Chief Plant Operator-Superintendent for Water Pollution Control Authority

The Town of Montville is seeking a Chief Plant Operator-Superintendent for the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). This is a full-time, Union position. We offer a generous benefits package that includes, Medical (HSA Employer Contribution), Dental, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, State Retirement Plan (CMERS), Voluntary 457b Retirement Plan and Voluntary Insurance Benefits, and stipend for waiving medical coverage. Additional benefits include Vacation and generous Sick/PTO policy, including all federal holidays, and a Floating Holiday.

As the Chief Plant Operator-Superintendent for the WPCA, you’ll lead the daily operation and maintenance of the Water Pollution Control Facilities, and Water Department in accordance with CT Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. You’ll coordinate plant operations, monitor treatment processes, and help ensure equipment performs safely and reliably. This role calls for hands-on mechanical ability, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to environmental compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Operates Water Pollution Control Facilities, including but not limited to, checks, repairs and maintains WPCF facilities and equipment; washes and cleans basins; administers chemicals, etc.

Assists in establishing standards and carries out WPCA approved policies. Issues general orders and instructions for the proper operation of all WPCA activities.

Assists in the establishment of short and long-term goals for waste water treatment and/or water distribution.

Oversees the planning, scheduling, and organization of work in the WPCF and Water Department, including the establishment of operational priorities.

Plans and develops WPCF facilities and equipment including, but not limited to, preventive maintenance and replacement schedules for facilities, pump stations, sewer lines and equipment including specifications for the purchase of new equipment as well as water distribution systems and equipment. Supervises installation of new or replacement equipment.

Works with engineers, assisting with new construction projects in water and wastewater systems. Advises the WPCA Administrator, Mayor and/or the WPCA on major administration and engineering problems encountered.

Interprets results of laboratory tests to make operational adjustments, pump settings, chemical feed settings and other necessary changes to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Insures the proper disposal of all hazardous materials associated with maintenance work, including, but not limited to, waste oils and solvents.

Insures compliance with the Public Health Codes of the State of Connecticut. Reports any violations to the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or Department of Public Health (DPH).

Oversees the inventory of chemicals, lubricants and spare parts/equipment necessary for WPCF and Water Department pumping and treatment operations; order supplies as needed.

Oversees and/or participates in emergency operations resulting from equipment breakdowns or malfunction, failure of systems or weather conditions.

Trains and instructs maintenance section personnel in operations and insures the observance of standard safety practices. Maintains and participates in all safety and preventative maintenance programs.

Plans and directs the operational work of the WPCF and Water Department staff. Makes and prioritizes work assignments for WPCF and Water Department staff; coordinates work assignments to insure minimum interruption of treatment process and/or water distribution. Reassigns employees as needed.

Assists the WPCA Administrator in personnel matters and labor relations functions, i.e., grievances, employee performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring, promotion, and termination, when requested.

Recommends changes or additions to the WPCF and/or water distribution system design.

Oversees construction work and repairs. Examines and inspects work performed by private contractor(s).

Conducts regular inspections of plant, and pumping facilities and water distribution systems to monitor proper equipment operation.

Assists WPCA Administrator with annual budget as it pertains to Operation & Maintenance, as requested.

Monitors and controls operational expenditures in accordance with approved budgets.

Coordinates the operations of the WPCF and Water Department with the other departments of the Town of Montville and such other towns and cities as required. Maintains effective working relationships with government officials and the general public.

Responds to public inquiries and complaints of odors, sewer line blockages and related matters.

Prepares a variety of narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to work long hours, evenings and weekends, as required. Attends regular WPCA monthly meetings and other internal and external meetings as needed.

Performs other related tasks as required and/or assigned.

Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

The skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with the completion of at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, biology or closely related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify in the responsibilities of this position, including considerable responsible professional experience in the operation of modern water pollution control facilities and water distribution systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the CT DEP is a requirement of the position. Possession of Class IV Collection System Operator, Cross Connection-Backflow Inspector/Tester Certified and Class III Water Distribution Operator certifications are preferred. Must possess a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of modern water and wastewater treatment practices, including secondary treatment (activated sludge) processes.

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of sanitary engineering.

Some knowledge of chemistry principles and practices as they apply to waste water treatment and water distribution.

Some knowledge of budgeting, contract and financial management and demonstrated project management skills to assist with preparing draft budgets for presentation to the Administrator.

Ability to plan, schedule, assign and supervise the work of others as required.

Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, engineering plans and drawing and governmental regulations along with the ability to write effective reports, and operational procedures.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to management, co-workers, customers and the general public. Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner, as well as the ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical order.

Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform work independently; ability to make decisions and act quickly; and the ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities in a sometimes stress environment.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Position is contingent upon successful completion of physical/drug screening and background investigation.

For consideration, please include a cover letter with resume and send to:

Mayor Leonard Bunnell

Town of Montville

310 Norwich-New London Turnpike

Uncasville, CT 06382Or:

Or Email: lbunnell@montville-ct.org

Closing Date: 11/18/2026

Pay: $106,231.59 - $124,978.34 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you possess a Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification?

Work Location: In person