Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under direction, has responsibility for the maintenance and operation of a water reclamation plant, or major division thereof, and related pumping stations.

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Directs the operation of the sewage treatment process including coordination of wastewater collection and pumping and sludge treatment and disposal operations.
• Directs the maintenance and operation of the collection system including large intercepting sewers and TARP control structures.
• Oversees the administration of the District biosolids and composting program.
• Oversees the Waterways Control Section; supervises all canal operations, debris removal, water quality monitoring and two-way radio communications throughout the District.
• Supervises the preparation, review and advertising of maintenance and operations contracts; supervises the preparation of technical specifications, drawings and cost estimates for contracts; provides technical guidance on the contract process, legal requirements or other contracting issues.
• Coordinates the maintenance, repair and preventive maintenance of plant equipment, process facilities, collection system, buildings, and grounds.  Checks and approves work in progress and on completion.
• Reviews and approves operating and/or maintenance records and reports and directs changes as necessary to maintain or improve efficiency.   Supervises the collection, compilation, and correlation of plant operating and/or maintenance data and the preparation of detailed reports.
• Approves work orders for maintenance of plant equipment, process facilities, collection system, buildings, and grounds and assigns engineering responsibility.
• Coordinates plant and collection system maintenance and construction with operations.  Reviews and approves completed work.
• Inspects plant equipment, treatment units, collection system, TARP control structures, buildings, and grounds for proper operation, appearance and maintenance requirements.
• Initiates long and short term planning for repair, rehabilitation and construction of plant and collection system facilities.  Reviews and approves plans and specifications.
• Coordinates the preparation of technical studies and reports to evaluate process and/or equipment feasibility and the application of alternative technology to District facilities and procedures; oversees the preparation of correspondence.
• Assumes the duties of the plant manager in his absence; functions as plant manager in smaller facilities.
• Directs the preparation of the annual budget for assigned plant, facility or section.
• Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with district policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

• Approves requisitions for purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Interacts with the general public through conducting plant tours and handling of complaints and information requests, and with outside agencies (USEPA, IEPA) during plant inspections.
• Assists the plant manager with all technical and administrative functions relating to the maintenance and/or operation of the treatment plant, collection system and outlying facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors.  May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of wastewater engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of a wide variety of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems and equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision and administration.
• Ability to conduct critical technical reviews of plant repair, rehabilitation and new construction work.

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in engineering and eight years of professional engineering experience in the operation, maintenance, design or construction of wastewater treatment plants or collection systems.  Four years of this experience must have been in the supervision of the operations or maintenance of a water reclamation plant, and two years of experience must have been in an administrative capacity.

Full-time graduate study in engineering may be substituted for the non-specialized experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.

• One year of service with the District as a Principal Engineer, Principal Electrical Engineer, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Principal Civil Engineer, or Principal Structural Engineer; or, possession of a bachelor’s degree in engineering and one year of service with the District as a Principal Environmental Scientist or Supervising Environmental Specialist. 
• Civil Service status in one of the foregoing classifications.