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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Wastewater Program Supervisor

💰 $ - $

Public UtilitiesEnvironmental ServicesWater/Wastewater

🎯 Role Definition

The Wastewater Program Supervisor oversees day-to-day wastewater treatment and collection system operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant treatment of wastewater streams. This role directs plant and field staff, enforces NPDES permit limits and state regulations, manages preventative maintenance and capital improvement projects, coordinates laboratory and sampling programs, and serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, contractors, and municipal stakeholders. SEO & LLM keywords: Wastewater Program Supervisor, wastewater treatment, NPDES compliance, biosolids, SCADA, CMMS, collections, regulatory reporting, process control, wastewater operator certification.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator / Lead Operator
  • Collections System Operator or Crew Leader
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist or Laboratory Supervisor

Advancement To:

  • Wastewater Plant Manager / Operations Manager
  • Regional Wastewater Program Manager
  • Director of Public Works / Utilities Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Pretreatment Program Manager
  • Capital Projects / Engineering Project Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, supervise, and develop a multi-disciplinary wastewater operations team (operators, maintenance technicians, laboratory staff) including hiring, scheduling, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and succession planning to maintain continuous, compliant plant operations.
  • Maintain full compliance with municipal, state, and federal wastewater regulations (NPDES, Clean Water Act, state permits), prepare and submit timely discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), and coordinate permit renewals and modification processes with regulatory agencies.
  • Oversee daily treatment plant operations to ensure effluent quality meets permit limits, including process control strategies for primary/secondary/tertiary treatment units, nutrient removal, disinfection, and solids handling (thickening, dewatering, composting).
  • Manage the wastewater laboratory program and sampling regime: develop sampling plans, ensure QA/QC procedures, review analytical results, and direct corrective actions for out-of-compliance results.
  • Supervise, review, and optimize SCADA system alarms, trends, and setpoints; coordinate with automation specialists to implement control logic changes and remote-monitoring solutions that improve process stability and operational efficiency.
  • Direct a scheduled preventive maintenance program via CMMS (e.g., Maximo, Cityworks), prioritize reactive maintenance, oversee repairs of pumps, blowers, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, and manage spare parts inventory.
  • Plan and manage capital improvement projects and small-to-medium construction projects: prepare scopes of work, review engineering designs, manage vendor/contractor selection and oversight, and verify project completion to operational standards and budgets.
  • Develop, manage, and monitor operational and capital budgets; forecast labor, chemical, utilities, and maintenance costs; implement cost-saving measures while maintaining regulatory compliance and service reliability.
  • Implement and maintain a comprehensive safety program (confined space, lockout/tagout, hot work, fall protection, HAZWOPER) and conduct regular safety trainings, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-up to minimize risk and workers’ compensation claims.
  • Oversee biosolids management and disposal programs, including monitoring stabilization processes, recordkeeping for tracking and land application, contractor coordination, and ensuring compliance with biosolids regulations.
  • Coordinate emergency response and contingency planning for sanitary sewer overflows, plant upsets, natural disasters, and operational disruptions; lead incident command and external communications in emergency situations.
  • Administer pretreatment and industrial user oversight activities when applicable: review permits, perform inspections, review monitoring reports, enforce limits, and coordinate enforcement actions for noncompliant dischargers.
  • Conduct routine facility inspections, condition assessments, and risk analyses to prioritize infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement for long-term asset management.
  • Develop and deliver operator training programs and certification support (state operator certification system), maintain training records, and ensure staff maintain required licenses and continuing education.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, memos, and board/stakeholder presentations summarizing operational performance, compliance status, budgetary needs, and capital improvement plans.
  • Manage vendor and service contracts for chemical supply, laboratory analyses, instrumentation calibration, and specialized equipment maintenance; negotiate terms and monitor contractor performance.
  • Lead data management and recordkeeping practices: ensure accurate logbooks, electronic records, permit files, and GIS/asset documentation to support audits, regulatory inspections, and facility planning.
  • Implement process optimization initiatives (energy efficiency, chemical dose reduction, solids processing improvements) and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as BOD, TSS, NH3-N, TN, TP, and bypass/SSO metrics.
