Division Chief - Filtration

JobID: 1031

Position Type: Public Works/Division Chief - Filtration

Date Posted: 6/20/2024

Location: Water Plant

Date Available: TBD

Closing Date: Open until Filled

Salary: $121,694.40 - $182,542.17/annually*

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

NATURE OF WORK: Administrative and technical position responsible for directing and coordinating the operation, maintenance, and activities of the water filtration plant including the chemical treatment process and bacteriological testing. Supervises a staff of fourteen (14) employees, including maintenance staff, water plant operators and laboratory personnel. Exercises considerable independent judgment in directing sectional activities under the administrative supervision of the Water Production Bureau Chief.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans, directs, coordinates and manages the construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the 108 MGD water treatment plant.
2. Maintains accurate operating records of the treatment process; prepares and signs off as “Responsible Operator in Charge” for all reporting to the IEPA related to the water treatment process.
3. Responds to short- and long-term raw water quality and modifies the treatment process to satisfy regulatory requirements.
4. Recommends changes to the treatment process to improve plant efficiency.
5. Ensures compliance with instructions as to proper application of chemicals necessary to treat water at various stages of the purification system.
6. Supervises and/or inspects cleaning, preventive maintenance, and repair of buildings, equipment, basins, tanks, valves, controls, and other plant components.
7. Tracks equipment condition by assessing projected equipment life using age, actual hours of operation, repair history and predictive maintenance tools; recommends preventative maintenance and replacement schedule.
8. Manages supervisory, professional, skilled, and semi-skilled employees; evaluates employee performance; participates in employee selection process; develops and implements training programs.
9. Initiates disciplinary action with employees, including oral and written reprimands.
10. Prepares operating budget; monitors expenditures; identifies and requisitions chemicals, supplies and equipment; ensures proper care of tools, equipment and vehicles.
11. Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.
12. Responds to inquiries of a technical nature; investigates complaints, recommends and/or initiates corrective measures.
13. Observes and coordinates work performed by contractors hired to construct, maintain and/or repair equipment and facilities in the water treatment facility.
14. Develops security measures and assures continued operation and monitoring of the security equipment.
15. Develops and implements a chlorine training program as appropriate for all Water Production Bureau employees.
16. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher.
• Possession of sixty (60) or more hours of college coursework in water treatment, chemistry, mechanical, electrical or civil engineering or related field preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations regarding water treatment required; including thorough working knowledge of methods and practices utilized in water treatment through complete purification process.
• Five (5) years experience with a water treatment facility and/or other related experience.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 Certification within 36 months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing and able to undergo and pass annual medical surveillance to comply with OSHA respiratory requirements and remain compliant as a condition of employment.
• Must remain appropriately shaven to safely use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Knowledge and use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System(s).
• Knowledge on operation and maintenance of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough working knowledge of physical, chemical, and bacteriological processes involved in the treatment of water.
• Ability to detect and diagnose effects in all plant operations to supervise and participate in the correction.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Knowledge and use of personal computer and software to include Word and Excel (word processing, spreadsheet, and database software) or equivalent applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Type of Physical Demands usually associated with the essential functions of this classification: Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering; seeing: The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Exposure to Weather: Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a Class “A” Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Water Operator’s certification is required at time of hire.
• Obtaining the CEUs necessary to always maintain the Class “A” certification.
• Valid Driver’s License at time of hire.
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 Certification within 36 months of hire.
• Must complete OSHA 10-hour Construction Course within 36 months of hire.

SUPERVISION:

Under the general direction of the Superintendent of Water Production and the Utilities Director, work is performed independently within general guidelines. Performance is formally evaluated at least annually with respect to customer service, achievement of goals and objectives, problem-solving ability, analytic skills, communication skills, supervisory skills, presentation skills, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular and frequent contact with division and department employees, other City employees, vendors, contractors, and engineers. The employee will also have contact with representatives from outside agencies such as the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

SELECTION METHOD: Structured Oral Interview, Qualifications Assessment.

To apply for this position, please apply online at on or before the closing date. Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen. The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Division at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).