Wastewater Operations Superintendent - SR-24

Salary : $74,796.00 - $110,808.00 Annually
Location : Future vacancies with immediate vacancy in Hilo, HI
Job Type: Permanent & Temporary Positions
Job Number:
Department: Environmental Management
Division: Wastewater
Opening Date: 03/29/2026
Closing Date: 4/7/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii

Duties Summary

Plans, directs, and coordinates the installation, maintenance, and operation of all wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems in a major geographical district; and performs other related duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division in Hilo.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.
Examples of Duties

• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate supervisors, the process control and operation of the wastewater treatment and disposal facilities, pump stations, and systems in an assigned district; coordinates the shutdown of facilities for repairs; coordinates work with other district superintendents.
• Plans, lays-out, and assigns through subordinate work relating to the operation and maintenance of all equipment in the wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Evaluates the operation and maintenance functions of the wastewater treatment plants and effectuates changes that increase efficiency and economy.
• Analyzes and evaluates the operation and maintenance functions and recommends and implements new or improved practices and standards.
• Participates in planning and makes recommendations on plans, designs, and specifications for new facilities and alterations to existing facilities.
• Determines dependability, adequacy, and feasibility of structures and equipment.
• Recommends and implements revisions or new policies and procedures for the operation and maintenance of the facilities.
• Participates in meetings with engineers to discuss the design, operation, maintenance, and/or new construction of wastewater equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Participates in the preparation of the division's budget; approves requisitions for purchases; reviews and controls expenditure of funds.
• Recommends equipment purchases and replacements; participates in the preparation of specifications; prepares applicable purchasing forms.
• Evaluates the utilization of personnel; recommends changes in position duties, transfer of positions, or additional positions to achieve maximum operational effectiveness.
• Confers with supervisors and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions including terminations; directs the completion of job performance reviews, new hire orientations, and safety and operational trainings; oversees job interviews, grievances, investigations, and resolution of public or employee complaints.
• Oversees the maintenance of records, data, and files; prepares operational reports.
• Develops, organizes, coordinates, and/or conducts training program for plant personnel.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the department's safety program and activities; enforces the safety policies and regulations.
• Reviews and approves building and plumbing permits for residential and small commercial plans and specifications for connection to County sewer systems.
• Provides construction management and inspection services as assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings; may attend hearings or meetings and present testimony relating to the wastewater operations and programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Training and Experience:
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and
• five (5) years of work experience in the operations, construction, or repair and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities, of which
• three (3) years' experience shall have been in a supervisory capacity, and
• possession of a current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade IV at time of filing (scan and attach a copy of your current certificate to your application), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other comparable valid driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision; procedures and practices pertinent to the operation of wastewater facilities and equipment; program planning and budgeting principles; laws and regulations applicable to the operation of wastewater facilities; occupational hazards and safety practices; report writing, and; record keeping practices and procedures.

Ability to: Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of subordinates involved in the operation of wastewater facilities and equipment; review and interpret plans and designs prepared by engineers and contractors; evaluate and recommend improvements to work practices and procedures; interpret and apply policies, regulations, and laws; understand and follow purchasing policies and procedures; develop and conduct training and safety programs; maintain records and prepare reports and budget estimates; deal effectively with employees, representatives from other governmental agencies, engineers and contractors, and the public; give and follow oral and written instructions, and; direct work in emergency situations; work odd hours and under hazardous, obnoxious, and unfavorable surroundings.

Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Benefits of County Employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.

Supplemental Information
Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification,
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates.

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.