PLANT OPERATIONS (OPERATOR) SUPERVISOR - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Description:

PLANT OPERATIONS (OPERATOR) SUPERVISOR - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Description

OVERVIEW

Position Information
This is a working supervisor position. Responsible for oversight and delegation of day-to-day staff activities to ensure the operation of the plant meet local, state, and federal permitting requirements. Supervisory responsibilities include providing a positive team working environment, conducting performance evaluations, providing training opportunities, recruiting and disciplinary decisions, and helps plant operators develop skills and gain knowledge. Incumbents are required to perform Plant Operator duties and troubleshoot problems to correct plant performance. Knowledgeable in the operation of mechanical and electrical systems for wastewater treatment and provides recommendations on upgrades or improvements to the plant.

A first review of applications will be done in the week of June 2nd.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Group 4 Wastewater Operator Certification ; and six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator, including one years of supervisory responsibility; OR
• Group 3 Wastewater Operator Certification (as long as you can pass the level 4 certification within 6 months of employment in Washington State ); and six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator, including one years of supervisory responsibility.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Please note: we accept reciprocity from other states as long as they obtain the Washington State Level 4 Certification within 6 months of employment.

Preferred Education, Experience or Other Qualifications

• Nine years of wastewater/water treatment plant experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as: Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Other Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements:
Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a medical/physical evaluation, including audio metric testing.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Submit copies of Group 3 & 4 Wastewater Certifications.
• Provide references that demonstrate reliability, a good attendance record and a positive work ethic/attitude.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling, and plant-wide air, water, electrical and hydraulic support systems.
• Knowledge of collection systems, including pump stations, regulator stations and miscellaneous structures and of disinfecting methods
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical theory, cross connections, and pumps
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including hiring, discipline, evaluation, motivating, and providing a team working environment.
  
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and requirements applicable to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of operating and maintaining Washington State regulated wastewater treatment plants, laboratory, sewage pump stations and related facilities.
• Knowledge of mathematics as related to sanitary sewer equipment and wastewater treatment process.
• Knowledge of chemical and physical processes involved in the activated sludge process.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures utilized in wastewater analysis.
• Knowledge of the processes involved for wastewater treatment operations, including necessary process data, calculating, and interpreting data collected, and applying results to process control.
• Skill in assigning, coordinating, and supervising the work of employees.
• Skill in effective communication, both oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information, and to receive and provide work direction.
• Skill in customer service techniques
• Skill in the use of personal computers and word processing and spreadsheets.
• Skill in handling stressful situations
• Skill in conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Utilize various computer applications specific to the department including databases, word processing, asset management software, spreadsheets, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for monitoring, tracking, and producing data and documents.
• Read and record meters and gauges correctly.
• Ability to learn and operate assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws or regulations.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and with other County employees.
• Ability to meet the assignment locations and travel requirements of the position. Ability to supervise, plan, assign, and evaluate the work of a number of full-time, part-time and temporary personnel.
• Ability to implement policies, procedures, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations and within the framework of the department. Ability to understand, interpret and apply county, state and federal regulations as related to specific facility services.
• Ability to effectively coordinate, perform and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, specifications, flow diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under heavy workload and stressful situations.
• Ability to appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period of time.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to policy and procedures of the county and department.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position.
• Ability to report for duty on time and remain at work until the end of their scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared as an “Essential Employee” under the Public Works Inclement Weather/Emergency Response policy.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Positions in this class typically require:

• 70% of the work is performed in the field at wastewater treatment plants, sewage pump/lift stations, or driving and 30% is in an office, shop or classroom environment.
• Sitting (when driving or in office) or standing for long periods of time.
• Bending, reaching, handling and grasping various items such as: documents, materials, hand tools, shovels debris, sewage lines.
• Walking, balancing over rough, uneven or undeveloped terrain.
• Visual acuity sufficient to drive, view computer data, read written sewage lines, materials and road signs, see detail of maps, gages and discriminate color.
• Sufficient physical strength, coordination, dexterity and mental alertness to assure safety and operate power equipment;
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately when conveying or receiving information or instruction.
• Exertion of force of 50 pounds occasionally and/or 35 pounds.

