Primary Role

Managing water or wastewater treatment production facility/facilities ensuring cost-effective, high-quality customer service and operational integrity. Responsibilities include managing plant personnel, capital resources, business processes that are engaged in the functional area of water operations in accordance with company policies, procedures, all applicable governmental laws, and regulations.
 

Key Accountabilities

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the health and safety culture within production environment.  
• Create an environment of accountability and implement high performance safety programs, including the provision of resources, time, equipment, and training.  
• Works with approved contractors in the operation area verifying, work product, safety, compliance, and order completions.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff in assigned operation area.
• Communicate a shared vision, empower staff, and champion safety and diversity.
• Resolve union and/or non-union labor issues, with the assistance from Human Resources.
• Drive performance by linking business unit objectives to company goals and values.
• Build shared commitment to improving business performance.  
• Develop both individual and team capabilities in union environments.
• Provide operational input to annual business plans, control O&M/capital budgets for responsible area to ensure that operation and financial targets are met.
• Ensure that operational integrity is maintained, including environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Implement work activities and systems to ensure that adequate quantities of treated water meeting all regulatory standards are provided to customers at all times.
• Manage operational and business processes to ensure that American Water policies are followed, best practices are implemented, and internal/external reporting requirements are satisfied. 

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks.
• Effective problem solving and analytical ability.   
• Extensive knowledge of the regulated water utility business and its operations.
• Knowledge of the applicable regulations, requirements and trends impacting water utilities.
• Thorough understanding of standard business practices and principles, including basic accounting and budgeting. 
• Strong knowledge of computers, in-depth knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications and other pertinent software.
• Knowledge of inventory controls, purchasing, and receiving activities. 
• Electrical / Mechanical knowledge preferred.
   

Experience/Education

• Minimum 5 years of relevant chief operator experience and/or managing a water treatment facility.
• Four-year undergraduate degree in operational discipline, management, or related technical discipline preferred.
   

Certifications & Licenses

Minimum Requirement:

• Class III Water Treatment Certification (could vary depending on state licensing requirements).
• Valid driver’s license. 

Preferred: 

• Class IV Water Treatment Certification (could vary depending on state licensing requirements).
• Chief Operator Certification.
• Safety Certifications / Training.

Hours/Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday-Friday, day shift
• On-call responsibility

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor environment.
• 24/7 operation.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend and walk for long period of time. 

Travel Requirements

• Local and occasional regional travel.

Competencies