ASSISTANT DIVISION MANAGER OPERATIONS - WASTEWATER

City of Gastonia, NC

$92K — $147K *
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related discipline
  • Ten years of wastewater treatment plant or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history
  • Certification in NC Biological Wastewater Operator Grade 4, NC Land Application Operator, NC Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class 4, or NC Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade 3 upon hire; second certification required within two years
  • Completion of NIMS certifications within 12 months of hire

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage supervisors at wastewater treatment facilities and the residuals management program
  • Develop and conduct technical, operational, and safety training for staff
  • Ensure the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and related systems
  • Assist with preparing and managing the division's annual budget
  • Monitor wastewater treatment processes to ensure performance and compliance with regulations

Benefits

  • High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
  • Dental and Vision insurance
  • Life and Supplemental Insurance Plans
  • Pension through Local Government Employees' Retirement System
  • 401(k) and 457 retirement plans
  • Short-term and long-term Disability
  • Dependent Care Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program and access to an On-Site Health Clinic
  • Educational Assistance Program
  • Generous leave policies including sick leave, annual vacation time, holidays, and personal days
Full Job Description
Salary : $92,123.20 - $147,368.00 Annually
Location : Crowders Creek WWTP, Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01788
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Water & Sewer/Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt

General Definition of Work
Performs difficult skilled technical and administrative work assisting with the management of the operations of the wastewater treatment division including management of the wastewater treatment plant operations and residuals management program; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Division Manager Wastewater Treatment. Continuous supervision is exercised over assigned staff.
Essential Functions/Duties
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

  • Lead and manage the supervisors of wastewater treatment facilities and the residuals management program. Oversees coordination of work schedules, monitors performance, addresses operational concerns, and promotes effective working relationships among employees, City officials, consulting engineers, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. Directs division operations in the Division Manager's absence.
  • Develops, coordinates, and delivers technical, operational, and safety training for assigned personnel. Ensure employees follow established operating procedures, occupational safety requirements, and appropriate precautions for handling chemicals, biological materials, equipment, and other workplace hazards.
  • Ensure proper operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment, residuals management, SCADA, and related facility systems. Assists with development and oversite of capital improvements, construction activities, equipment replacement, facility upgrades, and other projects. Reviews designs and operational plans, analyzes process and equipment performance, and recommends corrective actions or improvements.
  • Assists with preparing and administering the division's annual operating budget. Tracks expenditures and performance measures, supports procurement activities, evaluates operational and equipment needs, and develops cost information and recommendations for current and future budget requests.
  • Monitors wastewater treatment processes and residuals management activities to ensure reliable performance, protection of public health and the environment, and continuous compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Reviews laboratory and operational data, coordinates investigations, prepares technical and scientific reports, and makes sound operational recommendations and decisions based on chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical treatment principles.


Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related discipline.
  • Ten years of wastewater treatment plant or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.


SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
  • Possession of one of the following upon hire: NC Biological Wastewater Operator Grade 4, NC Land Application Operator, NC Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class 4, or NC Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade 3 certification; must obtain a second certification within two years.
  • NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 within 12 months of hire.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

  • Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.


UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

  • Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
    • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
    • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
    • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
    • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.


STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at

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