Water Operations & Lab Supervisor (ORC)

Department: Public Works

Reports to: Water Operations & Lab Supervisor (ORC)

FLSA: Non Exempt

Grade: 65

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Division Manager, the Water Operations and Lab Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant to ensure the efficient and compliant treatment of water. This employee is listed and recognized by the State of Colorado as the site-specific certified operator in responsible charge (ORC) for the water treatment plants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Water Treatment Plant Operations

• Supervise and participate in the daily operation of a Water treatment plants
• Responsible for operational decisions; listed and recognized by State of Colorado as Water SiteSpecific Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC)
• Assist in overseeing the operation and maintenance of facilities to meet all applicable regulatory requirements, and in accordance with design criteria
• Assist in developing and implementing techniques and methods of process control to improve plant efficiency
• Perform and coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure water quality limits are maintained
• Calibrate water plant instruments
• Assist with implementing the preventative maintenance program
• Maintain raw water line from Stillwell Tunnel to plant, upper pond, Mill Creek Head Gate
• Coordinate and monitor compliance with the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement
• Support plant operator staff in resolving equipment and process issues
• Test backflow preventers
• Manage the residential and commercial water meters programs
• Repair meters and cross connection control devices
• Perform water inspections for Certificate of Occupancy
• Perform other tasks and related duties as assigned

Laboratory Management

• Oversee all aspects of the water treatment plant laboratory
• Coordinate chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and microbiological analyses on water samples
• Ensure process control and accurate, complete lab reports in accordance with government regulations
• Perform sampling

Supervision

• Assist the Division Manager in planning and organizing projects
• Supervise, direct, train, evaluate and review work of lab/operators
• Assist with overseeing work of contractors for plant upgrades and future construction
• May act as Division Manager in absence of same

Administrative

• Maintain accurate records and logs of operational parameters, maintenance activities, and compliance data
• Assist the Division Manager with the preparation of the water treatment budget
• Order equipment and chemicals
• Prepare and submit reports to regulatory agencies as required

Safety

• Maintain a safe work environment by recognizing and reporting unsafe conditions and practices;
• Assist with the implementation of plant safety program; conduct safety trainings
• Utilize PPE and ensure staff are trained in proper use of how to PPE
• Ensure awareness and safe handling of chemicals; ensure staff is trained in chemical safety and awareness

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):

High school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s license; Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field from an accredited college preferred; five (5) years experience in the water treatment and at least two (2) years supervisory experience; State of Colorado Class “A” Water Treatment Certificate or ability to obtain within six (6) months; ability to obtain State of Colorado Class “D” Wastewater Treatment certificate within six (6) months; CPR and First Aid required or ability to obtain within six (6) months; ongoing participation in Confined Spaces training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: State, Federal, and Local laws and regulations that govern water treatment; microbiology; industrial pretreatment program; laboratory and plant operating procedures; sample preservation; methods, policies, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair and installation of water treatment plant components; occupational hazards and corresponding safety measures; mechanical, biological, and chemical processes involved in the operation of a water treatment plant; Town personnel policies.

Skill in: applying technical knowledge; leadership; delegating; operating and maintaining equipment used in water treatment process; understanding and interpreting engineering specifications and drawings pertaining to plant expansions and improvements, performing, analyzing, and interpreting laboratory tests for purposes of making operational adjustments and completing required reporting; recognizing equipment and process problems and needed repairs; using proper protective equipment; effective communication.

Environmental Factors:

Work is primarily performed in water plants, wastewater plants, and facilities with raw sewage, chemicals, noxious odors, in confined spaced and at heights. Work is often performed outdoors in adverse weather. On-call requirements including ability to respond to emergency or abnormal facility situations outside of normal work hours.

Physical Factors:

The ability to sustain heavy physical exertion, move, lift heavy objects regularly and up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance on occasion is required.

About Town of Telluride

The Town of Telluride is proud to be an employer of choice, offering competitive pay, great benefits, and an inclusive, mission-driven workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. Our staff supports Town Council goals and keeps daily operations running with care, professionalism, and pride. We embody our staff core values: Connect Community by being stewards and ambassadors who engage with respect, support work-life synergy, and stay open to change. Enable Communication by being approachable, authentic, and clear while adapting to others’ needs. Empower Teamwork by building trust, offering help, and solving problems together. Pursue Excellence by taking ownership, learning and growing, and sharing tools and time fairly. Join us to make a difference and help build a better Telluride, together.