Chief Plant Operator

This requisition expires on August 1, 2026 but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date. Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the water treatment plant staff, the treatment process, and operation of the distribution system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. DUTIES Perform supervisory duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, tracking staff work time, coordinating equipment, maintain operator information on central data system, and staff to ensure the plants are staffed 24 hours per day/7 days per week. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs). Maintain Safety Data Sheet documentation. Ensure plant operations are performed to regulatory standards through staff training and education on City of Denton, Department SOPs, policies, processes, and best techniques and practices. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure equipment operability through observations, upkeep, and use of computerized maintenance management system and the procurement of parts. Perform troubleshooting duties and evaluate the treatment process and equipment malfunction(s); determine and take corrective action to ensure plant is operational. Monitor and ensure appropriate inventory levels, order chemicals and supplies, and forecast material demands. Perform process control equipment calibrations and address identified issues; notify leadership immediately if not able to resolve issue. Investigate internal and external stakeholder concerns; perform research for issues coordinates and facilitates necessary actions to resolve concern as appropriate; when necessary, communicate directly for identification of service needs and address concern with appropriate written, verbal, or in-person follow-up. Collaborate with plant Chief Plant Operator(s) to understand how each plant produces water and sends water to the distribution system; provide back-up coverage, as needed. Perform duties of assigned staff, as needed.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

High School diploma or equivalent; and, Six (6) years' experience as an operator in a 15 MGD or greater water treatment plant including three (3) years' experience in water plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); and, Two (2) years of management or supervisory experience; and, Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ); and, Must possess or able to obtain a Grade "A" Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment; and, OR Any combination of related education and experience that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully: Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations. Knowledge of water quality monitoring equipment. Skill in moderate-to-complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work. Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers. Skilled in reading and comprehending highly technical or specialized materials. Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, blueprints, schematics, and/or other related development documents. Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality. Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail. Ability to motivate, mentor, and train through direct and indirect influence. Ability to document all adjustments necessary and approved to complete the project. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations. Ability to read, understand, and follow safety protocols and safe work procedures.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must have and maintain a valid Class "C" Driver's License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law). Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, and employment history verification, and social security number verification. Must pass a physical examination. Must have and maintain "C" Surface Water Certification issued from the TCEQ. Must possess or able to obtain a Grade "A" Water Certification issued from the TCEQ within one (1) year of employment. SAFETY Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs. Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures. Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.

Tools/Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment and a variety of manual, electric, and hydraulic hand tools and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Posture:

Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking; moderate stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting; occasional crawling.

Motion:

Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Vision:

Must be able to distinguish between and identify colors.

Lifting:

Lifting no more than 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Environment:

Works in an office setting office and outside with exposure to sun, heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather, noise, dust, chemicals, odors, potentially hazardous conditions, uneven ground, and rough terrain; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.

Travel:

Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.

Attendance:

Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must maintain accessibility to respond to emergencies at all hours, if needed.

Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, andweekends, as needed.

Mental Demands:

Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

Inclusion Collaboration Quality Service Strategic Focus Fiscal Responsibility

TOP TIER BENEFITS

Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans Employee Health Clinic Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays Retirement Plan

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.

ADA/EOE/ADEA

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.