Water Plant Operations Superintendent

Water Plant Operations Superintendent

Salary

$72,969.00 - $85,846.00 Annually

Location

Water Plant & Lab, 1501 Lower River Road, Great Falls, MT

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Job Number

26-00047

Department

Public Works

Division

Water Plant

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/21/2026 12:00 AM Mountain

Union Classification

Non-Union

• Description
• Benefits

NATURE OF WORK

The Operations Superintendent provides a variety of supervisory, administrative, semi-skilled, technical, and maintenance work at the Water Plant. One of the primary responsibilities includes the supervisory management of Plant operations personnel engaged in the operation of the City's Water Treatment Plant. Work responsibilities may extend to serving as the acting Water Treatment Branch Manager in the Manager's absence. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Treatment Branch Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK

• Lead, supervise, plan, implement, direct and coordinate daily workflow, scheduling and assignments of technical operations of the Water Treatment Plant personnel.
• Manages, trains, supervises, mentors, coaches and evaluates employees' work performance.
• Schedules personnel and inspections to monitor daily, weekly, monthly and bi-annual operating systems and facilities.
• Determines, assigns, inspects, monitors and performs the daily workflow of Plant operations personnel in maintenance duties and staff ensuring work activities are operating and functioning properly and completed safely and in a timely manner.
• Develops assignments for operations personnel and follows-up to ensure all assignments are completed accurately and in a timely manner. This includes checking daily and monthly treatment and operational log data for accuracy before submitting to lab.
• Analyzes problems, identifies alternative solutions, projects consequences of proposed actions, and implements recommendations in support of goals.
• Interprets and applies policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Collaborates with appropriate management staff in planning, preparation and implementation of annual department budget. Routinely provides recommendations for purchases of new equipment for necessary capital improvements, construction and renovation. Monitors expenditures throughout the year are within established budgets.
• Ensures treatment practices and procedures in water treatment are being followed, developed, and update SOP's for same. This will include pre- and post-training for all new operators as well as training for new equipment, chemicals and/or procedures.
• Conducts daily plant treatment inspections and performs scheduled and unscheduled equipment maintenance work on chemical treatment/transfer pumps and related equipment. This will include the UV system and LAS pumps, meters and equipment. Ensures proper inventory is on hand for chemical metering equipment and other operational supplies.
• Works with plant lab personnel for UV calibrations, cleaning and operations. All electrical, plumbing and SCADA tasks will be deferred to the proper personnel by work order request.
• Oversees operation and maintenance of a computerized maintenance program that tracks preventive maintenance and equipment.
• Ensures all necessary materials, supplies and equipment are available by maintaining an inventory of parts, materials and obtaining necessary tools and supplies, as well as, storage and distribution of facility equipment.
• Orders, handles and transports water treatment chemicals to ensure proper storage and handling.
• Establishes, maintains, and fosters positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Reads, interprets, and applies a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
• Will be heavily involved with project management and strategic planning.
• All other duties as required to meet operational requirements.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education and experience equivalent to an Associate's Degree in water treatment or a related field, preferred.
• Minimum ten years of experience in water treatment plant operations with five years of progressive supervisory responsibilities, preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Montana Class 1B Water Treatment Plant Operator certification.
• Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain valid Montana driver's license

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

• Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations regarding water quality and safe work practices.
• Extensive knowledge of the current principles and practices of water treatment processes in the purification of water.
• Advanced organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of water utility programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Advanced knowledge of equipment asset management.
• Substantial knowledge of methods, materials, techniques, equipment, and tools used in water treatment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
• Familiar with generally accepted principles and practices of budget preparation and control.
• Ability to maintain legible, accurate written records and develop reports.
• Ability to work on-call, stand-by, and in emergencies as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership Skills
• Technical Accuracy in Testing and Reporting
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Thoroughness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Exercises supervision over Maintenance Team, Administrative Assistant, Electrician, as well as schedules and supervises water treatment operators. May cover for Water Treatment Branch Manager in their absence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, large pieces of equipment, vibrations, and occasionally exposed to a variety of conditions involving these items. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Employees are provided personal protective equipment and are required to follow standard operating guidelines to prevent exposure to hazards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, crawl, bend, twist, kneel, reach, grasp, pick, pinch, push, pull, ride, climb elevated storage tanks for inspections utilizing safety harness and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform heavy physical work and to lift and carry up to 100 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate water plant equipment, hand tools, and a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone or two-way radio; and the ability to see and read dials, instructions and reports.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work week is Sunday through Saturday. The 40-hour work schedule generally consists of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to include some evenings, weekends, and emergency calls. The incumbent willbe available to respond to weekend and emergency calls. This position is exempt and not eligible for overtime. Any scheduled overtime will be authorized prior to working.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.

Full-time Employee Benefits

The City of Great Falls offers a complete benefits package to our full-time employee including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement/pensions, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The City offers life and long term disability insurance to all full-time non-union employees. Union employees receive longevity pay. Optional plans are available for employees, flexible spending account, and 457 deferred compensation accounts.

To learn more details, visit our full-time benefits page.

Employer City of Great Falls

Address PO Box 5021

Great Falls, Montana, 59403

Phone 406-455-8497

406-455-8545

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greatfallsmt