Operations Branch Chief (Assistant Division Director DPWES)

Do you enjoy solving environmental challenges to optimize the recycling of 40 million gallons of wastewater each day? Join Fairfax County's award-winning Wastewater Management Team that is responsible for protecting both the public’s health and the region’s water quality.

Under the general direction of the Director of the Wastewater Treatment Division, ensures the safe 24-7 functioning of critical public safety infrastructure to protect residents and businesses from untreated sewage discharges. Serves as an assistant division director of the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) which is responsible for the safe, efficient, and regulatory compliant operation of the county’s wastewater treatment plant.

This position oversees the county's complex wastewater treatment operations, critical to public health and safety. Therefore the incumbent:

• Has deep knowledge of advanced chemical and biological treatment processes needed for the treatment of 40 million gallons of wastewater daily and the supplying of more than 1 million gallons daily of recycled water to customers.
• Acts as one of the emergency response coordinators during emergency crisis. Responds on a 24-hour basis for the agency's emergencies, and acts as the division's liaison with other county agencies.
• Leads skilled trades crews in 24-7 complex daily operations as well as emergency response to weather, equipment breakdown, and power-outage emergencies.
• Manages the branch staff of over 50 employees including licensed plant operators. Develops and maintains an employee development program to ensure operators are adequately trained and obtain the required licenses.
• Is responsible for regulatory compliance reporting, training of staff, and effective customer service to the county rate payers.
• Serves as the state designated Operator-in -Responsible Charge for the county’s Noman Cole Water Recycling Plant.
• Prepares and manages a $20 million annual budget to include chemicals, energy, and personnel
• Evaluates overall operational effectiveness, recommends improvement and enhancement to safety programs
• Maintains cooperative and proactive alliances with vendors, citizens, environmental groups, county, state, and federal agencies
• As an assistant division director, serves as acting director in the absence of the division director on technical and administrative matters. Represents the division director at meetings with county staff, contractors, and resident groups.
• Establishes policies, procedures and priorities for the operating programs of the division.
• Represents the division director at meetings with county staff, contractors and resident groups.

• Operating large water or advanced wastewater treatment utilities.
• Using historical water or wastewater treatment data to measure plant performance, improve operational efficiencies and ensure compliance with regulations and permits.
• Leading and communicating with front-line office and skilled trades staff.
• Working independently and in a team environment with shared responsibilities, including working with other departments collaboratively.

• Benefits
• Retirement

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from a four-year college or university in an engineering, science, or related field; plus, six years of progressively responsible experience in public works or utility operations, including two years of supervisory experience managing skilled trade professionals, contractors, or technical experts.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: 

• A valid driver's license.
• A Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator certification (VA).

• 5+ years of experience with wastewater utilities, water or sewerage facilities, or entities subject to environmental regulation, 24/7 operations, and emergency response.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Environmental Sciences or related field.
• 5+ years of experience and expertise in the wastewater treatment processes and operations found at the Noman M. Cole Water Recycling Facility or similar,  including nutrient removal, wastewater reclamation and solids stabilization. 
• Senior-Level supervisory and managerial experience in an operational agency.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience to determine appropriate technologies to facilitate conducting analytical and evaluative work.
• 5+ years of experience of supervising professional and paraprofessional employees including delegating and reviewing work assignments, providing coaching and guidance, monitoring and evaluating performance, and supporting training and development planning.