Wastewater Manager

General Purpose:

Ensure that the wastewater treatment facility is operating effectively and efficiently in full compliance with the facility's wastewater permit. Must be proficient in an industrial wastewater setting based on a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system (activated sludge treatment plus microfiltration) and belt press dewatering discharging, including working knowledge of wastewater equipment, troubleshooting skills, and problem-solving skills. Conduct required environmental tests, analysis, and observations. Gather technical data and results for reports to be submitted to regulatory agencies and maintain a positive working relationship with said agencies. Assign tasks to staff and coordinate with professional and administrative staff to oversee and execute operations and maintenance projects. Ensure the facility is in compliance with applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations. Provide operation and maintenance supervision and support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee wastewater plant operations; assure proper adjustment of plant processes; coordinate sampling operations to assure proper balance of treatment steps and meeting all local and state permit requirements; ensure proper laboratory testing protocols by operations staff.
• Accurately prepare and submit discharge monitoring reports (DMR), chemical additive forms, and permit renewal activities.
• Develop or update Standard Operating Procedures and preventative maintenance schedules for wastewater treatment activities and for training staff.
• Lead communication between plant operations and wastewater treatment plant to ensure that operational impacts to wastewater treatment are managed daily.
• Be on call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at the wastewater treatment facility.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in treatment plant operations.
• Read gauges and meters and accurately record findings.
• Establish schedules and methods for facilities operations; implement policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure plant staff record operational data, meter, and gauge readings on specified forms at specified frequencies.
• Maintain daily event logs; document plant operating data as required in logs and operations software.
• Prepare, review, and maintain accurate documentation such as records, logs, orders, surveys and routine reports as directed.
• Oversee or perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling and testing including, but not limited to, COD, BOD, TSS, Ammonia, Total Phosphorus, Total Residual Chlorine, Temperature and Total Dissolved Solids. Interpret daily results for operational trends and make informed adjustments based on daily data collection.
• Perform weekly, daily, and monthly testing (reporting) on all wastewater by-products being discharged to the city.
• Collect wastewater compliance samples for analysis by third-party lab.
• Monitor wastewater data and treatment system for indications treatment is not performing adequately prior to non-compliance events. Troubleshoot and solve treatment issues.
• Prepare and distribute daily operations reports to identified DFA personnel.
• Maintain regular contact with corporate EHS staff and interact with state and local regulators as needed regarding regulation changes, on-site regulatory inspections, and permit renewals/modifications.
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools.
• Work with vendors to align with best practices and develop Standard Operating Procedures where required.
• Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant.
• Request maintenance repair work through SAP and ensure scheduled maintenance is accomplished in a timely fashion.
• Prepare procurement documents to obtain needed supplies, equipment, and services for the wastewater treatment plant.
• Participate in budget preparation and prepare cost estimates for budget items; monitor and control expenditures.
• Foster teamwork consistent with our company and plant Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Provide or coordinate staff training to ensure safe and efficient performance; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Schedule and lead regularly scheduled wastewater update calls with identified DFA personnel to discuss plant operations and challenges.
• Develop and maintain communications with plant operations staff to understand production conditions, changes, and challenges and ensure effective treatment.
• Respond to emergency situations at the plant and provide input and guidance on wastewater treatment impacts.
• Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement, implement CI programs including Lean, Kaizen, 5S and DMS.
• Ensure that required environmental reporting, permit renewals, inspections, training and corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Perform daily chemical inventory and keep a rolling total for month end.
• Keep inventory of all waste streams in the facility and implement ways for reducing waste.
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all safety policies within the plants reflect the current requirements of OSHA and are within the DFA guidelines and are uniformly enforced.
• Perform routine safety inspections.
• Ensure that the SDS at WWTP plant are current. Keep SDS book current and up to date.
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, GMP's, HAACP, SQF, EHS, etc.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's degree and or 4-10 years' related experience and training preferred
• Minnesota Class B wastewater operator certificate required; Class A wastewater operator certificate preferred
• Experience in light duty electrical power systems (240 V/single and three phase) and instrumentation calibration and use
• Experience preferred with a system based on membrane bioreactor (MBR)
• Working knowledge of Minnesota and federal air emissions regulations preferred
• 3-10 years' experience with wastewater system based on anaerobic contact, activated sludge, and clarification preferred
• Experience in supervisor/lead operations preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Computer skills to include MS Word, MS Excel, SAP, Kronos and SCADA systems
• Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position
• Able to operate and maintain handheld analytical instruments including DO, pH, temperature, and ammonia
• Working knowledge using mechanical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, and motors, etc.
• Must be able to perform electrical work (change pump motors, diagnose motor control problems, etc.)
• Must know pneumatics, solenoid valves, and air cylinders
• Must be able to use standard maintenance tools in a safe manner
• Must be able to perform minor projects from planning to installation (typically this includes non-sanitary piping, drain lines, vacuum lines)
• Must be able to perform routine repairs in a safe and timely fashion (rebuilding product/water pumps, VFD's, valves, piping leaks)
• Must be able to perform routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment, identify any abnormal conditions, and maintain appropriate records
• Must be able to follow process control computer variables, schematics, and diagnose system problems
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer