Local recruitment: Drinking Water Production Manager

• Salary: $89,008.00 – $99,357.00 Annually
• Location: Burlington, VT
• Job Type: Regular Full Time Non Exempt
• Job Number: DPW Drinking Water Prod Mgr
• Department: Public Works
• Division: Water
• Opening Date: 04/01/2025
• Closing Date: Continuous
• FLSA: Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: Non Union

General Purpose

This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s drinking water production facilities, including water treatment, pumping and storage. This position is responsible for directing and evaluating the work of Plant Operators and Operator/Mechanics, for State and Federal water treatment regulatory compliance, process control, and preventative maintenance at these facilities. Serves as the Chief (Designated) Drinking Water Operator.

Union Affiliation: Non-Union 
Pay Grade 22: $89,008.00 – $99,357.00 Annually 
Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/week

If you applied to this position prior to 3/31/2025 by emailingcareers@burlingtonvt.gov, and received a confirmation email, your application has been received and you do not need to reapply. 

Essential Job Functions

• Plan, organize, communicate and direct the day-to-day and on-call operation of the drinking water production facilities which are staffed 24-7. Schedule work activities, making all necessary arrangements for supplies, equipment, and staff resources. Including, but not limited to:
  • Oversee, schedule and direct Plant Operators and Operator/Mechanics in the operation and preventative maintenance of treatment plant processes, pumping and storage equipment, buildings and grounds, including laboratory analysis and process control.
  • In collaboration with the Senior Plant Mechanic, schedule maintenance work, supply parts and materials for preventative maintenance of water equipment, buildings and grounds; order and maintain inventory of adequate supply of parts.
  • Maintain monthly preventative maintenance work schedule for all assets through the computerized asset management maintenance program.
  • Establish and maintain drinking water data management database.
• Analyze plant and pump station performance, recommend and, under direction of Director of Water Production, implement process control techniques or other improvements as necessary to ensure maximum operational efficiency (energy consumption, staff resources, cost mitigation etc.) and optimized plant finished and tap water quality.
• Supervise and monitor performance and proficiency of staff in the areas of water treatment, laboratory analysis for permit parameters, process control, preventative maintenance, and safety requirements. Evaluate staff performance and document
• personnel performance and growth; provide coaching, training and development of staff; recommend disciplinary action to the Director of Water Production.
• Develops monthly, quarterly and annual work plans for operations and maintenance functions at all water production facilities. Responsible for implementation of operations work plans within appropriate time frames. Coordinates with the Senior Plant Mechanic to implement corrective maintenance functions.
• Assist the Director of Drinking Water Production to develop, document, implement, and maintain policies and standard procedures for proper operation of the plants and plant laboratory.
• Prepare a variety of written and numerical records and reports for the Director of Drinking Water Production, State, and Federal officials on such subjects as treatment plant status, staff scheduling, budget items, maintenance and operations activities and special projects;
• Coordinates with the Distribution Manager to schedule Distribution team staff for general plant and storage facility related work maintenance work (tank cleaning, painting, pipe laying, grounds maintenance) at the production facilities.
• In conjunction with the Water Resources Engineers, Senior Plant Mechanic and Director of Drinking Water Production, ensure that items within the Water Production Capital Plan are implemented as scheduled and provide input to the on-going updates to this plan.
• Provides technical expertise to consultants, engineers and contractors on all projects related to the Water Production facilities.
• Provide safety related information, training and procedures for staff and visitors.
• Analyze drinking water as required by federal and state agencies and ensure conformance with the Drinking Water Permit to Operate and effective plant operation as designed.
• Assists the Director of Drinking Water Production in monitoring State and Federal regulatory changes.
• Receives and responds to variety of requests within the scope of the position for information or assistance from the general public, other City departments, vendors, federal and state agencies and other treatment plants.
• Plan and schedule for vehicle maintenance as required.
• Complete Monthly Operations Report in a timely fashion for review by the Director of Water Production and subsequently submit report to the State of Vermont.
• Oversees purchasing for the water treatment plant in compliance with the City’s Purchasing Policy.
• Perform special projects and related work as required.
• Fulfills job functions of water plant operator as required.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.

Education, Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology or related field with four (4) years working in a water treatment plant, Associates Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology or related field with six (6) years working in a water treatment plant OR High School Diploma or equivalent with eight (8) years working in a water treatment plant
• required Grade 4C Drinking Water License (or equivalent certification from another State) required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience required. Experience with 24-7 staffing and a Union environment preferred.
• Completion of the OSHA 30 is preferred, must be completed within 1 year.
• Valid driver’s license required. A valid driver’s license shall be defined as a current state of residence-issued license to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Position also requires the ability to be covered under the City’s vehicle insurance policy prior to the operation of any City vehicles or non-City vehicles for City business.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of drinking water treatment, standard lab practices, pumping, and storage.
• Ability to understand logic associated with programmable logic controllers.
• Knowledge of and ability to navigate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Ability to utilize and track data related to asset management in the technological system currently in place for Water Resources.
• Ability to comprehend and carry out written, oral, and diagrammatic instructions required.
• Ability to understand relevant physical, chemical, electrical, and microbiological principles required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry methods, materials, and tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and technical skill to perform preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on electromechanical pumps, motors, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and instrumentation.
• Ability to learn City budgeting and procurement requirements, use the City’s financial software, and make annual budget recommendations for all plants to the Director of Water Production.
• Ability to work independently.
• Planning and organizational skills including the ability to plan and execute a schedule for short and long term projects.
• Ability to develop and maintain policies and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, supervise and inspect the work of subordinates.
• Ability to train, coach, evaluate and discipline staff.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical manuals, blueprints, and diagrammatic drawings.
• Ability to formulate and follow written procedures and ensure conformance to City and department policies and procedures, state and federal regulations and contractual agreements.
• Ability to learn and maintain VOSHA safety rules and regulations as they pertain to the Department of Public Works.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials and citizens.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to create and maintain an environment that embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.
• Ability to perform data collection processes and develop and generate the proper reports.
• Experience with computers in a Windows based environment required, including Outlook Email, Word and Excel programs and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Ability to enforce safety regulations and standards.
• May be exposed to toxic chemicals.
• Ability to work outdoors and in all weather conditions.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions. May be required to participate in shift coverage if the case of staffing shortages.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through ourGovernment Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.

Employer: City of Burlington, Vermont

Address: 200 Church Street, Suite 102, Burlington, Vermont, 05401Phone802-540-2505

Website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/HR/career-and-internship-openings