Hybrid Water Production & Lab Supervisor bei Village of Winnetka, IL

About the Department

The Water Production & Lab Supervisor manages the daily operations of the Village’s water treatment laboratory and assists with the operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant. This critical role ensures the delivery of safe, high quality drinking water to the village in compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and federal regulatory standards. 

• Coordinate and oversee activities of Plant Operators engaged in filtering, chemically treating, pumping, and testing raw and processed water in preparation for human use.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including lab safety.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain equipment in the water treatment plant, including SCADA-controlled systems.
• Develop and administer operating practices and procedures for water plant preventative maintenance and safety; assist with scheduling maintenance and improvement activities and projects; and plan for major regulatory inspections.
• Prepare and submit all required water quality reports, data logs, and compliance documentation in accordance with IEPA rules.
• Assist in training and mentoring Plant Operators in laboratory and water plant operations. 
• Inspect work of Plant Operators for quality of laboratory analyses.
• Inspect and operate equipment, such as filters, chlorine indicators, basins, filtered water basins, and pumps to detect malfunctions; coordinate and assist Plant Operators in the repair of equipment or report need for repair to Water & Electric Plant Superintendent.
• Operate and control machinery to regulate flow of raw water into treatment plant. Feed specified amounts of various chemicals into water or adjust automatic devices that admit same into raw or finished water to disinfect and clarify water.  Monitor all equipment throughout the treatment process.  
• Monitor and adjust controls to regulate flow rates, water elevation, and the distribution of raw and finished water within the plant.  Operate valves to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities and direct flow of water throughout the plant.  Operate filters by placing them in and out of service, monitoring their performance, setting their flow rates, and backwashing them when indicated.
• Determine action to be taken in response to emergencies and direct necessary repairs and/or operating modifications.
• Research and prepare recommendations related to water plant operations to Water & Electric Plant Superintendent for new equipment and/or modification of existing equipment to improve operational capacity and/or efficiency.
• Review and evaluate water reports, records, logs, and graphs to confirm adequacy of present and projected water needs.
• Maintain inventory of materials used, received, and stored
• Develop and maintain contacts with regulatory agencies and other utilities.
• Cooperate and coordinate with other Village utilities and departments to solve inter-related administrative, organizational, and technical problems.
• Respond to inquiries regarding water quality and treatment issues.
• Confer with Water & Electric Director and/or designee regarding policy issues and Water Plant objectives.
• Assist with special projects related to Water Plant operations and/or maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Duties

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or related natural or physical sciences field required.
• 5 years’ minimum work experience in a surface water utility with considerable knowledge of water filtration, treatment systems, and laboratory analysis.
• 80 hours of on-the-job training in water microbiology at a certified laboratory is preferred.
• Valid Environmental Protection Agency, State of Illinois, Public Water Supply Operator Certificate of Competency, Class “A” certificate.
• Valid State of Illinois Approved Laboratory Analyst Certification in the microbiological area total coliforms Most Probable Number (MPN) tests and fecal coliforms MPN tests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Read, clearly speak, and legibly write the English language.
• Thorough knowledge of physical, chemical, and bacteriological processes involved in the treatment of water. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of procedures, practices, and equipment to assure proper administration and safe operation of Water Plant according to local, state, and federal requirements.
• Ability to apply principles of logical and/or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer systems to prepare reports and analyze Water Plant operations.
• Demonstrate skill in reading and understanding various gauges, and ability to recognize possible inoperative or malfunctioning machinery.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and complete reports and documents on any and all activities engaged in and communicate these activities both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform all essential water related responsibilities and duties of Plant Operator.
• Working knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems preferred
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access; GIS systems; and ability to learn other software programs.  
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all Water & Electric personnel, contractors, vendors, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to oversee and evaluate work of other employees.
• Valid driver’s license.

Other Qualifications

Position Range: $103,689 - $145,165, DOQ.

Weekly work schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 40 hours weekly. Position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays for emergent events.

For questions or assistance, please contact Ann Eriksson, Human Resources Manager, at (847) 716-3546 or [email protected].