Description

Overview:

The Chief Utility Operator is a working supervisor role responsible for leading and participating in the activities of Public Services Technicians in operating and maintaining the City’s utility infrastructure and treatment facilities. This position is not strictly administrative, though reporting is a requirement. The role requires hands-on involvement and collaboration with the Field Operations Supervisor to carry out all tasks necessary for maintaining the City’s infrastructure, including water distribution, sewer collection, streets, and parks.

Examples of Duties:

1. Leadership and Supervision: 

• Lead, evaluate, and supervise the performance of Public Services Technicians.
• Provide guidance, recognition, and counseling regarding work performance.
• Assign tasks and ensure completion of all work necessary for maintaining the City’s infrastructure, including water, wastewater, streets, and parks.
• Share supervisory responsibilities with the Field Operations Supervisor, coordinating resources and priorities as needed.

2. Water and Wastewater System Operations and Maintenance: 

• Construct, maintain, and replace water and sewer mains, service lines, and appurtenances.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair failures in water distribution and sewer collection systems.
• Operate and monitor all processing equipment and machinery for water and wastewater treatment.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection system, including diagnosing and repairing failures in sewer mains, lift stations, and related infrastructure.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system, including diagnosing and repairing failures in mains, service lines, AMI, and related infrastructure.
• Initiate changes in operations as determined by calculations, test results, and monitoring of processing variables.
• Conduct routine inspections and make mechanical repairs or adjustments to pumps, blowers, reduction gears, and variable speed drive units.

3. Laboratory Testing and Reporting:

• Perform laboratory tests and analyses required for effective operation of the wastewater treatment facility.
• Calibrate and maintain associated test equipment to ensure accurate results.
• Complete and submit all required documentation and reports for water and wastewater treatment in compliance with TCEQ, EPA, and other regulatory organizations.

4. Preventative and Routine Maintenance: 

• Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning of all buildings, equipment, and structures.
• Overhaul and repair equipment as needed to ensure efficient operation.
• Maintain quality processing records, including flows, chemical dosage, laboratory analysis, and various other facility operations.

5. Emergency Response and On-Call Duties: 

• Provide after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergency phone response for operations and public service situations.
• Participate in a weekly 24-hour on-call rotation to ensure continuous operation and responsiveness to emergencies.

6. Other Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with other supervisors and departments to ensure the City's infrastructure operates effectively.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by directors.

Tools and Equipment Used: 

• SCADA systems for monitoring, reporting, troubleshooting, and programming.
• Water and wastewater treatment equipment, including pumps, blowers, reduction gears, and chemical feed systems.
• Laboratory equipment for water quality testing and analysis.
• Tools and machinery for water distribution and sewer collection maintenance, including excavators, backhoes, and sewer cleaning machines.
• Standard tools and machinery used for general maintenance and repairs. 
• Computer software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), email, and other relevant applications.

Work Environment: 

• Duties often involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, including exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, and wastewater.
• Work may require physical activity, such as lifting, bending, and operating heavy machinery.

Requirements

Qualifications: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic chemistry, mathematics, and wastewater treatment processes, including hydraulics and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater distribution systems, including repair techniques and diagnostics.
• Ability to read and interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and lab data. 
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform equipment repairs and adjustments.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to provide leadership and assign tasks.
• Knowledge of safety practices, standard operating procedures, and emergency response protocols.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with supervisors and technicians to achieve shared goals.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Minimum of 2 ½ years of utility treatment experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience. 
• A "B" Certification in Wastewater or Groundwater Treatment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required. Dual licence is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating a SCADA system, including reporting, troubleshooting, and programming.
• Must possess the ability to lead by example and work effectively in a hands-on supervisory role.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

Application Process

Submit application and resume to:
City of Boyd – City Manager
wtaylor@cityofboydtx.gov