Wastewater Chief Operator

Job Closes: 10/23/2026

GENERAL SUMMARY

Supervises staff performing labor in the operation of wastewater treatment, water treatment plants and lift stations. Collects and analyzes samples. Transports biosolids using heavy equipment. Conducts tours of facilities.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Supervisory functions include: makes hiring and termination decisions; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
• Prepares and submits monthly reports to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Collects samples and performs analytical tests. Calculates loadings, chemical dosage rates, food and microorganism ratios, sludge ages, percent solids, and pounds wasted using algebraic formulas. Plans for bio-monitoring sampling projects.
• Transports biosolids between facilities.
• Supervises the operation and administration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
• Oversees maintenance, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment calibrations at assigned plant site.
• Researches and prepares requisitions for the purchase of equipment, chemicals, supplies, contract lab work, and repair services.
• Conducts tours of assigned facilities.
• Supervises equipment operations, process operation, and safety procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position may directly supervise the Treatment Operators I-V and Treatment Crew Leader. Operations Specialists and Operations Technicians.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment operations to include a minimum of one (1) year experience in a supervisory capacity; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Wastewater Operator License, Class B

☒ Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality drinking water rules and regulations
• Principles and practices with extended aeration-activated sludge processes
• Effluent limitations
• Sludge regulations, reuse water regulations, stormwater regulations, and industrial waste pretreatment systems
• Microsoft Office

Skills and Abilities:

• Interpreting and understanding lab analysis for proper process control
• Analyzing and interpreting documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture that reflects our Values In Action of Accountability, Excellence, Open and Direct Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration.

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.