Richard Tyson
Bourbonnais,IL
Summary
Wastewater operations leader with over a decade of experience spanning municipal treatment operations, engineering inspection, regulatory compliance, and leadership development. Proven ability to maintain operational continuity, oversee complex programs, support regulatory inspections, and contribute to long-term planning during periods of organizational transition. Recognized for sector-level leadership through national peer review and governance roles.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency
Kankakee, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Support operational oversight and continuity at a 14-MGD municipal wastewater treatment facility during a period of management transition and prolonged staffing constraints.
- Oversee the hauled waste program, including permitting coordination, laboratory collaboration, billing review, site inspections, and development of regional partnerships to responsibly expand acceptance while ensuring long-term environmental protection.
- Conduct microscopic evaluations to assess biological health and process stability and support data-driven process control decisions.
- Coordinate emergency response activities and on-call operational support, including staff dispatch and issue resolution.
- Support regulatory compliance, including data analysis and preparation of materials for IEPA inspections and annual sludge reporting.
- Source and coordinate procurement of parts, materials, and equipment to support maintenance, emergency repairs, and ongoing operations, including identifying suitable replacements when legacy suppliers or documentation are unavailable.
- Lead safety meetings and promote safe work practices and regulatory adherence.
- Contribute operational insight to asset management discussions and capital planning initiatives.
- Support staff development through mentoring, feedback, and cross-department coordination.
Operations & Maintenance Specialist
Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency
Kankakee, IL
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Operated and maintained wastewater treatment processes, including SCADA-controlled systems.
- Performed preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, blowers, valves, and treatment equipment.
- Completed work orders and operational documentation with accuracy and consistency.
- Progressively earned Illinois Class 4 through Class 1 Wastewater Operator Licenses.
- Selected for promotion to Operations Manager based on performance, technical competence, and leadership potential.
Resident Engineer Representative
Robinson Engineering
Bourbonnais, IL
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Oversaw municipal infrastructure projects including force mains, lift stations, and water system improvements.
- Coordinated contractors, municipal clients, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.
- Prepared IEPA SWPPP reports and IDOT documentation, including quantities, pay estimates, and compliance reporting.
- Ensured quality control, environmental compliance, and adherence to contract specifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Southern New Hampshire University
05.2027
Associate of Applied Science - Water Environmental Technologies
Kirkwood Community College
05-2025
Skills
- Environmental compliance
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Equipment maintenance
- Regulatory reporting
- Team collaboration
- Safety management
- Process optimization
- Technical documentation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
Certification
- Illinois Class 1 Wastewater Operator License
- Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)
- Certified Public Works Inspector (CPWI)
- Documentation of Contract Quantities
- CPR / First Aid
Leadership And Professional Service
- Water Leadership Institute (WLI), Selected Fellow, 2025
- Water Leadership Institute (WLI), Steering Committee Member, 2026
- National MS4 Awards Program, Application Reviewer & Judge, 2025
- Riverside Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Planning Committee Member 2025-Present
- Local Political Campaign, Campaign Treasurer, 2016-2020
- Riverside Medical Center, Young Professional Board Member, 2014-2017
Timeline
Operations Manager
Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency
01.2024 - Current
Operations & Maintenance Specialist
Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency
01.2022 - 01.2024
Resident Engineer Representative
Robinson Engineering
01.2012 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Applied Science - Water Environmental Technologies
Kirkwood Community College