Plant Engineering Manager

The Plant Engineering Manager serves as the lead plant engineer at a large wastewater/biosolids treatment facility and collection system. Major responsibilities include assisting the Plant Superintendent in the overall management of the treatment facility and associated off-site pumping stations and facilities, and overseeing the digital process control system activities. The Plant Engineering Manager will assume all Plant Superintendent’s duties when needed.

• Performs independent research to optimize performance of wastewater treatment processes

• Reviews and interprets plant, collection, and distribution system operating data to identify process problems and recommends operational solutions to the problems

• Performs operational inspections of treatment, collection and distribution facilities to determine compliance with WSSC Water standards and state and federal regulations

• Monitors plant operations and environmental conditions to ensure compliance with federal, state and local permits and regulations and reports non-compliances

• Directs the operations, maintenance and programming of the digital process control system equipment and IT networks equipment

• Coordinates plant treatment process control testing and proper calibration of on-line analytical equipment

• Manages the development, modification and maintenance of the facility’s data management system for operational data, engineering plans and specifications

• Evaluates the training needs for staff; arranges and administers training, assists with new employee orientation and assists operators preparing for the State of Maryland operator’s license examination

• Reviews and updates standard operating procedures for plant systems and ensures accurate operational records are maintained

• Manages the operation and maintenance of associated off-site pumping stations and off site facilities

• Supervises and directs plant engineers, civil engineers, first line supervisors, engineering assistants and interns assigned to the facility

• Selects or recommends staff selection and training; assigns and evaluates work; counsels, disciplines, and/or terminates or recommends termination

• Compiles plant data to generate reports in compliance with state and federal regulations for reporting

• Reviews plans and specifications to help develop plant related designs, recommends equipment upgrades and process modifications

• Reviews state and federal permits for the facility to maintain compliance, assists with permit renewals or modifications and facilitates inspections for compliance

• Monitors all pertinent occupational, health and safety regulations and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements and facilitates inspections for compliance

• Prepares and revises chemical, material, and service contract specifications, reviews bids, recommends awarding of contracts, and acts as project manager representative of contracts

• Prepares new contracts and/or revises existing ones, reviews bids, recommends awarding of contracts, and acts as a project manager or the project manager’s representative (COTR) of contracts

• Keeps current with industry metering and measuring equipment; evaluates the need for new equipment to maintain plant proficiency and requisitions materials, tools, chemicals and equipment as required by the task for the plant

• Reviews and performs analysis with various plant and process operating costs for economic comparisons to facilitate proposed plant modifications and staffing requirements

• Recommends allocation of budgeted funds and requests approval for major expenditures, authorizes petty cash outlays and payment requests upon approval, and initiates field purchase orders

• Assists with preparing the annual fiscal budget reports and various financial monthly and annual reports

• Participates in the long-range planning, organization and direction of activities relating to the operation and improvements to the plants and collection facilities/ distribution facilities to maximize performance while minimizing cost and environmental impact

• Administers an employee safety program and protection plan, investigates accidents and prepares accident reports

• Conducts plant tours, develops plant overviews, informational brochures, and historical summaries, and presents technical papers and presentations

• Performs other related duties as assigned

Work primarily performed in office and/or plant environment

• Thorough knowledge of sound engineering principles and practices

• Ability to use solid professional engineering judgment and operating practices associated with water treatment/distribution facilities, wastewater treatment/collection facilities with the ability to manage same

• Considerable knowledge of the machines, equipment, materials and construction practices

• Ability to make engineering computations, estimates, and designs; able to review and interpret engineering plans and specifications

• Ability to supervise the work of others

• Ability to prepare and present engineering and administrative reports verbally and in writing

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering or other related discipline

• 5+ years’ experience in an industrial environment

• 2+ years’ experience in an environmental, water or wastewater field

• Possession of a valid driver’s license with no more than 4 points and ability to obtain a WSSC Water driver’s permit

• Must currently possess or obtain within 30 days a Maryland Temporary Operators Certification for the facility assigned

• Must obtain and maintain a State of Maryland Samplers license within 6 months

• Must report to work as scheduled as a designated “emergency employee”, and may be called or recalled to duty at any time

• Completion of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

• Supervisory experience

• Work experience in operations, maintenance, engineering, and/or asset management of an industrial plant

• Advanced degree