WWTF Superintendent

The City of Sumner is recruiting a Wastewater Treatment Facility Superintendent. First review of applications will be conducted on March 13 2025.

2025 Hiring Range:$4952.05 $5536.18 biweekly with growth to $6188.68 DOQ.

Ideal Candidate:
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed below the ideal candidate will have aBachelors and/or Masters degree in science or engineering from a fouryear university or college particularly in the fields of civil or environmental engineering environmental science water resources biology chemistry or a related field or an Associates Degree directly related to wastewater and/or water plant or utility management. Supervisory work experience directing personnel engaged inthe operation or maintenance ofa Class III or higher activated sludge wastewater treatment facility and experience working with and administering an NPDES permit.

About Sumners Wastewater Treatment Facility:
The Sumner WWTF is a regional facility serving both the City of Sumner and the City of Bonney Lakes sewer systems. The facility recently completed a major upgrade in 2015 increasing its rated flow capacity to 6.10 MGD and increasing its facility loading capacity for 5Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand to 10900 lb. /day and Total Suspended Solids to 12660 lb. /day. The influent headworks includes flow measuring and sampling on both city wastewater influent loadings. Flow then travels to primary clarifiers followed by aeration basins. The aeration basins have selector zones and are operated using a modified MLE process. The aeration basins are followed by secondary clarifiers and finally UV disinfection of the effluent. Wasted sludge is thickened using a Dissolved Air Flotation thickener (DAFT).The generated biosolids are processed thru anaerobic digestion with final treatment through an indirect dryer producing Exceptional Quality Class A Biosolids. Biosolids are given away to the public from onsite locations within the plant or delivered in bulk to sites throughout the region. The WWTF is located between the Puyallup and White Rivers and due to the flood potential is surrounded by a floodwall to protect the facility.

In addition to the WWTF the staff also service sixteen sewage lift stations throughout the City of Sumner. Fourteen of the lift stations are submersible pump stations and two are drywell wetwell stations. The City of Bonney Lake services its own lift stations. Most sewage lift stations have flow measuring devices and generators and have been upgraded or replaced within the past 10 years. The sewer system is supported by a SCADA operating system as is the WWTF.

The job duties and responsibilities in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other jobrelated instructions and to perform any other jobrelated duties requested by a supervisor. While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge skills and abilities to perform this job successfully the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty with expert proficiency.

Listed below are examples of typical duties:

• Oversees the daytoday maintenance programs projects and operations of the facility; reviews and evaluates daily activities and work assignments with Chief Operators and the Deputy Director.
• Provides expertise in resolving operational and maintenance issues and directs the response to and recovery of service during emergencies and planned and unplanned operation stoppages.
• Efficiently administers the safe operation and maintenance of the WWTF and wastewater lift stations ensuring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Department of Ecology (Ecology) permit compliance.
• Manages and oversees the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
• Ensures WWTF NPDES permit submittals are completed on or before permit deadlines.
• Researches evaluates andintegrates new work practices technologies and systems to enhance productivity.
• Trains operators on WWTF practices and procedures.
• Efficiently administers the citys biosolids management program; ensures permit compliance with the Ecology and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding biosolids testing production and disposal.
• Collaborates with the public and regulatory agencies such as Tacoma/Pierce County Department of Health Washington State Department of Health and Ecology and EPA.
• Monitors and administers WWTF and sewer lift stations SCADA systems.
• Oversees WWTF infrastructure system security and data integrity controls ensuring that appropriate systems are in place and operational.
• Collaborates with staff to develop operational goals short and longterm capital projects new projects and other planning decisions related to operations maintenance facilities budgeting or equipment;
• Manages and approves expenditures within wastewater operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Manages and supervises wastewater personnel including but not limited to interviewing recommending candidates and training employees; planning assigning and directing work; addressing complaints grievances and disputes;performing escalated investigations andresolving problems; evaluating performance; recommending promotions and disciplinary actions; implementing organizational changes; approving and scheduling leave time; and recommending terminations as appropriate.
• Oversees the WWTF laboratory and analytical testing including quality assurance and quality control reviews lab test results and makes the necessary adjustments.
• Prepares various records reports memorandums and letters including attendance department activities scheduled maintenance operational manuals and time sheets.
• Monitors emerging technologies industry trends proposed regulations and upcoming federal and state legislative and administrative changes that may impact the maintenance and operations of the WWTF.
• Attends and presents at various meetings related to the WWTF sometimes outside of standard working hours including but not limited to the SumnerBonney Lake Joint Advisory Committee City of Sumner committee and council meetings and City of Bonney Lake committee and council meetings.
• Leads tours of the facility to various groups including city staff councilmembers community members and others.
• Schedules monthly safety meetings for staff.Ensures all safety equipment is available and in good condition and employees follow safety regulations with regard to appropriate operations. Administers the wastewater treatment division safety program.
• Effectively communicates with city administration staff engineers consultants vendors and regulatory agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any equivalent combination of education technical training and experience demonstrating the capability to fulfill therequirements of the positionwillbe considered.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• At least seven 7 years experience as an Operator at a WWTF with similar responsibilities for facility operation.
• One 1 year of related collegelevel coursework canbe substitutedfor two 2 years of experience.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Washington State drivers license.
• Valid Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification for Group III plants with maintenance thereafter.
• Possession of standard firstaid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelors and/or Masters degree in science or engineering from a fouryear university or college particularly in the fields of civil or environmental engineering environmental science water resources biology chemistry or a related field; or
• An Associates Degree directly related to wastewater and/or water plant or utility management.
• Supervisory work experience directing personnel engaged inthe operation or maintenance ofa Class III or higher activated sludge wastewater treatment facility.
• Experience working with and administering an NPDES permit.

