DWM Watershed Manager I (RM Clayton)

Job Description

Posting expires: October 19, 2026

Salary range: $73,268 - $99,320

General Description and Classification Standards:

Manages the day-to-day operation of a wastewater treatment plant in effort to serve the citizens. This position manages a large group of employees, typically with intermediate supervisors, or a smaller group of specialized professional employees. Performs supervisory assignments associated with operating the wastewater treatment plant and to ensure a continuous, wastewater treatment meeting federal/state regulations for the citizens of Atlanta. Supervises; wastewater analysis and treatment; mixing chemicals; laboratory testing; operating various pumps and valves; repairing and maintaining machinery and equipment; maintaining records, instructing, and disciplining assigned staff.

Supervision Received:

This position may require you to work independently and report to the Water Reclamation Center Manager when necessary approvals or other direction is required. Direction received is general and focuses on end results and is typically collaborative in nature. Makes decisions on technical issues, diagnoses, or procedures in collaboration with supervisors or operators. This level would be considered "middle" management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Generates work orders in maintenance management system, orders chemicals and supplies.
• Coordinates with contractors on plant upgrades and equipment repairs and installations. Responsible for maintaining the facility in a condition that meets state and federal permit requirements.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff; develops goals and expectations for operators, handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels, and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals.
• Reviews the work of Operators for accuracy/completion and to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Communicates with employees to ensure proper plant operation of the Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepares and maintaining reports, logs, and records on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Performs administrative, supervisory and technical functions that support overall Plant Operations and Compliance
• Provides technical guidance and assistance to Plant Operations and Maintenance
• Operate wastewater plant; monitor all equipment and chemicals to ensure effluent water meets applicable standards; analyze and interpret data for reporting to designated state and federal agencies; monitor treatment process for compliance; manage solids and dewatering process
• Supports Plant training objectives and workforce development goals
• Manages annual contracts within scope and budget requirements; responsible for overseeing and issuing work to contractors
• Provides leadership in community outreach efforts by leading community groups on facility tours
• Control's treatment plant processes, chemical dosages, and equipment used to purify, treat, and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial and commercial use.
• Operates and controls various pumps and valves to regulate the flow of water through the treatment plant and distribution system.
• Records plant operation data from observations, instrumentation, and laboratory tests; records test results for reporting to state agency as appropriate.
• Receives and/or prepares letters, reports, correspondence, forms, and other documentation; reviews, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains files and logs; performs other clerical duties.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Decision Making

• Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks. Applies organizational policies.
• Ability to make process control decisions in keeping plant operations within compliance limits and standards.
• Establishes work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc

Leadership Provided

• Has managerial authority over a group of professional employees and/or a group of professional, technical, or administrative employees with multiple intermediate supervisors and/or team leaders.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of the operation, methods, and procedures of a wastewater treatment plant;
• knowledge of the machinery used for wastewater treatment and pumping stations;
• knowledge of mechanical equipment;
• knowledge of basic machinery preventive maintenance and repair;
• knowledge of State and Federal rules governing wastewater treatment and worker's safety;
• knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology;
• knowledge of Chemistry terminology;
• knowledge of microorganisms;
• knowledge of Back Flow Prevention.
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing;
• skill in solving complex problems independently;
• skill in operating incinerators,
• skill in operating sludge dryers, composite samplers, and various lab test equipment;
• skill in operating a computer and computer software;
• skill in performing analysis of laboratory data;
• Skill in basic math and chemistry, in oral and written communication, and in supervision;
• skill in water plant operation and in the use of maintenance equipment and water analysis equipment;
• skill in utilizing various software programs relevant to the position;
• skill in organizational, management, human resources techniques.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems;
• ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information;
• ability to handle required mathematical calculations;
• ability to treat water in a safe, effective manner;
• ability to work outdoors in any kind of weather; ability to read and understand design drawings and plans;
• ability to operate a vehicle; ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunctions.
• Skilled in communicating verbally and in writing; Good interpersonal skills;
• Good leadership skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with various personality styles and with upper departmental management or elected officials;
• ability to read and interpret construction drawings;
• ability to interpret laws, regulations, and guidelines;
• ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, and representatives of other public agencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience -

1. Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Science, Biology, or a closely related field.
2. Three (3) years of work experience in the Wastewater Management role with some experience in leading Operations and Maintenance Divisions

Licensures and Certifications -

1. Applicants must have a valid State of Georgia Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License or eligibility to transfer registration from other states within 6 months.
2. A valid Georgia driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
3. Certificate and license must remain valid during tenure in this classification.

Preferred Requirements - 5 years of work experience in the Water Management role with experience in leading Operations and Maintenance Divisions

Work Environment:

Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Work Schedule:

This position follows the City's hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work.

Lifting Requirements:

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.