  • Coordinate with engineering staff and consultants to review and approve as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and to translate operational needs into design criteria for upgrades and expansions.
  • Facilitate community and stakeholder relations: respond to public concerns about odors, overflows, or construction impacts, and represent the utility in public meetings, interagency committees, and regional planning efforts.
  • Ensure financial and regulatory record retention compliance, prepare grant applications for wastewater projects, and administer awarded grants according to funder requirements.
  • Establish and maintain interdepartmental coordination with public works, parks, planning, and finance to schedule work, align capital programs, and support municipal goals.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc technical reviews for proposals, environmental impact assessments, and developer extension requests impacting collection or treatment systems.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise for internal audits and third-party compliance audits (EPA/state) and implement corrective action plans.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency response plans, and operational checklists to standardize practices across shifts.
  • Collaborate with IT and automation teams to evaluate new digital tools for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and remote monitoring.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams for citywide stormwater/wastewater integration projects and green infrastructure initiatives.
  • Mentor emerging leaders within the wastewater group and support workforce development initiatives and apprenticeships.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • State wastewater operator certification (e.g., Grade II, III, IV or equivalent) — ability to meet jurisdictional certification requirements.
  • Strong command of NPDES permit requirements, lab QA/QC protocols, DMR reporting, and familiarity with EPA/state regulatory frameworks.
  • SCADA/PLC knowledge: troubleshoot alarms, trend analysis, adjust setpoints, and coordinate with automation contractors for system upgrades.
  • CMMS experience (e.g., Maximo, Cityworks, Hansen) for scheduling preventive maintenance, work order management, and asset tracking.
  • Hands-on mechanical and electrical troubleshooting experience with pumps, motors, blowers, gearboxes, and instrumentation.
  • Biosolids management experience: centrifuge/dewatering systems, cake handling, land application or incineration coordination.
  • Laboratory oversight skills: sample collection protocols, chain-of-custody, interpret analytical results (BOD, TSS, pH, nutrients, metals).
  • Project management skills for capital improvements: scope development, contract administration, budget tracking, and construction oversight.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), GIS basics, and familiarity with utility financial software and reporting tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA, confined space entry, HAZWOPER, and other safety regulations applicable to wastewater operations.
  • Experience with pretreatment program compliance and industrial user inspections (when applicable).
  • Familiarity with energy optimization strategies and wastewater process modeling tools.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and team development: ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing operational teams.
  • Clear, professional written and verbal communication for regulatory reports, public presentations, and cross-departmental coordination.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making under pressure during plant upsets or emergency events.
  • Budget management and fiscal discipline with experience presenting budget needs to city councils or boards.
  • Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy: managing contractors, regulators, elected officials, and the public.
  • Time management and prioritization across simultaneous projects, maintenance needs, and compliance deadlines.
  • Attention to detail for regulatory records, laboratory data review, and procedural documentation.
  • Adaptability to evolving regulations, technology upgrades, and shifting priorities.
  • Analytical mindset to interpret operational data, drive KPIs, and recommend process improvements.
  • Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills to manage union or non-union staff relations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in Environmental Technology, Water/Wastewater Technology, or related technical field; OR high school diploma/GED with substantial wastewater operations experience and required operator certifications.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Public Administration with a utility management focus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Biology or Chemistry
  • Public Administration / Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5–10 years of progressive experience in wastewater treatment operations, including at least 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

  • 7+ years of wastewater operations experience with demonstrated supervisory/management experience, hands-on maintenance familiarity, proven regulatory compliance record, and experience managing capital projects and budgets.

Keywords: Wastewater Program Supervisor, wastewater treatment operations, NPDES compliance, biosolids management, SCADA, CMMS, wastewater operator certification, collections system, preventive maintenance, regulatory reporting, pretreatment, plant operations, emergency response.

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