Stephen Ulceski
Ashland
Summary
Highly experienced wastewater operations professional with over two decades of leadership in municipal water and wastewater management. Proven track record in overseeing wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing operational efficiency. Adept at supervising teams, managing budgets, and implementing process improvements to enhance facility performance. Skilled in regulatory reporting, emergency response, and infrastructure planning. Strong background in grant writing, community engagement, and interdepartmental coordination. Recognized for excellence in wastewater operations and facility management, with a commitment to maintaining environmental and public health standards.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Wastewater Operator
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
01.2013 - Current
- Provide direct supervision and assistance for the general administration, operations and maintenance of seven wastewater treatment plants, 29 lift stations and 400 grinder pumps
- Monitor and maintain compliance with all federal and state regulations
- Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Act in the capacity of Operator in Responsible Charge, overseeing 12, wastewater operators
- Perform operational and maintenance tasks on all facilities
- Analyze operational and lab data and initiate control changes when necessary to comply with permit requirements
- Develop, prepare and organize all reporting requirements including: DMRs, NPDES permit renewals and annual Chapter 94 reports
- Coordinate with maintenance staff and/or contractors to perform required repairs and upgrades.
- Oversee the ordering of parts and supplies necessary to make repairs, with management approval
- Complete chemical inventory and order/coordinate delivery of chemicals and lab supplies necessary for plant operation
- Represent Authority at conferences and trainings related to wastewater operations
- On-call to handle operational and collection system emergencies
Operations Manager
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Provide direct supervision and assistance for the general administration, operations and maintenance of five wastewater treatment plants, six water treatment plants and all related facilities
- Supervise, manage and schedule staff of three Chief Operators and nine certified operators
- Start-up operations and staff training for the newly constructed, 21 million dollar, Deer Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Directly responsible for reporting requirements of all water and wastewater facilities
- Maintain plant operations to achieve full regulatory compliance
- Coordinate with Controller for addition of operation and maintenance items in the annual budget
- Develop and implement safety policies and procedures
- Handle customer inquires and complaints accordingly
- Coordinate with engineers and contractors during construction and/or repairs to plants and related equipment
- Optimize and troubleshoot operations to ensure plants and pump stations are operating in the most efficient and financially responsible manner
- On-call 24/7/365 to handle operational and distribution/collection system emergencies
Wastewater Operator
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
09.2010 - 12.2013
- Monitor and perform all daily wastewater treatment plant operations
- Inspect equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness
- Regulate and adjust motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions
- Monitor and adjust chemical rates as necessary
- Monitor process data and enter into computer system daily
- Collect samples and conduct routine laboratory tests, record results, calibrate laboratory equipment, coordinate solids handling procedures
- Assist in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems, perform preventive maintenance on equipment, and assist with the repair and modification of equipment as needed
Full-Time Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
American Water Services Inc.
03.2008 - 09.2010
- Monitor and perform all daily wastewater treatment plant operations
- Inspect equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness
- Regulate and adjust motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions
- Monitor and adjust chemical rates as necessary
- Monitor process data and enter data into computer system daily
- Collect samples and conduct routine laboratory tests, record results, calibrate laboratory equipment, coordinate solids handling procedures
- Assist in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems, perform preventive maintenance on equipment, and assist with the repair and modification of equipment as needed
Borough Manager
Borough of Ashland
01.2004 - 03.2008
- Serve as Chief Administrative Officer overseeing all powers and duties associated with the administration of Borough business
- Manage and supervise the activities of all municipal departments including Water, Sewer, Sanitation, Recreation, Fire, Streets and other departments as assigned
- Carry out the duties of Borough Secretary, including the recording of minutes
- See that the provisions of all franchises, leases, permits, privileges granted by the Borough are observed
- Act as the Borough Grant Writer and seek funds pertinent to Borough departments and activities
- Act as the Purchasing Officer of the Borough and purchase in accordance with the provisions of the Borough Code
- Issue rules and regulations, subject to the approval of Council, governing the procurement of all municipal supplies and equipment
- Investigate and dispose of all complaints regarding Borough services and report thereon to Council
- Manage agencies and offices of the Borough to achieve goals within available resources
- Act as Project Manager for construction and repair activities ensuring they are properly conducted
- Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations pertaining to all Borough employees
- Maintain community relations with the various non-profit organizations such as Ashland Downtown, Inc., Chamber of Commerce and Council of Government
Part-Time Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
American Water Services Inc.
03.2001 - 03.2008
- Fill in at other water treatment and wastewater plants as needed on weekends, holidays and vacation
- Perform chemical, physical and biological analysis to ensure plant is operating properly
- Maintain database of information collected
- Perform daily duties such as sludge transfer, clarifier maintenance and alkaline addition
- Maintain pumps and blowers to ensure efficient operation
Watershed Specialist
Columbia, Montour and Northumberland County Conservation Districts
04.2001 - 12.2003
- Provide technical assistance to grassroots watershed associations
- Provide project oversight and supervision on projects such as the design and construction of passive treatment systems for acid mine drainage
- Locate, write and administer grants from federal, state and private funding sources
- Use GPS/GIS to store data collected within the watersheds
- Provide assistance in chemical, physical and biological monitoring techniques
- Provide training and education in topics such as monitoring, grant writing or other information to benefit the community
- Conduct public education through oral and written avenues to make the public aware of watershed protection and restoration
- Prioritize watershed groups’ goals and objectives through strategic planning
- Initiate and maintain communication among agencies involved in watershed conservation
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fishery Science, Minor Forest Science
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PASkills
- Operated over 20 water and wastewater plants
- Wastewater operations energy efficiency
- 20 years leadership experience
- Grant writing
- Community education and outreach
Certification
PADEP Licensed Wastewater Operator
A-E, 1,2,3,4
PADEP Licensed Water Operator
A-E 1,2,7,8,11,12
Confined Space Entry and Rescue
Bucks County Community College
Supervisory/Management in the Water/Wastewater Field
Michigan State University
Timeline
Chief Wastewater Operator
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
01.2013 - Current
Operations Manager
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
01.2013 - 12.2013
Wastewater Operator
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
09.2010 - 12.2013
Full-Time Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
American Water Services Inc.
03.2008 - 09.2010
Borough Manager
Borough of Ashland
01.2004 - 03.2008
Watershed Specialist
Columbia, Montour and Northumberland County Conservation Districts
04.2001 - 12.2003
Part-Time Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
American Water Services Inc.
03.2001 - 03.2008
PADEP Licensed Wastewater Operator
A-E, 1,2,3,4
PADEP Licensed Water Operator
A-E 1,2,7,8,11,12
Confined Space Entry and Rescue
Bucks County Community College
Supervisory/Management in the Water/Wastewater Field
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fishery Science, Minor Forest Science
Pennsylvania State University
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