Incumbents may be:

• Potentially hazardous conditions may be present when exposed to toxic chemicals, noxious fumes and wastewater, work in confined spaces underground, and when exposed to traffic and road hazards.
• Work is also performed outdoors in inclement weather.
• Subject to call-out during non-working hours.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations and Process Control: Responsible for the operations of CKTP's wastewater treatment, Biosolids processing, and recycled water production. Legally responsible under Washington Administrative Code for operation of the Central Kitsap Wastewater Treatment Facility in compliance with State National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit as the operator in charge and back up operator in responsible charge as defined in WAC 173-230. Evaluates wastewater process trends and data to adjust process control parameters to ensure treatment of effluent meets NPDES permit requirements. The knowledge and understanding of the treatment processes (physical, biological and chemical); preliminary, primary, secondary biological nutrient removal (BNR), tertiary treatment (up flow sand filters), air and odor systems and UV disinfection. Troubleshoot and make proper adjustments with seasonal hydraulic flows and loadings. Involved with daily sampling, routine laboratory, process control tests and analysis, trend charts, examine micro organisms for biological conditioning of the plant, filament identification (Gram and Neisser stains) to determine corrective action, proper usage of chemical addition for process recovery and water reclamation. Review laboratory data and make process control decisions. Knowledge of the growth pressures of the air, RAS and WAS on a biological system, and the effects upstream for disinfection and tertiary treatment. Operate, monitor and control equipment and systems using complex computer systems. Manage written and/or computerized information systems including logs, reports, lab and process data, trouble reports and work requests. Knowledge of the description, function, major components, causes for alarms and remote monitoring and control system for the equipment and systems in the preliminary, primary and secondary, solids handling, and odor control. Knowledge of the description and function of computerized remote and supervisory control systems (SCADA) used to control, operate and monitor a major wastewater treatment system. Knowledge of operating, monitoring, maintaining and training on the equipment and systems in the preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and solids handling areas. Knowledge of purchasing policies and procedures.
  
• CKTP's Wastewater Biosolids Program - Dewatering/Thickening/Septic Receiving: Supervise operation of gravity thickeners, gravity belt thickeners (GBT), rotating drum thickeners (RDT), a centrifuge for dewatering and a septage receiving station. Supervise operation of two parallel primary anaerobic digesters, gas conditioning system, waste flame burner, and a 250 KW Cogeneration system. Supervise operation of polymer systems needed for thickening and dewatering. Perform needed testing for polymer bidding during contract performance testing. Scheduling of the biosolids loads for delivery to land sites. Order and maintain polymer for all plants. Review plant biosolids management and hauling programs to ensure compliance with output and equipment capability; direct plant processing adjustments where necessary.
  
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Scheduling and prioritizing work orders with other divisions, departments and agencies. Plan, schedule and provide training to others and maintain training records on employees. Coordinate division, department and other agencies responses to unusual occurrences and emergencies; take corrective action as appropriate. Ensure adherence to all policies, standards and procedures. Prepare technical reports of plant operations for submittal to management and state and federal regulatory agencies. Assume operational responsibilities in the absence of the Utility Operations Manager for all shifts and for other operations. Lead, teach and coach; provide direction; prepare and conduct performance evaluations and take disciplinary actions. Facilitate long- and short-term workload planning, budgeting, training and performance management. Ensure the application of safety policies, procedures and practices for confined space entry, fall protection, hazard communication, recognition and control, hazardous energy control, emergency response and evacuation, accident prevention, hearing conservation, preventing back injuries, respiratory protection, fire safety, department facilities and operations, forklift training, plant-specific safety information and other department-wide safety information. Interpret and apply technical information from plant drawings, technical data sheets, operations and maintenance manuals and laboratory test results. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with the general public, vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, team members and other work groups. Plan, schedule, coordinate, monitor and review the daily work of a crew and the long-range planning and scheduling of a crew. Ensure timely completion and quality of work by crew. Participate in long-range facilities planning. Review and evaluate employee job performance and provide constructive feedback; provide mentoring; recommend and/or initiate disciplinary action. Requisition supplies and equipment, maintain inventory, ensure requisition procedures are followed and make some budget decisions for operations. Review plans, designs or procedures for assigned segment of major construction projects with contractors, design engineers, vendors and agency's construction management division. Organize, coordinate and provide technical expertise on long-range special projects; provide direction to senior staff on special projects. Perform the duties of the other classifications within the Wastewater Treatment Operations series as needed.
  
• Perform the duties of the other classifications within the Wastewater Treatment Operations series as needed.
  
• Perform related work as required.
  

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Plant Operator Supervisor: Employees within the classification of Plant Operator Supervisor who are assigned to work at CKTP and who have obtained a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level IV certification will receive a ten percent (10%) premium pay for all compensable time.
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement Public Works Utilities - Teamsters Local 589 and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual Personnel Manual . Membership in the union is optional. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 10 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under Public Works Teamsters Local 589collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Salary:

$70,408.00 - $99,507.20 Annually