Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX
Are you an experienced environmental operations leader with a passion for public health and sustainability? We are seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager to oversee the operations of a major municipal facility in Houston, TX. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing plant performance, and leading a skilled team of technicians and engineers. If you are committed to environmental excellence and operational efficiency, this opportunity is for you.
Lead a High-Impact Environmental Facility in Houston
A leading municipal wastewater treatment facility in Houston, TX is seeking a Plant Manager to direct all aspects of plant operations, maintenance, and regulatory reporting. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in wastewater management, a deep understanding of EPA/state compliance standards, and a track record of leading cross-functional teams in complex infrastructure settings. If you are ready to protect public health and advance sustainable water treatment practices, this is your opportunity to lead in a vital role.
Key Responsibilities of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX
Operational Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations of the wastewater treatment facility, ensuring optimal performance of all systems, processes, and personnel. Oversee routine plant activities including treatment processes, equipment maintenance, and compliance protocols.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations including EPA, TCEQ, and municipal standards. Maintain detailed documentation and lead audits, inspections, and permit renewals with regulatory agencies.
Team Leadership & Staff Development: Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of operators, technicians, and administrative staff. Promote a safety-first culture, provide continuous training opportunities, and lead efforts to boost team performance and morale.
Process Optimization & Efficiency: Analyze system performance data to identify and implement process improvements. Introduce cost-effective technologies and methodologies that enhance treatment efficiency and reduce operational costs without compromising quality.
Health, Safety & Environmental Standards: Uphold rigorous health, safety, and environmental practices across all plant activities. Ensure adherence to OSHA standards and implement proactive risk mitigation strategies to protect workers and the community.
Maintenance Planning & Asset Management: Oversee preventative maintenance programs and long-term asset management strategies. Ensure timely repair and replacement of equipment to avoid system failures and service interruptions.
Budgeting & Financial Management: Develop and manage the plant’s operating budget. Monitor expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and collaborate with finance teams to ensure fiscal responsibility and resource allocation.
Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response: Lead emergency response planning for plant incidents such as chemical spills, equipment failures, or severe weather. Train staff and coordinate with local agencies to ensure a rapid and effective response.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison between the treatment plant and the community, local government, and public agencies. Communicate key initiatives, environmental impacts, and infrastructure projects with transparency and professionalism.
Strategic Planning & Infrastructure Development: Support long-term planning for plant upgrades, capacity expansion, and sustainability initiatives. Partner with city planners, engineers, and consultants to guide capital improvement projects and infrastructure investments.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX, the client is seeking a results-oriented professional with extensive experience in utility operations, environmental compliance, and team leadership. You should be a proactive and organized individual capable of managing a complex facility while ensuring public health, safety, and sustainability standards are consistently met.
Proven Expertise in Wastewater Treatment Operations
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities. The client is looking for someone with deep technical knowledge of treatment processes, plant equipment, SCADA systems, and water quality standards. Experience in troubleshooting system inefficiencies and overseeing daily plant performance is highly valued.
Strong Knowledge of Environmental Regulations
You must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of local, state (especially TCEQ), and federal (EPA) environmental regulations. The client values candidates with a history of maintaining full regulatory compliance, managing audits, and producing accurate environmental reporting.
Effective Team Leadership and Development Skills
The client is seeking a leader who can manage, motivate, and develop a diverse team of operators, technicians, and administrative staff. Your ability to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement will be essential for maintaining operational excellence and high employee morale.
Operational and Strategic Thinking
The role requires a manager who can handle daily operational demands while planning strategically for plant improvements and long-term sustainability. You should be capable of leading infrastructure upgrades, initiating cost-saving measures, and supporting future growth needs with proactive solutions.
Financial and Resource Management
You will be responsible for managing budgets, controlling expenditures, and optimizing resource allocation. The client expects a candidate who can make data-driven decisions to reduce costs without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
Excellent Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
The client is looking for someone who can effectively communicate with city officials, engineers, regulators, and the public. Your ability to translate technical data into clear reports and updates will be critical for maintaining transparency and trust with key stakeholders.
Commitment to Safety and Emergency Preparedness
A strong safety mindset is non-negotiable. You must have a track record of implementing health and safety protocols and preparing the plant and staff for emergency situations such as equipment failure, power outages, or extreme weather events.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Finally, the client seeks a manager who embraces innovation and process improvement. Whether through new technology adoption, energy efficiency initiatives, or workflow optimization, you should consistently look for ways to enhance plant operations and environmental impact.
