Steven D. Whidden

Currently performing the functions listed in the job description for this position as well as additional duties including those of Regional Water Plant Operator Supervisor.

• Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication among staff members and encouraging collaboration across disciplines.
• Served as a mentor and resource for newer staff members, providing guidance and support to enhance their professional growth and development.
• Participated in continuous professional development opportunities, staying current on industry trends and best practices in order to maintain high standards of public safety and process control within the facility.
• Key team member directing design, construction and startup of over 15 individual water treatment facilities.
• Mentored over 30 subordinates helping them develop professional KPIs and obtain advanced certifications.
• Established clear expectations for staff performance, providing feedback and guidance as needed to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.
• Promoted a culture of excellence within the organization by modeling best practices for ethical behavior, professionalism, and treatment competence.

Responsible for supervising water treatment operators, route assignments, on-call scheduling, overseeing completion of MORs (monthly operating reports), supervising writing SOPs, ensuring a high level of water quality, coordinating water quality sampling and lab testing, ensuring proper operation of water treatment equipment, supervising the ordering, handling and dosing of hazardous chemicals and controlling plant functions using SCADA/ HMI computer controls.

• Operated SCADA systems proficiently for remote monitoring and control of various plant functions and equipment statuses.
• Participated in emergency response drills to prepare for potential situations requiring immediate action or intervention at the facility.
• Coordinated with laboratory staff to conduct specialized testing when needed for unusual water conditions or regulatory requirements.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operation of the water treatment plant during scheduled shifts.

Responsible for supervising operators, operator shift scheduling, completing Monthly Operating Report (MOR), writing SOPs, water quality monitoring, water sampling and lab testing, and ensuring proper operation of the water treatment equipment; ordering, handling and dosing hazardous chemicals and controlling plant functions using SCADA/ HMI computer controls. Was part of the Engineering and Construction team which built this plant.

• Fostered a positive work environment, promoting open communication among team members to address concerns or suggestions for improvement.
• Assigned tasks to team members based upon individual strengths and experience, realizing productivity and workflow improvements.
• Key team member in construction and startup of the 66 million gallon per day water treatment facilities.

Responsible for water quality monitoring, water sampling, and ensuring proper operation of water treatment equipment at various water treatment facilities. Was responsible for equipment maintenance. Served as on-call water operator responding to emergency after hours calls.

• Maintained accurate records of plant operations, including daily logs, maintenance reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Adhered to DEP and DOH regulations.

Served as plant operations and maintenance technician. Responsibilities included water/wastewater quality monitoring, sampling, and ensuring proper operation of water/wastewater treatment plant equipment.

• Activated pumps, valves and processing equipment to move water through treatment processes and added chemicals.
• Managed chemical inventory levels, liaising with suppliers to maintain adequate stock for uninterrupted plant operations.

Served aboard USS Wainwright CG-28 and USS Ortolan ASR-22. Served as a technician for Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) offering sonar equipment maintenance support.

• Analyzed multiple data inputs across active and passive acoustic, Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT) and tactical oceanographic.
• Enhanced situational awareness for crew members by providing timely updates on relevant underwater activity detected via sonars.