work of the Assistant Chief Operator, subordinate operators, and equipment operators  to ensure proper plant operations and record keeping. (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties, which may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans, lays out, directs and sets general policy for plant operations; prepares work schedules; trains operators through classroom and on the job training; reviews their work and the work of the Assistant Chief Operator; keeps records and provides monthly status reports on plant operations utilizing a personal computer.

•  Troubleshoots plant operating problems and establishes corrective actions; troubleshoots computer software problems.

•  Assists Assistant Director of Public Works/Wastewater in budget preparation and in short and long term planning.

• Establishes safety policy and procedures and purchases necessary equipment to support the policies.

• Fills in for Assistant Director of Public Works/Wastewater during his absence.

• Works closely with Maintenance Manager to assure proper performance of the wastewater facility and pump stations.

• Performs other duties as required.

Must have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment facilities utilizing the activated sludge process.  Must communicate well and have considerable managerial and planning skills.

  Must understand  laboratory analysis and procedures.  Must have understanding of safety hazards involved and the ability to implement procedures to protect employee health.   Must have good work knowledge of all equipment and good troubleshooting skills to facilitate repairs of equipment.

Additional Information:

Both inside and outside work is required, subjecting employee to weather extremes.   Approximately 75% of the work is inside (office, lab, etc.) with 25% outside.

 Exposure to hazardous conditions, i.e. confined spaces and plant and lab chemicals is present but at a lower level than the Assistant Chief Operator.  Interaction with the public is high as well as the stress level.B.S. in a related field (i.e. Engineering, Industrial Technology, etc.) with six  years experience at a similar position, or a two-year degree in a related field with eight  years experience.

 Must have a minimum of 5 years of management experience and Grade IV Wastewater License by the Department of Environmental Services, Water Supply and Pollution Control Division.   Must also have a significant number of courses related to the wastewater field, and working knowledge of computer software/databases including but not limited to Word, Excel, PM program, laboratory database, process control computer monitoring, etc…  Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.