Superintendent, Treatment (Water Certification Required)

Job description

Position Information Posted Range

$70,690-$102,290 annually. The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role The Superintendent, Treatment is responsible for the leadership, operation, maintenance, and optimization of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant service delivery. The Superintendent, Treatment oversees treatment operations personnel, regulatory compliance, performance management, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives in accordance with company standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Accountabilities

Lead and supervise the daily operations of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, operating permits, and company policies. Provide leadership, coaching, and development for union and/or non-union operations personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement. Ensure treatment processes consistently meet water quality and wastewater discharge standards while optimizing operational performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Support and participate in emergency response activities, including after-hours on-call responsibilities, incident management, and operational continuity planning. Monitor facility performance metrics and implement process improvements to enhance treatment effectiveness, system reliability, and operational efficiency. Develop, manage, and monitor operating and maintenance budgets; support capital planning and execution to meet business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, and security programs and promote safe work practices throughout the organization. Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, laboratory, regulatory, and operational teams to support treatment system performance and capital improvement initiatives. Maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, vendors, and other external stakeholders.

Support business growth, operational integration, and strategic initiatives by providing technical and operational expertise related to treatment facilities and processes. Knowledge/Skills Knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment processes, operations, maintenance practices, and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental and public health regulations governing treatment operations.

Knowledge of operational performance management, budgeting, asset management, and continuous improvement principles. Understanding of workplace safety programs and emergency response practices. Leadership and employee development. Regulatory and environmental compliance management. Budgeting and financial management. Process optimization and problem-solving. Project coordination and capital improvement support. Effective written and verbal communication.

Stakeholder and regulatory relationship management. Decision-making in fast-paced operational environments. Experience/Education Bachelors Degree in operational discipline, management, or related technical discipline. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater treatment operations. 2+ years of experience leading, supervising, or coordinating operational teams in a regulated utility, municipal, or industrial environment.

Experience managing compliance, safety, and operational performance objectives. Experience developing operating budgets and supporting capital investment programs preferred. Work Environment Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.

May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces. May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment. Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.

Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods. Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions. Frequently enters and exits vehicles. Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.

Certifications & Licenses Water and/or wastewater treatment plant operator license is a PLUS. Licensing must be obtained post-hire; ability to maintain required certifications once obtained required. Valid drivers license required. Key Interfaces/Relationships State Operations & Leadership Union personnel and Leadership Operational excellence teams Human Resources Finance Vendors, contractors, and consultants Local, state, and regulatory officials Travel Requirements Local and occasional regional travel.

Other This is a people leader position.

Competencies

Manages ComplexityEnsures AccountabilityDirects WorkDevelops TalentBuilds Effective TeamsBalances Stakeholders