Wastewater Chief Operator

To be considered for this position, an application MUST be submitted through our website: www.lyon-county.org/jobs

Lyon County Utilities is recruiting for a Wastewater Chief Operator to assist in the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the County's wastewater treatment, collection, and reuse systems. Under the direction of the Wastewater Superintendent, this position provides technical leadership for daily operations, process optimization, staff training, compliance monitoring, and emergency response activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee wastewater treatment operations to ensure regulatory compliance and efficient system performance.
• Monitor operational data, coordinate sampling, prepare reports, and maintain required records.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and coordinate maintenance of treatment facilities and equipment.
• Assist with plan reviews, capital projects, and emergency response, including SCADA callouts.
• Train and support staff, promote safe work practices, and coordinate with regulatory agencies, contractors, and County personnel.

Qualifications: Two (2) post-secondary courses in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field and three (3) years of wastewater operations experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, regulatory compliance, SCADA systems, and operational safety practices required.

Required Certifications: Nevada Class A Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire; Nevada Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade III Certification within six (6) months of hire; OSHA 30 Certification.

Benefits include:

• Medical - County pays 100% employee coverage plus 50% spouse/dependent coverage
• Dental, Vision, Life - County pays 100% of employee only; dependent care at employee’s cost
• Retirement benefits via the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System
• Twelve paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Flexible spending programs for child care and unreimbursed medical expenses
• Voya deferred compensation program

T4 Salary Range*:

• $34.65 - $51.99 (Employee/Employer Paid PERS Retirement)
• $28.95 - $43.44 (Employer Paid PERS Retirement)

*Employees in this classification start at the beginning of the salary range, with opportunities for salary advancement based on merit.

Closes: Thursday, June 25, 2026

To be considered for this position, an application MUST be submitted through our website: www.lyon-county.org/jobs

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Wastewater Superintendent, performs a variety of technical duties to support and ensure proper operation of the County’s wastewater systems. Performs expert level duties relating to the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater systems as necessary. Leads, coordinates, and directs day to day wastewater functions, including collections, treatment and reuse.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Maintains and reviews process data to ensure operation of treatment facilities meets state, and federal discharge permit requirements in addition to evaluating efficiencies and special project results.
• Assist in the preparation and submittal Discharge Monitoring Reports to NDEP.
• Coordinates sampling events with operations, laboratory and compliance staff; makes process changes as required based on data.
• Performs plan reviews of upcoming projects to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Takes samples of wastewater, scum, grit, sludge and other materials and completes chain of custody information for samples being delivered to the main laboratory.
• Inspects plant equipment, reports and records any failures or operating difficulties; initiates work orders and requests repairs; ensures work orders are accurate and complete.
• Monitors technological developments/advancements in the wastewater industry, evaluates their impact on County operations and processes, and recommends improved work procedures and equipment acquisition.
• Responds to emergency callouts and fields SCADA call outs as required and must reside within a 30 minute response time to Dayton Valley Road.
• Reviews local, state and federal regulations to ensure that required standards are being adhered to.
• Orders parts and supplies necessary for operations in accordance with County purchasing policies and procedures.
• Logs information regarding plant operation including test results from process lab, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions.
• Provide training, instruction, support and guidance of new hires. Instruct staff on standard operating procedures and site safety hazards.
• Troubleshoots problems and provides technical assistance to staff and other agencies in solving issues and problems.
• Prepares a variety of reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Provides advice and answers questions in relation to activities for regulatory agencies, contractors, customers and County staff.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience: Two (2) post-secondary courses in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field; AND three (3) years of experience in wastewater operations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants including ponds, primary, secondary & tertiary treatment, pump stations, odor control & treatment and sludge handling processes.
• Principles and practices of physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of wastewater treatment and collection.
• Principles and practices of microbiological and bacteriological analyses, sampling and chain of custody.
• Federal, state and local requirements and regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment.
• Methods and precautions in storing and handling hazardous chemicals.
• Computer applications related to the wastewater treatment, pumping and diagnostics, including SCADA.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of plan review.
• Safety principles, practices and equipment related to safely performing the work.

Skill in:

• Identifying and resolving operational, technical and procedural problems.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written form.
• Preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Operating an assortment of measurement tools, sampling equipment, laboratory and on-line instrumentation.
• Using computers and software packages.
• Gathering, organizing, and analyzing microbiological and chemical data.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, budgets, procedures and work standards.
• Reading and interpreting plant piping and distribution diagrams and schematics.
• Recognizing unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and taking appropriate action.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Composing and maintaining accurate logs of work performed.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Nevada Class A Driver’s License with Tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of date of employment.
• Nevada Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade III certification within six (6) months of date of employment.
• OSHA 30 certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical shop or related maintenance setting, including operating typical trade equipment, hand and power tools and standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle to various work sites; stamina to stand, walk and climb and to work in confined, heights exceeding 10 feet or awkward spaces for an extended period of time; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone.

Work is subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, sewage, hazardous chemicals, electrical currents, gases, dust and noxious odors. Work is subject to performance in wastewater and water facilities.

To be considered for this position, an application MUST be submitted through our website: www.lyon-county.org/jobs

Pay: $34.65 - $51.99 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person