• This is identified as a Safety Sensitive Position. A preemployment drug screening will be required upon conditional job offer.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Equipment facilities materials methods and procedures used in wastewater collection and treatment systems including telemetrysystemsand instrumentation.
• Federal state and local laws regulations permitting and procedures related to wastewater treatment pretreatment biosolids production and disposal wastewater lift stations and wastewater collection/conveyance systems.
• The activated sludge process testing procedures chemistry and chemical and process testing procedures troubleshooting and detecting process hazards.
• Attendant laboratory test equipment and procedures for collecting and testing wastewater samplesat a standard needed to meet lab accreditation standards and interpret these test results to adjust for proper Facility operation.
• Wastewater treatment processes and the operation of a Biological Nutrient Removal treatment plant to include Biosolids production and disposal practices collection conveyance systems wastewater lift stations and related equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Odor control management of a wastewater facility.
• Leadership and supervisory principles and practices.
• Fiscal management including cost analysis budget development and asset management.

Ability to:

• Perform tasks requiring physical strength and agility.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and work independently in the performance of routinely assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers supervisors and the public.
• Operate power and manual hand tools.
• Work and be called into work during times outside of regular working hours to ensure the health safety and welfare of the City and its citizens.
• Provide excellent customer service by using a friendly professional accurate and customerorientated approach to a wide variety of customers including the general public and other staff including inperson and oral communications.
• Make accurate equipment readings and test results and legibly record readings and results.
• Accurately diagnose equipment malfunctions and take corrective action.
• Demonstrate skill in all of the abilitiesas identified in the WWTF Operator classification.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Operate a computer terminal to enter data maintain records and generate reports.
• Operate software used by the City.
• Maintain reliable dependable attendance.
• Contribute to achieving the Citys mission.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands/work environment described is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Requirements may be subject to modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Description of Work Environment:
Work is typically performed both in and outdoors in all weather conditions. The noise level of the treatment facility is typical of most construction sites and plant environments. Fieldwork includes the exposure to noise nuisance dust noxious and toxic gases and vapors traffic and other related job hazards. Where appropriate personal protective equipment will be issued to the employee for use with the employee being trained in its application and use. Exposure to hazards is an inherent part of the job.

Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require stooping kneeling crouching reaching mobility fingering grasping talking seeing hearing walking climbing and crawling.

Medium work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Selection Guidelines:
Formal application rating of education and experience oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Background checks will include:

• Prior Employment Verification: confirms applicants employment with the listed companies including dates of employment position held and additional information available pertaining to performance rating reason for departure and eligibility for rehire. This verification will be run on the past three employers or the previous five years whichever comes first.
• Personal and Professional References: calls will be placed to individuals listed as references by the applicant.
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Form I9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
• Educational Verification: confirms the applicants claimed educational institution including the years attended and the degree/diploma received.
• Criminal History:includes review of criminal convictions and probation. The following factors will be considered for applicants with a criminal history:
  • The nature of the crime and its relationship to the position.
  • The time since the conviction.
  • The number (if more than one) of convictions.
  • Whether hiring transferring or promoting the applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business its employees or its customers and vendors. The following additional background searches will be required if applicable to the position:
• Motor Vehicle Records: provides a report on an individuals driving history in the state requested. This search will be run when driving is an essential requirement of the position.
• Credit History: confirms candidates credit history. This search will be run for positions that involve management of City of Sumner funds and/or handling of cash or credit cards.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs retains promotes terminates and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants on the basis of jobrelated qualifications and competence. These policies shall be applied without regard to any individuals sex race color religion national origin pregnancy age marital status sensory physical or mental disability sexual orientation including gender expression and identity genetic information domestic violence victim or other basis prohibited by law.

Persons needing assistance in the application process may call the Human Resources Office atoremail If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

Drug Free Workplace:

The City of Sumner is a drug free workplace. The City is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment free from employees whose job performance may be impaired by the use of prescription nonprescription overthecounter illegal controlled substances and alcohol.

General Hiring Process Information:

• Candidates must submit required document(s) as outlined in the job announcement in order to be considered.
• Submitting a cover letter and resume is not required but is recommended.
• Applicants must provide professional references with accurate phone numbers and accurate email addresses. References will only be contacted for applicants who progress past the interview process.
• If multiple applications are received for the same candidate only the most recently submitted complete application will be considered.
• Applications received by the review date will be screened for minimum qualifications and then submitted to a Subject Matter Expert to select which candidates will be invited to interview. Personally identifiable information is removed from the applications during the screening process.
• Applicants who are invited to interview will receive notification by email and are typically provided at least one weeks notice prior to the scheduled interview date.
• Applicants who are not invited to interview will be notified by email.
• Remote interviews may be available for candidates unable to participate in person. Remote interviews are held through an online meeting platform such as Microsoft Teams.
• Applicants who pass the interview process may be invited back for a second interview with the department leads or for a walking interview through the department.
• Applicants who did not pass the initial recruitment process will be notified by email.