Wastewater Superintendent

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Wastewater Superintendent. This position directs and oversees all aspects of the Wastewater Division operations, including treatment facilities, wastewater collection, laboratory functions, and related infrastructure. The Superintendent provides high-level administrative leadership and strategic planning to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement of public wastewater services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Operates under the general policy direction of the Public Works Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides general guidance and direction to Wastewater Treatment Plant Foreman, Collection System Foreman, and Administrative Assistant.

Develops and coordinates work assignments; communicates project details to foremen; provides instruction on new installations and renovation procedures.

Oversees personnel processes including recruitment, performance evaluations, discipline, and documentation; recommends staffing actions to optimize team performance.

Creates and manages the annual and long-term budgets; conducts cost analysis and forecasting; presents proposals and recommendations to leadership; reviews and adjusts rate structures.

Leads short- and long-range strategic planning for system maintenance, upgrades, and capital improvements.

Reviews and approves new service line connections submitted by the Community Development Department; determines appropriate locations for installation.

Manages wastewater sampling and testing programs to ensure compliance with environmental discharge standards.

Maintains and utilizes an accurate record system for underground wastewater infrastructure to support operational planning and emergency response; advises on lifecycle-based replacement schedules.

Regularly collaborates with the Public Works Director to discuss Division initiatives; recommends system enhancements and budgetary needs; drives performance improvements across the Division.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

1. Education and Experience:

A. Bachelors degree in civil engineering or related field;

AND

B. Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater system management;

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of community and economic issues related to planning, environment, water quality and other local growth activities; creative problem solving processes and facilitation skills; interrelationships between various types of local governments and agencies; budget development and fiscal management; political environment associated with intergovernmental programs utility systems; engineering concepts and equipment capacities related to processing wastewater and raw sewage; overall treatment plant operations and production requirements; plant mechanical operations and l technical requirements; legal requirements and standards related to effluent hazards associated with various chemicals, equipment, organic and inorganic substances; routine chemical tests; surface drainage; interpersonal communication skills; principles of supervision.

Considerable skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.

Ability to analyze wastewater system(s), identify problems, and determine optimum solutions; ability to make accurate decisions in emergency situations where consequences of error could be costly; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to plan and organize work of subordinate personnel; ability to evaluate employee performance and make related decisions for the good of city service; ability to enforce related policies, procedures, regulations, and standards without partiality; ability to develop effective working relationships with elected officials, public and private managers, Department/Division Managers, subordinates, and the public.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Idaho drivers license.

Must possess an Idaho Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's Certification or be able to obtain the same within one (1) year from date of employment.

May require a Wastewater Operator Collection IV Certification.

Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually.

State of Idaho Professional Engineers License preferable.

Residency within a 45-minute response time of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (required within six months of hire)

Operates primarily in a climate-controlled office environment. Occasional site visits and travel required. Physical activities include walking, sitting, stooping, and reaching. Requires visual and auditory acuity, manual dexterity, and stable emotional temperament. Demands creative thinking, attention to detail, and adherence to verbal instructions.