JULY 2012
TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
To plan, organize, direct and supervise the operations and minor maintenance of Agency water
treatment plants and directly related facilities to supply, treat, transmit, and store water in
compliance with federal and state requirements; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative
to assigned area of responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities
including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and overseeing a program
area within a work unit or department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Water Quality Superintendent.
Exercises direct supervision over assigned water treatment operations staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the
listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business
needs and changing business practices.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives and establish schedules
and methods for the operation of the water treatment plants and implement policies and
procedures.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in water treatment
operations.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities and recommend improvements
and modifications and prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Participate in budget preparation and administration including preparing cost estimates for
budget recommendations, submitting justifications for staff, supplies, equipment and
services, and monitoring and controlling expenditures.
Participate in the selection of staff and provide and coordinate staff training, work with
employees to correct deficiencies, and implement discipline procedures, as necessary.
Coordinate normal and abnormal plant production to match demand with distribution and
water quality staff.
Coordinate routine and emergency water treatment plant repairs and other unusual
conditions with plant maintenance, distribution and water quality staff to maintain adequate
water storage in the distribution system.
Monitor, evaluate and control changes using SCADA and other computers to maintain
adequate water supply for the distribution system.
Page 1 of 4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Review and recommend appropriate actions in response to new regulations governing water
treatment.
Develop, organize and conduct ongoing safety programs and inspections.
Control and operate treatment plant equipment, including pumps and valves by using SCADA
computer equipment to control, monitor and regulate the flow of water treatment and
processing of chemicals through the plant.
Review drawings, plans and specifications for new or renovated facilities.
Represent and report for the operations team in any federal or state mandated programs and
accompany regulatory agencies in regular inspections of the treatment plant.
Communicate, coordinate and interface with neighboring water agencies, districts and
municipalities to utilize shared interties that supply water to both entities under normal and
emergency situations.
Participate in the development and implementation of emergency response plans and
respond to emergency situations quickly.
Perform purchasing functions including securing quotes for materials and goods, submits
requisitions and receives and inspects materials.
Serve in the absence of the Water Quality Superintendent.
Operate a motor vehicle and other work related equipment.
Answer questions and provide information to the public, investigate complaints and
recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Agency employees
and the public using principles of good customer service.
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Principles and practices of water treatment plant operations.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Methods for the repair, maintenance and adjustment of water treatment equipment.
• Water quality testing.
• SCADA systems and operations.
• Emergency response plans and procedures.
• Modern office equipment including use of word processing, database and spreadsheet
applications.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
ABILITY TO:
• Organize, implement and direct operations and activities related to water treatment
operations.
Page 2 of 4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
Troubleshoot and operate plant equipment.
Perform chemical and quality testing of water.
Prepare and maintain accurate logs, charts, records and reports.
Analyze data and prepare appropriate recommendations.
Respond to emergency situations and take appropriate actions quickly.
Identify water treatment plant deficiencies and develop strategies and solutions independently
or as part of a team.
Interface regularly with Agency staff to perform duties related to the operations, repair and
maintenance of the water treatment plants.
Work unusual hours and shifts as required.
Safely operate a motor vehicle and other work related equipment and tools.
Interpret and explain pertinent Agency and department policies and procedures.
Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work is generally carried out in an office setting with regular field visits requiring the operation
of a motor vehicle and occasionally traversing uneven terrain and inclement weather.
• Frequently climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand and walk.
• Frequently push, pull, grasp and carry while walking.
• Work on various types of terrain and footing which may be slippery.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work with or near hazardous chemicals.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Perform standby as required.
Experience and Education – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required
knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of progressively responsible experience similar to a Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator
with Placer County Water Agency.
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. An Associate’s degree is highly desirable.
Page 3 of 4
License or Certificate:
Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Possession of a valid California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operators Certificate,
Grade 4 with a Grade 5 within 18 months.
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.
Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Page 4 of 4