FAQs About the Role – Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager in this role?
As the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of the facility, ensuring optimal performance of all treatment processes and systems. Your responsibilities will include regulatory compliance, personnel management, budgeting, maintenance planning, emergency preparedness, and long-term infrastructure planning. You will also be expected to drive continuous improvement, maintain safety standards, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have significant experience managing a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant, including a thorough understanding of treatment processes, environmental regulations (EPA, TCEQ), and operational best practices. A valid TCEQ Class B or Class A Wastewater License (or the ability to obtain one within a specified timeframe) is typically required. A degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Experience in team leadership and facility budgeting is also important.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a proactive leader with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to operational excellence. You should be capable of mentoring and motivating a diverse team, managing performance, and fostering a safety-first culture. Strong communication skills, the ability to make data-driven decisions, and a strategic mindset for future planning are also essential.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may face challenges related to aging infrastructure, regulatory updates, emergency incidents, and workforce management. Balancing operational demands with long-term improvement projects, ensuring continuous regulatory compliance, and optimizing efficiency under budget constraints will require agility, technical knowledge, and leadership.
5. How will my performance be measured?
Your performance will be evaluated based on the facility’s compliance with environmental regulations, operational efficiency, safety metrics, budget management, staff performance, and successful execution of improvement projects. The ability to meet service delivery goals while maintaining high standards of reliability and sustainability will be key indicators of success.
6. What is the work environment and culture like at the facility?
The facility promotes a collaborative, safety-conscious, and mission-driven culture focused on protecting public health and the environment. You will work closely with a dedicated team of professionals and city leaders in a structured yet dynamic setting. The organization values accountability, continuous learning, and operational transparency.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX, you can expect a competitive compensation package that reflects the technical complexity of the role, leadership responsibilities, and the importance of ensuring public safety and environmental compliance. The remuneration for this position generally includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager varies depending on the size of the facility, years of experience, and level of licensing. For a mid- to large-scale municipal plant in a major metropolitan area like Houston, the annual base salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $130,000, with some high-performing facilities offering salaries exceeding this range for experienced managers.
2. Performance-Based Incentives
Many public agencies or utility operators offer performance-based bonuses tied to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, cost control, and leadership outcomes. These incentives may range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, based on annual performance evaluations and strategic project completions.
3. Licensing Stipends & Certification Bonuses
Employees who hold advanced certifications, such as a TCEQ Class A Wastewater License, may receive additional stipends or certification bonuses. This may include annual supplements ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on local policies and the level of licensure.
4. Retirement & Pension Plans
Government-affiliated and public sector wastewater facilities often provide defined-benefit pension plans or 401(k)/457(b) retirement plans with employer matching contributions. These retirement benefits offer long-term financial stability and are a major incentive for professionals in this field.
5. Health & Insurance Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits are typically included, such as:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Employee wellness programs
Access to employee assistance programs (EAPs)
6. Paid Time Off & Holidays
Most employers offer generous paid time off (PTO) policies, including vacation days, sick leave, and paid public holidays. Managers may also receive additional leave accruals based on tenure or seniority.
7. Relocation Assistance (If Applicable)
For highly qualified candidates moving to Houston, relocation assistance may be provided. This can include moving expense reimbursements, temporary housing, or a signing bonus to offset transition costs.
Total Compensation Potential
When factoring in base salary, incentives, benefits, and retirement contributions, the total annual compensation for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager can range from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the scope of responsibilities and experience level. Public sector roles often provide excellent long-term financial and retirement security in addition to base compensation.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced and results-oriented leader in water and wastewater management, we invite you to apply for the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Houston, TX. This is a key leadership opportunity to manage critical public infrastructure, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead high-performing operations in one of the nation’s largest cities.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in wastewater facility management, regulatory compliance, process optimization, team leadership, and budgetary oversight. Be sure to highlight your relevant certifications (such as a TCEQ Class B or Class A license), your history of maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations, and your success in managing plant operations efficiently and safely.
This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on public health and environmental stewardship while advancing your leadership career in municipal utilities. Apply today to become the next Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager and contribute to a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable Houston.
For more information or to explore related opportunities, visit our Wastewater Treatment Plant Recruiters Page.
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Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager | Utilities Management | Water & Wastewater Jobs | Houston Utilities Careers | Environmental Compliance | Plant Operations | Municipal Infrastructure Leadership | Public Works | TCEQ Certified Manager | Water Treatment Careers
