Assistant Plant Manager: Wastewater Treatment
TalenCo Recruitment Specialists · Western Cape
Overview
TalenCo Recruitment Specialists is looking for an Assistant Plant Manager to help run a wastewater treatment works in the Western Cape. You will support the Plant Manager with daily operations, staff supervision, process optimisation and compliance. If you have a Water Care or Chemical Engineering diploma and a DWS Class V Process Controller registration, this permanent role could be your next step.
About the role
As Assistant Plant Manager, you will work closely with the Plant Manager to keep the wastewater treatment works running safely, efficiently and within budget. You will be involved in the day to day operations, from supervising staff and coordinating maintenance to monitoring process data and ensuring environmental compliance.
What you will be doing:
- Support the Plant Manager with daily operations, staff supervision and process optimisation.
- Help develop and monitor operational and maintenance plans, work schedules and plant availability targets.
- Supervise operations, process and support staff, and assist with training and performance management.
- Coordinate with maintenance, laboratory, safety teams, contractors and external service providers.
- Monitor process data, plant trends, laboratory results, flows and equipment performance, and help implement corrective actions.
- Assist with budget inputs, cost control and stores/spares requirements.
- Ensure compliance with the OHS Act, environmental legislation, water use and discharge authorisations, and DWS requirements.
- Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate records, logs, reports and compliance documentation.
- Prepare operational, production, compliance and incident reports for the Plant Manager.
- Support audits, inspections, risk assessments and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with emergency preparedness and incident response procedures.
Requirements
- National Diploma in Water Care or Chemical Engineering.
- Valid and current registration as a DWS Class V Process Controller.
- Experience in the management, operation and maintenance (O&M) of wastewater treatment works.
- Working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, biological, secondary, tertiary and sludge handling processes.
- Sound understanding of process control, plant optimisation, effluent quality management and operational troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of the OHS Act, environmental legislation, discharge standards and DWS regulatory requirements.
- Ability to interpret process data, laboratory results, flow records, P&IDs and operational reports.
- Proficiency in SCADA, plant control systems, reporting tools and MS Office.
- Valid driver's licence.
Responsibilities
- Assist in managing the day to day operation of the wastewater treatment works in line with approved procedures, permits, standards and contractual requirements.
- Support the achievement of plant performance, process stability, effluent quality and environmental compliance targets.
- Assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of operational and maintenance plans, work schedules and plant availability objectives.
- Supervise operations, process and support staff, and assist with training, performance management, discipline and team development.
- Coordinate daily operational activities with maintenance, laboratory, safety, contractors and external service providers.
- Monitor process data, plant trends, laboratory results, flows, loads and equipment performance, and escalate and assist with corrective actions.
- Assist with operational and maintenance budget inputs, cost control, stores and spares requirements, and contractor supervision.
- Support compliance with the OHS Act, environmental legislation, water use and discharge authorisations, DWS requirements and internal safety systems.
- Participate in incident, non compliance, environmental and safety investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate operational records, logs, reports, compliance documentation and management system records.
- Prepare operational, production, compliance and incident reports for review by the Plant Manager.
- Support audits, inspections, risk assessments, continuous improvement initiatives, plant upgrades and commissioning activities.
- Assist with emergency preparedness, contingency planning and incident response procedures.
Job details
- Organisation
- TalenCo Recruitment Specialists
- Location
- Western Cape
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid
- Education
- Diploma
- Category
- Construction & Engineering
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This role is a great fit if you already have hands on experience in wastewater treatment and want to step into a more supervisory position. Make sure your CV clearly shows your DWS Class V Process Controller registration and any experience you have with SCADA systems and plant optimisation. In the interview, be ready to talk about how you have handled process upsets, compliance issues or staff supervision. The employer will be looking for someone who is comfortable with both the technical and people side of running a plant. Tailor your application to highlight your knowledge of the OHS Act and environmental regulations, as compliance is a big part of this job.
How we help you prepare
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