Manager of Wastewater Treatment

Competition # HW24-161E Department Wastewater and Stormwater Services Primary Function

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Manager is responsible for assisting in the development of and administering key initiatives associated with the Wastewater Treatment Division in order to ensure effective short, medium and long-term operations and planning, due diligence, financial diligence and efficient wastewater treatment in compliance with Provincial and Federal regulations and standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the general direction of the Director of Operations, directs and supervises Supervisors, other staff and contractors in the day-to-day operation of the division ensuring the efficient and economical operation / maintenance of the wastewater treatment systems.
• Participates in a variety of management activities including hiring, performance management, attendance management, discipline, and labour relations matters such as collective agreement interpretation and proposal development.
• Develops and implements required WWT emergency plans, such as environmental emergency plans, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, as well as assists in the development of the business plans.
• Reviews design criteria, provides design input, participates in consultant evaluations and recommends changes to existing wastewater treatment plants expansions and upgrades. Serves as a technical resource to Halifax Water on wastewater treatment needs.
• Participates on the WWT core advisory team with respect to staff planning, scheduling, design and construction related to the wastewater treatment infrastructure.
• Assists in wastewater treatment research, solving wastewater treatment issues, improving treatment methodologies, and developing and implementing wastewater compliance plans.
• Initiates or recommends to the Director special projects which improve the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of the wastewater treatment section.
• Coordinates Capital Budget and Operations Budget processes in cooperation with other business units. Participates and advises in long-term financial planning for the WWT section. Assists in document preparation required for contract specs, RFPs, tenders, etc.
• Implements and oversees the Laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program and Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL) certification for all wastewater facilities.
• Oversees utilization of Computerized Maintenance Management software including implementation strategies, upgrades and training. Responsible for the development of preventative maintenance programs in conjunction with the Director of Operations. Maintains statistical records of work undertaken.
• Oversees the effectiveness of the WWT Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system including additions, upgrades and repairs.
• Represents WWT section on various Committees (Health and Safety, Labour Management, etc.)
• Implements and promotes the Occupational Health and Safety program compatible with industry standards, promotes health and wellness, and administers safety programs.
• Recommends, coordinates, and schedules technical training and Nova Scotia Department of the Environment Operator Certification, as well as training for professional development, provides ‘in house’ specialized training.
• Ensures all responsibilities are met as it pertains to the ISO 14001 compliant Environmental Management System for the entire scope of the certification and established standard operating procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To : Director of Operations or designate

Supervises : Supervisors Wastewater Treatment

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education :

Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline (Engineering, Environmental Science, etc.) with 5 years of broad experience in stormwater, wastewater, and other municipal systems plus supervisory experience. OR

Completion of post-secondary education in a discipline related to the area of wastewater treatment. (An equivalent combination of technical training and experience in administration or plant maintenance may be considered.)

Other equivalent combinations of related education, training and experience may be considered.

Experience :

Experience related to administration and plant operations including five years of supervisory experience in wastewater treatment, biosolids management or a related operation.

Other Requirements

Certificates / Licenses / Registrations :

Possess or willing to obtain Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate (Level IV) issued by Nova Scotia Department of Environment.

Must possess a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent knowledge of all aspects of the operations and maintenance of municipal wastewater treatment operations.

Master’s Degree with research aptitude will be considered an asset

Thorough knowledge of related Provincial and Federal regulatory requirements and Halifax Water emergency plans.

Excellent leadership, motivation and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated supervisory skills and proven ability to perform within a team environment to accomplish organizational goals.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with excellent negotiation skills.

Working knowledge of budgets, business planning, procurement and human resource procedures.

Proven ability to work within a unionized workplace and administer the collective agreement.

Thorough understanding of Halifax Water software, process instrumentation and Programmable Logic Control Systems (PLCs).

Ability to manage high-level, long-term contracts.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions :

Hours of work : 8 : 30 – 4 : 30 p.m.

Overtime : As required by plant operations

Moderate physical, emotional and mental demands.

Working Environment : Periodically subjected to chemical fumes, malodours, bacterial aerosols, VOC (volatile organic compounds)