Operations Lead

Primary Role

Assists Management in the day-to-day operations of water and/or wastewater plant(s) in accordance with Company policies and procedures and all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee the coordination and communication between contractors and operations, ensuring all work aligns with operations plans, timelines, and budget by managing daily activities, resolving conflicts, and monitoring/reporting progress.
• Assist with preparing and controlling local construction, operations, and maintenance within established budget limitations.
• Ensure local water and/or wastewater operations meet the required standards and are in compliance with regulatory targets.
• Assures policies, procedures, programs and performance are adhered to ensure continuing and increasing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
• Ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained.
• Develop and direct cost-effective solutions to meet customers’ expectations and technical requirements and to encourage best practice and innovation throughout all operational areas.
• Implement effective reporting processes. Provide analysis and support to the Production Director with information required for various reports, budgets, and business plans.
• Work collaboratively with other functional leads to mitigate business risks.
• Implement effective communication at all levels of our operations. Provide effective leadership that will enhance our abilities to be flexible to changing business environments.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of the regulated water/wastewater business and the regulations impacting the business as well as applicable regulations, requirements, and trends within water/wastewater business.

• Knowledge of company policies and procedures and management theories, practices, and trends.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills (e.g. fluency, report writing, developing materials and presentations).

• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting, etc.).

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree is preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience in operational areas and operating units and managing and meeting performance targets preferred
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain flexible and perform effectively under pressure is required
• Comfortable using computers and learning new software systems. Experience with Microsoft Office 

Travel Requirements

• Local and occasional regional travel (50% in field or remote facilities, 50% in office) required

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License required

• Water or Wastewater System Operator license OR Project Management certification preferred.

Work Environment

• Indoor/Outdoor work
• 24/7 operations (rotating on-call) required

Key Interfaces/ Relationships

• Management Employees

• Elected and appointed public officials at federal, state and local level Regulators

• Elected and appointed public officials at federal, state and local level Regulators

• Vendors/Contractors

Competencies