Manager – Plant Operations (Water & Wastewater)
City of Mountain Home, Arkansas
Department: Public Works – Water
FLSA Status: Exempt | Employment Type: Full-Time
Lead. Build. Make an Impact.
The City of Mountain Home is seeking a Manager of Plant Operations to lead our water and wastewater treatment operations with a focus on leadership, compliance, and long-term system performance.
This is not a day-to-day operator role. This position is responsible for leading people, managing projects and budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance, while building a high-performing, accountable organization.
This role serves as the key liaison between plant operations and executive leadership, ensuring expectations are clear, systems are working, and critical issues are communicated effectively.
Position Summary
The Manager of Plant Operations directs and coordinates the overall operations of the City’s water and wastewater treatment facilities. Responsibilities include leadership of supervisors, regulatory compliance, project management, budgeting, staffing, and operational oversight.
The position ensures that plant operations meet all applicable environmental and safety standards while aligning with City goals and long-term infrastructure planning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight of water and wastewater treatment plant supervisors and staff
- Plan, direct, and manage plant operations and capital improvement projects
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, including permitting, reporting, and emergency planning
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies regarding permit renewals, reporting, and compliance requirements
- Oversee preparation and submission of required reports, including regulatory filings and Consumer Confidence Reports
- Develop and administer operational and capital budgets
- Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and performance expectations
- Manage staffing, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions
- Monitor plant operations, identify issues, and ensure timely resolution
- Maintain accurate documentation, records, and operational data
- Respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call responsibilities as required
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a leader, not just a technical expert.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Integrity and accountability – communicates openly and addresses issues proactively
- Strong people leadership – sets clear expectations and holds supervisors accountable
- Organizational discipline – ensures compliance, reporting, and processes are executed consistently
- Effective communication – able to translate technical operations into clear information for leadership
- Sound judgment under pressure – calm, steady decision-making in routine and emergency situations
- Results orientation – able to manage projects, budgets, and priorities effectively
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Organizational Leadership, or related field preferred)
- Minimum of ten (10) years of supervisory or management experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in water, wastewater, or similar utility operations
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background check
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment operations and associated equipment
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing water and wastewater systems
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage and develop staff
- Ability to manage projects, budgets, and operational priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive personnel matters
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent software
Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides direct supervision to 4–7 supervisory staff and indirect oversight of approximately 16 employees across water and wastewater treatment operations. Responsible for ensuring accountability, compliance, and alignment with City goals and operational standards.
Working Conditions & Requirements
- Combination of office and field environment
- Exposure to outdoor conditions, chemicals, and treatment plant
environments - Must be available for on-call responsibilities, including nights,
weekends, and emergency situations - Position may involve extended periods of standing, walking, or computer use
Why Mountain Home, Arkansas?
Mountain Home offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, including lakes, rivers, and the Ozark Mountains. The community provides a safe, welcoming environment with strong schools, healthcare, and a cost of living that supports both career growth and lifestyle balance.
This is an opportunity to build a career while enjoying a lifestyle that is difficult to match in larger metropolitan areas.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit an application, resume, and any relevant certifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Mountain Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Salary Range: $61,630 – $85,238 (DOQ)