From Lab Manager to Leader: Jacob Miller Steps into Superintendent Role at Bethel Park Wastewater Treatment Plant
Meet Jake Miller!
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Jacob Miller has officially stepped into the role of Superintendent at the Bethel Park Wastewater Treatment Plant—a position he’s prepared for since 2006 when he first began work there.
“I came to my initial position at the plant from a smaller facility where I was a lab tech and operator,” he recalls. “The role at Bethel Park was a more advanced position, and at the time, Pennsylvania was just launching its lab accreditation program. I got our lab accredited right away.”
His early work focused on water testing, compliance with NPDES permits, and the microscopic world of “bugs”—the beneficial organisms that help treat wastewater. “It’s all about calculations, biology, and making sure what goes back into the stream from our Treatment Plant supports the environment,” Miller said. “We don’t sterilize the water—it still contains nutrients and organisms that are vital to Piney Fork and Peters Creek.”
“Jake is a true asset to the Bethel Park Community,” said Bethel Park Manager Kristen Denne. “He has dedicated most of his adult career to working diligently behind the scenes, leveraging his expertise to ensure that everything Bethel Park contributes to our local streams is environmentally friendly. It is an honor to elevate such a committed staff member to a leadership position.”
Now, as Superintendent, Miller is leading a team of nine employees—most with 25+ years of experience. “I’ve worked here 19.5 years, and I think the team is behind me. They all congratulated me, and I’m grateful for that support.”
The Bethel Park Wastewater Treatment Plant treats an average of 4.92 million gallons of water daily, using gravity-based systems, biological tanks, UV disinfection, and digesters to remove solids. “It’s a well-run plant,” he said. “The previous Superintendent did a great job before me. I’m not planning to make major changes right away, but I’m interested in exploring new testing methods and technologies—AI is a hot topic right now.”
Outside of work, Miller is a devoted husband to Amber and a proud father of two daughters, ages 10 and 8. He’s also an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt, fish and hike. “Growing up, I couldn’t speak correctly and had therapy to help me. I started college in speech therapy, but after a year, I switched to environmental studies because that’s where my heart was,” he said.
He credits his grandmother Barbara, who’s 98 now, for finding his first internship at the Cranberry Wastewater Treatment Plant that launched his career in the industry. “Our running joke is that I still owe her payback!” he said.
From Cranberry, he went on to be a geographical researcher for Flood Zone Determination Services and next a laboratory technician/plant operator for the Chippewa Township Sanitary Authority before coming to the Bethel Park Plant.
Miller’s passion for environmental stewardship runs deep. “I really love the environment and doing my best to preserve it. This plant gives me that opportunity. I’m excited about my new position, and the exciting challenges ahead such as new testing methods, permits, and learning more about emerging contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), and the evolving science of water treatment.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Licensed Wastewater Plant Operator, Class B, subclass 1 and 2 as well as a Registered Laboratory Manager.
Congratulations to Jacob Miller on this well-earned promotion. Bethel Park is lucky to have a leader who blends technical expertise, environmental passion, and a deep respect for the community he serves.
