The Public Works Department is seeking a WWTP Operations Superintendent.
Why Join Our Department?
The Public Works Department’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s 15.7 million gallon per day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP is currently a traditional activated sludge facility but will transition to a Biological Nutrient Removal/Membrane Bioreactor facility that will come online in July of 2024. The WWTP serves a population of more than 140,000 with an annual operating budget in excess of $16 million and has a staff of 39 professional and technical personnel. Upgrades currently in progress to the WWTP include new liquids treatment process facilities consisting of new headworks, primary treatment, and biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactor (BNR/MBR) process. When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work. Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields. We will provide you with a wide range of opportunities in a team-based collaborative environment while helping you achieve your professional goals.
Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g
What You’ll Do
The WWTP Operations Superintendent may assign, supervise, manage and review the work of the operations staff of the City's wastewater quality control and processing plant using existing wastewater treatment processes, including primary treatment, biological oxidation processes, physical and chemical clarification, solids dewatering, sludge digestion, secondary treatment, membrane filtration and disinfection; and to do related work as required. Some of the duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:
- Act as and performs the duties of the designated Chief Plant Operator (CPO), and direct the activities of a Grade V wastewater treatment plant.
- Develop and implement goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the operation of the plant; implement policies and procedures.
- Assign, schedule and supervise employees in the operation of the treatment plant. Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.
- Maintain surveillance of the operating efficiency of wastewater treatment processes, including primary treatment, biological oxidation processes, secondary treatment, filtration, solids dewatering, sludge digestion, and effluent disinfection.
- Assist in Operations Branch budget development and implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
- Maintain records and prepare reports regarding the operation of a Grade V wastewater plant and quality of the effluent; monitor monthly reports to regulatory agencies.
- Recommend methods of correction of plant upsets and improving plant efficiency.
- Coordinate plant operations activities with the plant laboratory and maintenance personnel to ensure the proper and efficient total functioning of plant equipment and wastewater quality control systems.
- Ensure the Operations Department has an effective safety program.
- Assist in selecting, training, motivating and evaluating operations personnel; Maintain Morale; participate in establishing and monitoring employee performance objectives; prepare and present employee performance reviews; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures; recommend employee terminations.
- Prepare specifications for materials, supplies and contractual services including administrative Reports and Agreements for procurement of these materials, supplies and services in accordance with City purchasing policy.
- Prepare staff reports for presentation to the City Council, Public Works Commission, City Manager or Public Works Director.
- Review and approve request for proposal for the purchase of plant materials and supplies. Fully utilize the computerized work systems in accordance with work flow processes.
- Make critical decisions to resolve emergency conditions resulting from wastewater treatment system malfunctions, upsets or poisonings.
- Ensure operations staff participation in Plant Capital Improvement Projects planning.
- Coordinate operational activities with contractors of plant construction projects to ensure continuous plant operations.
- Actively and collaboratively develop and implement long term strategic organizational and process planning for the WWTP Operations Branch.
- Ensure appropriate communications at all levels of plant operations, including coordination with Plant Maintenance Superintendent, Laboratory Supervisor and regularly scheduled operations meetings.
- May oversee Plant management functions in the absence of Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
The WWTP Operations Superintendent receives general direction from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, or higher-level department personnel and may exercise direct supervision over operations staff, including Shift Supervisors, Operators, Operators-in-Training, and other professional and technical staff as may be required.
For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Index/86c