Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator

Company: Portage County Ohio
Location: Ravenna
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

JOB OBJECTIVES: Under general supervision of the Portage County Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Portage County Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator, herein after known as the Chief Operator, is responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of the Portage County Wastewater Treatment Plants, herein after known as PC- WWTPs, designed to meet local, Federal and State EPA regulations, including the treatment of wastewater to prevent pollution of receiving waters. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Utilize all appropriate resources for timely, safe, and effective work progression. Resources include: associates, tools, computers, equipment, parts, supplies, lubricants, manuals, texts, design data, records, plan-sheets, etc. Understand and follow work practices that support personal and operational safety. Maintain operating systems within designated limits and performance ratings. Record data from charts, meters, graphs, instruments and daily operations into formatted records and journals. Troubleshoot failures with equipment, controls, and treatment processes using appropriate resources to identify and resolve problems. Assist in performing mechanical, electrical, signal, plumbing, HVAC repairs and service. Perform work from ladders and various powered man-lifts. Work within confined spaces utilizing appropriate procedures, devices, and personal protective gear. Perform a wide range of maintenance and repair services throughout the facility including its grounds and structures in accordance with needs, defined schedules, and other requirements. Understand sampling schedules, techniques, and preservation. Perform laboratory analysis, maintain records, and interpret results. Perform cleaning, painting, scrubbing, washing, hosing, sweeping and related housekeeping tasks to maintain the appearance and general upkeep of the facility overall. Support and cooperate with other staff, technicians, and associates to elicit necessary outcomes. Lift, move, load and unload freight, materials and wastes using tow motor and loaders. Coordinate plant operations on a daily basis; take responsible charge of the plant in the absence of the PC-WWTPs Superintendent; oversee the work of plant personnel; furnish operational guidelines for plant personnel; prepare and assigns work schedules. Inspect plant to determine efficiency of operation, cleanliness, and maintenance requirements; inspect and review operating logs and records and determines what changes may be necessary in operating routines; confer with PC- WWTPs Superintendent before process changes are implemented. Ensure that treatment standards are followed; determine remedial action in emergencies; requisitions chemicals, supplies and repair parts; prepare reports and maintain records. Assist in conducting training programs; assist in budget preparation. Operate pumps, clarifiers, grit and screening equipment, belt press, centrifuge, aeration tanks blowers, and all other plant equipment. Maintain proper chemical balances for wastewater treatment operations including the unloading of chemicals, filling chemical containers, and adjusting chemical levels to maintain proper chemical control. Inspect interior and exterior plant equipment (ie. pits and tanks, digesters and heaters). Repair and maintain all equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Oversees the operation and maintenance of PC-WWTPs including interior and exterior equipment, controls; all building areas, grounds and structures. Control operational maintenance by changing charts, reading and recording gauges and dials, run specific tests as assigned by supervisor, and perform related tasks as required. Use sound judgment to monitor and insure that operational performance standards are in compliance with the NPDES permit limits. Perform analytical laboratory testing and maintenance testing to recommend technical or procedural modifications to the treatment processes and equipment. Review data and prepare daily, weekly, monthly and/or annual reports on various functions related to the PC- WWTPs. Supervise, provide technical guidance, train and develop subordinates in the proper operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Assist the Portage County Wastewater Superintendent with annual budget preparation and long range cost expenditures. Visually and audibly inspect both interior and exterior plant equipment for proper operation by walking through the plant facility, climbing up and down stairways, climbing up and down ladders, climbing onto roofs, and entering confined spaces. Lean over a variety of tanks and collect samples of wastewater and sludge for analysis. Effectively monitor and coordinate operational activities including, but not limited to, reading gauges, dials, graphs, recording data, starting and stopping a wide variety of wastewater treatment equipment. Adjust a wide variety of wastewater treatment equipment, such as but not limited to, pump flow rates, valves, chemical feed rates, and aeration rates. Perform wastewater laboratory analyses and make mathematical calculations. Clean, maintain and repair a variety of wastewater plant equipment found in a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Maintain the grounds of the facility and pump stations by mowing, weed eating, etc. Possess the knowledge and willingness to execute proper safety procedures as outlined in the Portage County and Water Resources Safety Manual policies. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

Keywords: Portage County Ohio, Cuyahoga Falls , Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator, Engineering , Ravenna, Ohio