Isaac Hagan
Stockbridge,GA
Summary
Dedicated and results-oriented Plant Manager with over 19 years of proven experience in leading large-scale plant operations across diverse industries, both nationally and internationally. Expert in driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, developing staff, and implementing strategic initiatives that align with business objectives. Skilled in contract negotiation, project leadership, and operational risk management, with a strong focus on creating a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Known for maintaining productive relationships with stakeholders and excelling in high-pressure environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Treatment Plant Manager
DeKalb County Watershed Management
03.2025 - Current
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 20 operators, technicians, mechanics, and administrative staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Manage regulatory compliance with NPDES permit requirements, inspections, audits, and reporting, maintaining a strong compliance record and proactively addressing permit exceedances.
- Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, laboratories, and external contractors to support capital improvements, equipment upgrades, and process optimization initiatives.
- Promote employee engagement and retention through coaching, clear expectations, and leadership by example.
Pollution Control Manager
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Spearheaded operational oversight of the pollution control division, ensuring the effective execution of environmental regulations and wastewater management practices.
- Directed a team of 30+ operators, setting performance metrics, delivering feedback, and ensuring optimal team functionality.
- Successfully coordinated plant upgrades and major equipment installations, leading to a 15% increase in efficiency.
- Reduced plant downtime by 20% through proactive maintenance strategies and process improvements.
- Led contract negotiations with external vendors and managed budgets, saving in annual operational costs.
- Developed and implemented a training program that enhanced operator productivity by 30%.
- Completed a $53 million project to decommission a sister plant and successfully re-routed its flow to the parent plant, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Wastewater Supervisor
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
08.2021 - 02.2024
- Optimized plant operations by leading a team responsible for preventive maintenance, reducing equipment failures by 25%.
- Introduced data-driven approaches to identify and resolve bottlenecks in production, improving overall plant performance.
- Collaborated with vendors to manage the supply chain, ensuring timely equipment deliveries and reducing procurement lead time by 10%.
- Enhanced employee engagement through mentorship and training, resulting in a 20% improvement in retention.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
10.2015 - 08.2021
- Conducted routine water and wastewater sample testing to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Operated and monitored plant equipment, ensuring optimal function and reliability of systems for wastewater purification.
- Prepared detailed reports on water quality, treatment processes, and system performance, enhancing regulatory compliance by 15%.
- Aided in the completion of a $56 million Headworks Upgrade project, contributing to the successful expansion and modernization of the plant's infrastructure.
Plant Manager
Sunrise Drinking Water
08.2009 - 10.2015
- Led plant operations with a focus on improving efficiency, achieving a 30% increase in production through process optimization.
- Developed and implemented cost-saving initiatives, reducing overhead costs by 20% while maintaining product quality.
- Played a key role in training plant staff, improving skills and knowledge, leading to a 25% reduction in errors.
- Managed plant budgets and ensured alignment with production forecasts, exceeding financial targets.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Environmental Science
American Public University Systems
Charleston, WVAssociate in Arts (A.A.) - undefined
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Plant Operations & Management
- Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety Management
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Project Leadership & Vendor Management
- Risk Management & Policy Implementation
Accomplishments
Provided wastewater treatment leadership during hurricane relief efforts in the Bahamas, supporting rapid restoration of critical sanitation infrastructure and safeguarding public health under emergency conditions.
Certification
- Wastewater Operations License (Class 1, 2, 3)
- Drinking Water Operations License Class 3
- Water Distribution License
- Forklift Certification
- CPR Certification
- Erosion and Sediment Control 1B Certification
- Bio-solids Incineration Certification
- OSHA 10 & 30 Certification
- Certified Rigger Level 1
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
Timeline
Treatment Plant Manager
DeKalb County Watershed Management
03.2025 - Current
Pollution Control Manager
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
02.2024 - 03.2025
Wastewater Supervisor
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
08.2021 - 02.2024
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
10.2015 - 08.2021
Plant Manager
Sunrise Drinking Water
08.2009 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Environmental Science
American Public University Systems
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - undefined
Tallahassee Community College