Water Operations Supervisor in McAdoo, Pennsylvania at Little Leaf Farms LLC

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Water Operations Supervisor is responsible for leading and directing the daily operation of all greenhouse water treatment, irrigation, fertigation, recycling, and wastewater systems. This position ensures continuous system operation through effective management of Water Systems Operators, operational procedures, water quality monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

The Water Operations Supervisor provides leadership, training, scheduling, and performance management for Water Systems Operators while ensuring safe and efficient operation of all water-related processes. This position serves as the primary operational resource for water system performance and works closely with Maintenance, Growing, and Facilities teams to support greenhouse production goals.

This position is critical to the success of the greenhouse by ensuring reliable water availability, system stability, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervise and lead Water Systems Operators.
• Develop and maintain staffing schedules to ensure continuous operational coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Monitor greenhouse water treatment, irrigation, fertigation, recycling, and wastewater systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Review operational data, system trends, alarms, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure operators are responding appropriately to system alarms and operational issues.
• Conduct routine reviews of water quality data and system performance indicators.
• Oversee the operation and performance of water softeners, Presscon systems, UV disinfection systems, ozone systems, and related water treatment equipment to ensure reliable operation, regulatory compliance, and water quality standards are maintained.
• Coordinate water movement, storage, and distribution activities throughout the greenhouse.
• Oversee water recycling and wastewater treatment processes to maximize sustainability and system efficiency.
• Ensure all operational logs, reports, and records are completed accurately and maintained appropriately.
• Verify compliance with all company policies, GMP requirements, HACCP requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections of water treatment facilities and greenhouse infrastructure.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to prioritize and schedule repairs and maintenance activities.
• Generate and manage work requests related to operational deficiencies and equipment concerns.
• Train employees on operating procedures, emergency response protocols, chemical handling, and safety requirements.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for water sector operations.
• Participate in capital projects, system upgrades, and commissioning activities as assigned.
• Maintain inventory levels of chemicals, consumables, and operational supplies.
• Support greenhouse trials and special projects as assigned.
• Maintain a 5S standard by ensuring work areas remain clean, organized, and free of hazards.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to interpret operational trends, graphs, alarms, and system performance data.
• Strong understanding of irrigation, fertigation, water treatment, and wastewater operations.
• Ability to develop and implement operational procedures and training programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational continuity.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
• Ability to meet physical demands including walking, climbing, bending, lifting, and working in greenhouse environments.
• Comfortable working in greenhouse conditions, including varying temperatures and high-intensity lighting.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience operating automated greenhouse systems such as Hortimax
• Experience supervising water treatment, wastewater, utility, agricultural, or greenhouse operations.
• Familiarity with environmental compliance requirements and water quality management.
• Knowledge of greenhouse climate control systems and water recycling technologies.
• Associate’s degree in environmental science, Water Treatment, Agriculture, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with pumps, piping systems, and treatment equipment preferred.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant water treatment, wastewater, utility, agricultural, or greenhouse operations experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Comfortable working in industrial environments, including wet or outdoor conditions.