Overview
This role is open due to a retirement and is critical to ensuring continuous, reliable service to the community. The successful candidate will bring a “keep the water flowing” mentality, a willingness to build strong relationships, and an approachable, open-door leadership style.
The community is in a period of rapid growth with new entertainment venues and large industrial parks under development. The Director will serve as the go-to person for water quality issues, compliance, and coordination with federal and state agencies, as well as the liaison for capital improvement projects. Autonomy is offered, giving the right leader the ability to shape operations while maintaining reliability and compliance.
This position oversees a 10 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant (rated for up to 18 MGD) and leads a team of 10 staff members. The role also requires issuing public health and water quality notices and serving as point of contact with the media when needed.
Location & Work Environment
This position is based in Danville, Virginia at a local water treatment facility and wastewater facility (managed by a third-party contractor).
Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with the expectation of occasional off-hours response to operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations of a 10 MGD wastewater treatment facility (rated for 18 MGD)
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 10 operators, technicians, and staff
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
- Serve as primary liaison with federal and state agencies on water quality and compliance issues
- Issue public health and water quality notices, including acting as spokesperson with media as needed
- Manage operational budgets and capital improvement planning
- Partner with leadership and engineering consultants on infrastructure and capital projects
- Maintain accurate operational and compliance reporting
- Build strong relationships across staff, contractors, and stakeholders through an open and approachable leadership style
Required Qualifications
- Class I Water Works Operator License or Class I Wastewater Operator’s License (VA or transferable via reciprocity)
- Class C Driver’s License
- Proven experience leading plant operations or teams in the water or wastewater sector
Preferred Qualifications
- Class I Water Works Operator License and Class I Wastewater Operator’s License (VA or transferable via reciprocity)
- Supervisory or management experience
- Experience with municipal utilities or contract operators
- Knowledge of emerging treatment technologies and process optimization
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $85,000 to $149,000, depending on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Participation in an Employees’ Retirement System (ERS):
- Vested after five years of employment
- Defined benefit retirement plan providing retirement, disability, and death-in-service benefits
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and training opportunities
Other Opportunities
If this position is not the right fit but you are a licensed operator, we encourage you to send your resume for consideration in future opportunities: greg@huntercrown.com