Supervisor, WQ Field Operations

The Aquarion Water Authority (AWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 735,000 people in 60 municipalities across Connecticut. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, AWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the states largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, AWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves.

Job Summary

The Supervisor, Water Quality Field Operations is accountable to the Director, Water Quality. He/She is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling the Sample Collection function in support of maintaining compliance with monitoring requirements. He/She directly supervises the eight Water Quality Field Technicians and one Intern. He/She directly supports the Reservoir Management program of 26 reservoirs in support of algae taste/odor control and management of in-reservoir treatment systems. He/She is directly responsible for water quality management and communications with Supply Operations and Utility Operations in their assigned water systems in Connecticut, (Currently 16). He/She assists in management of the remaining 53 CT systems and assists with the Massachusetts and New Hampshire systems as requested. He/She supports the Customer Service and Laboratory Services functions of the WQM Department by providing technical input and the appropriate staff for field investigations. He/She provides advice and counsel in all matters related to water quality, sample collection and reservoir management.

Principal Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Water Quality Management Team on water quality management, compliance, and customer service issues for all water systems: review and update monitoring programs, review all water quality issues and maintain compliance with DPH and EPA regulations.
• Directly supports the Reservoir Management program (26 reservoirs) with field monitoring (Deeps program), coordinating reservoir activities with consultant, coordinating treatment of reservoirs for algae control and supporting capital projects related to reservoir management. Includes the seasonal operation of aeration systems, circulation systems, ultrasonic transducers, ozone systems and associated equipment maintenance.
• Assists in the development of annual and monthly monitoring plans for the CT water distribution systems Responsible for weekly work schedules and daily sample runs to support the monitoring plans.
• Responsible for sample site selection and quality assurance of sample sites in all CT water systems. Directly manages capital projects related to sample collection.
• Participates in weekly water quality review meetings, review of customer complaints, water quality data and resolution of water quality issues.
• Participates in the Emergency Response Program as a Water Quality Coordinator, providing 7-day, 24-hour emergency water quality and Laboratory coverage on a scheduled rotation.
• Supports the WQ Information Services Coordinator with customer water quality problem resolution as back up for, performing on site investigations and providing staff for customer on site investigations.
• Supports Contract Laboratory Services by providing staff for transporting samples to and from contract laboratories and treatment facilities; for assisting Laboratory Technicians with reagent preparation, Quality Assurance procedures and routine analysis and to perform plankton analysis as needed.
• Project manager for projects as assigned by the Manager, Water Quality Regulatory Compliance & Field Operations.
• Assists with management of six Massachusetts systems and seven New Hampshire systems as requested.

Preferred Requirements

• Minimum five years' experience in Water Quality or Water Utility function.

• Must have a working knowledge of water treatment chemistry and related monitoring procedures.

• Must have excellent planning, communication, and customer service skills.

• Working knowledge of computer systems or programs include Excel, Word, SAMS, GIS, LIMS, Agentry Client (LIMS Mobile Applications), and SAP.

• Problem Solving:

• Problem solving skills primarily utilized with supervision of personnel, scheduling of sample collection and resolution of water quality, compliance, and customer concerns.

• Must respond to a variety of water quality issues, in addition to regulatory changes associated with existing and newly acquired Public Water Systems.

• Must be able to coordinate with other departments and contractors to complete objectives.

• Accountability:

• Reports directly to Manager, Water Quality Regulatory Compliance and Field Operations.

• Direct supervision of Water Quality Field Technicians (eight).

• Full responsibility of Sample Collection functions of department (avg. $70,000-336,000 Operating and $100,000-150,000 Capital budgets/year).

• Shares responsibility of reservoir management program.

• Full responsibility for water quality management and compliance in their assigned portion of 21 CT water systems.

• Shares responsibility for remaining CT water systems, as well as MA and NH water systems.

Education/Certifications

• B.S. in Environmental Science required.
• M.S. in related field preferred, but not required.
• A Valid State of CT Driver's License required.
• Safe Boating/Personal Watercraft Operator License required.

Salary

• Job is classified as an exempt position with an annual salary range of $93,920 to $108,500.
• This role will be 100% on-site, report out of the Monroe office.
• Hours for this role are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.
• Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity.
• AWA does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles will be deemed the property of AWA, and no fee will be due.
• Employment with AWA is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including a drug screening, where permitted by law.

Aquarion Water Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.