Utility Operations Superintendent

General Definition of Work

Under general direction, the Utility Operations Superintendent oversees the operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and optimization of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping systems, and utility operations. The role provides direct supervision to plant staff, oversees the operation of booster stations and lift stations, and ensures all systems function safely, efficiently, and in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position works collaboratively with the Public Works Superintendent and Utility Maintenance Superintendent to support seamless end-to-end management of the City's utility infrastructure.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position functions as a senior leader within the Public Works Department.

It is distinguished by:

• Oversight of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Responsibility for environmental reporting, compliance, and permitting.
• Technical and operational leadership over plant staffing and process adjustments.
• Direct accountability for treatment facility performance, SCADA-based operations, and the integrity of potable water supply and treated effluent discharge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Provides leadership, oversight, and supervision of all water and wastewater treatment plant personnel, programs, and day-to-day operational activities.
• Oversees operations and maintenance of water treatment, wastewater treatment, booster stations, chemical feed systems, lift stations, sludge handling systems, and related infrastructure.
• Reviews laboratory and process control data and directs operational adjustments to optimize treatment performance and regulatory compliance.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal drinking water, wastewater discharge, biosolids, cross-connection, and backflow program requirements.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures and ensures proper documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting to regulatory agencies.
• Oversees staff scheduling, training, certification tracking, performance evaluation, and discipline as needed.
• Coordinates utility operations during emergencies such as main breaks, plant equipment failures, or natural disasters and may serve in an on-call rotation.
• Manages procurement, vendor relationships, contracts, and operational expenditures; assists with annual operating and capital budget development.
• Promotes safety initiatives and ensures compliance with OSHA standards, confined space requirements, chemical handling rules, and PPE protocols.
• Represents the division in interdepartmental meetings, public presentations, and coordination with regulatory agencies under direction of department leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and City.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of water and wastewater utility operations, treatment processes, and environmental standards.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing methods, process monitoring, and mechanical/electrical treatment equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, plant schematics, maps, and technical manuals.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to coach, mentor, evaluate, and develop plant staff.
• Effective written and verbal communication for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to make independent decisions, solve operational challenges, respond to emergencies, and manage competing priorities in a team environment.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in water/ wastewater utility operations, including four (4) years of supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensing / Certifications

• KDHE Class III Water Operator and Class III Wastewater Operator certifications required or obtained within a defined timeframe.
• Valid Kansas Driver's License required.
• Additional certifications such as distribution or collection system operator, backflow certification, or CDL preferred.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds; routine walking, climbing, standing, and exposure to treatment chemicals and outdoor environments. Use of PPE and safety equipment required.