Wastewater Chief Plant Operator

Position :

Wastewater Chief Plant Operator Department :

Wastewater Treatment Reports to :

Wastewater Treatment Superintendent Positions Supervised :

Plant Operator, Lab Technician, Maintenance Mechanic Status :

Full-time, Classified, Non-Exempt Pay Range :

L-13, $35.3596 - $47.8394

Normal Working Hours :

7:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Friday (Subject to stand-by and emergency call-outs)

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Wastewater Plant Superintendent, plans, coordinates and oversees the operation of the City's wastewater treatment facility; conducts inspections of treatment facilities and equipment; prepares a variety of maintenance records and reports; supervises assigned personnel; administers the pretreatment program; coordinates and oversees City's FOG program; coordinates sampling with lab personnel; fill in for lab technician as needed; orders plant and maintenance supplies as needed and is backup Operator of Record in the absence of the Superintendent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Examples of job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following duties: Perform daily plant and equipment checks as required. Collect samples and perform various lab tests. Read meters, gauges and other recording devices and keep daily log of plant operations. Maintains and records data in logbook and computer databases. Adjust and monitors the addition of chemicals to the wastewater process. Enter and work in confined spaces following established safety procedures. Ensures that safety equipment is in working order and that safety procedures are followed in the performance of duties. Operate trucks, tractors and other motorized equipment of comparable size and complexity Operates air compressors, portable pumps, lawn mowers, weed-eaters and hand power tools. Responsible for the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the plant; paints equipment and buildings as required; sweeps and washes down floors, walls, paved areas, etc. Responsible for ground keeping tasks such as removing weeds, trimming trees and plants, pick up debris, mow lawn, water and otherwise maintain landscaped areas. Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumps, filters, valves, controls, piping and equipment as required. Perform related work as assigned and/or required. Makes operational decisions based on review of directives, lab data and log entries from previous shifts. Ensures plant effluent meets standards set forth by the Ohio EPA permit requirements. Operate gravity belt thickener and belt sludge press as required. Train and/or direct the work of OIT, Class I and Class II personnel or part time employees. Conduct educational tours for the public as required. Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management and staff and the public. Assume custody of plant and process in the event the Superintendent is not available. Provides oversight for day-to-day operations including systems operation, preventative maintenance, equipment repair and laboratory testing. Participates in developing, administering and monitoring the budget. Supervises and trains assigned personnel; monitors and ensures staff compliance with department policies, procedures, regulatory requirements and safety practices. Prepares and maintains employee work schedules; assigns work duties and monitors the quality and progress of work performed by staff. Conducts inspections of treatment facility; evaluates plant conditions; identifies and determines maintenance requirements. Monitors and ensures facility equipment are safely and properly maintained in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Observes and assesses operational practices; recommends and implements changes necessary to improve operational effectiveness and/or efficiency. Prepare, submit and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment records, reports and documentation as required. Advises the plant Superintendent regarding plant/system operations and related issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Mathematics as related to the wastewater industry. Basic computer skills. Basic record keeping. English language, both oral and written. Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Electric, hydraulics and pneumatics as related to wastewater treatment equipment. Principles, practices, materials and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Use of computer software related to wastewater plant operations, including Word and Excel. Safety regulations, occupational hazards, precautions and the promotion of safety. Municipal Wastewater division operations, policies and procedures. Regulations governing municipal wastewater treatment operations. Wastewater treatment records, reports and documentation. Supervisory principles, practices and methods. Ability to work in and around foul odors within acceptable ranges/levels. Ability to use hands and fingers to repetitively manipulate small objects. Ability to be aware of electrical hazards and exposure to chemicals. Skill in basic operation of a personal computer. Ability to operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices. Ability to operate power and hand tools and other equipment with proficiency. Ability to hear normal conversation in person and/or phone. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to print and write legibly. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing ladders and operating equipment. Ability to work in variable weather conditions, working at heights, confined spaces, noise from equipment operation, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases. Ability to lift over 50 pounds and over 100 pounds with assistance. Ability to work any shift, weekends and holidays. Ability to report to work on a call-out or stand-by situation. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with department personnel, other departments, outside agencies and the public. Ability to troubleshoot problems of various wastewater treatment processes and equipment. Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision. Read, interpret and understand blueprints and as-built drawings. Ability to prepare written and oral reports. Ability to oversee and coordinate daily operations. Ability to prepare, maintain and submit wastewater treatment records and reports as required. Ability to participate in developing administering and monitoring budgets. Ability to supervise, lead and delegate tasks and authority. Ability to conduct inspections of wastewater treatment facility and equipment. Ensure the City's wastewater plant is properly maintained. Minimum Qualifications for

Employment:

Successful completion of Probationary Period with the City of Wadsworth. Possession of high school diploma or G.E.D. Possession of valid Ohio drivers license, with the ability to maintain insurability. Possession of a State of Ohio EPA Class III Professional Wastewater Operator certification. A minimum of five (5) years experience in the wastewater treatment field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Information:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, employment reference checks, a physical examination and a pre-employment drug screen. The final applicant will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to the appointment to test for illegal drug use. An applicant with a positive test will not be appointed to the position.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a detailed resume reflecting the nature of the work performed in both current and prior employment. Emphasis should be given to work experience, training and/or duties performed that are relevant to this position and its minimum qualifications and requirements. Resumes may be submitted in the following manner:

E-Mail:

Tara McCulloch, Human Resources Director at jobs@wadsworthcity.org If submitting by

E-Mail, PLEASE NOTE:

Documents will only be accepted in a Microsoft Word, ".doc", ".docx" or Adobe ".PDF" format. Documents sent in other formats will be rejected. If you cannot electronically send your resume in one of these formats, please choose one of the other methods of submission identified above (e.g., U.S. Mail, fax, personal delivery).

Posting Date:

May 29, 2026

Posting Deadline:

June 12, 2026• Resumes must be received in Human Resources by 4:00 P.M. on the deadline date, regardless of the method of submission. Late submissions will not be considered. Job Details Category City of Wadsworth Status Open Posted May 29, 2026 12:00 PM Closing June 12, 2026 4:00 PM