Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Engineer of Treatment Plant Operations (#20006651)

General Statement

Under direction, has responsibility for the engineering, maintenance and/or operation of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, TARP system, Racine Avenue Pumping Station, Main Stream Pumping Station and other related facilities.  The Stickney area is accountable for $1.5 billion in physical assets, approximately $85 million in District operating budget and more than 400 District personnel.

Essential Job Functions

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 for the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, TARP system, Racine Avenue Pumping Station, Main Stream Pumping Station and other related facilities.
·   Directs the maintenance and operation of the collection system including large intercepting sewers and TARP control structures. 
·   Directs, coordinates and manages the engineering and maintenance of the plant and facilities in the Stickney area through the activities of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and the Maintenance units; directs the maintenance and operation of a train and rail system for the transport of centrifuge cake to LASMA.
·   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.
·   Oversees the District-wide Building and Grounds service center responsible for major building and grounds assets throughout the District.
·   Assumes the duties of the Deputy Director of Maintenance and Operations in his absence.
·   Holds primary responsibility for an operating budget between $30 - $55 million; directs the preparation of the annual budget for assigned sections of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant and related facilities; oversees the on-going administration of the budget for these sections.
·   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.

Other Job Functions

  • 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.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

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.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • 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, hydraulic and similar systems and equipment used in sewage 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.
  • Ability to coordinate and direct the activities of a major division of the District.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Absolute Requirements

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

Substitution

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.

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as a Managing Engineer, Managing Electrical Engineer, Managing  Mechanical Engineer, Managing Civil Engineer, or Managing Structural Engineer.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20006651; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 5/1/2023;