- Independently operates water / wastewater treatment equipment (screening equipment, lift stations, equalization tanks, chemical pumps, DAF, clarifiers, filters, anaerobic digesters, aerobic basins, ultrafilters, reverse osmosis, pumps, valves, blowers, and other water / wastewater equipment) to meet quality, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor, interpret, and respond to SCADA/HMI data, gauges, meters, and lab results; diagnose abnormal conditions and make advanced process adjustments to optimize performance and maintain compliance.
- Start, stop, and adjust pumps, motors, blowers, chemical feed systems, valves, and gates to control flows, pressures, levels, and treatment processes across the system.
- Collect and analyze water and wastewater samples; perform and interpret routine and specialized tests (e.g., pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, DO, TSS, BOD/COD as applicable) and make process control decisions based on results.
- Perform and lead skilled preventive and corrective maintenance on treatment and system equipment, including pumps, valves, filters, clarifiers, screens, compressors, and basic instrumentation; coordinate major repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
- Maintain detailed operating logs, electronic records, and reports related to flows, test results, chemical usage, equipment performance, and system events for internal and regulatory purposes.
- Lead or assist in responding to alarms, emergencies, and system upsets (e.g., power failures, main breaks, overflows, storm events), implementing contingency procedures and coordinating with supervisors and field crews.
- Ensure safe handling, storage, and use of treatment chemicals; verify that safety practices and PPE requirements are followed by all personnel in and around treatment facilities.
- Provide day‑to‑day direction, informal supervision, and training for Operator I and II staff, demonstrating proper procedures and safe work practices and reviewing work quality.
- Participate in the development and updating of standard operating procedures, forms, and best practices; recommend and help implement process and reliability improvements.
- May act as designated operator‑in‑charge as allowed by certification and local regulations.
- Any other duties or projects as assigned by management.
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Education and Experience - High school diploma or GED required; additional technical coursework in water/wastewater, environmental science, or industrial technology preferred.
- Typically four to six or more years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater treatment operations, including demonstrated journey level capability.
Licenses and Certifications - Possession of an advanced/journey‑level Water and/or Wastewater Operator certification (for example, Class III or equivalent), as required by state or local regulations.
- Valid driver’s license
- HAZWOPER or similar training is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Advanced knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements, including how plant operations affect water quality and environmental compliance.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform skilled maintenance on pumps, valves, blowers, filters, clarifiers, and related systems.
- Ability to interpret SCADA trends, lab results, and equipment performance indicators and to make independent process control decisions.
- Thorough understanding of safety practices, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, chemical handling, fall protection, and traffic/work zone safety.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, drawings, O&M manuals, and written procedures, and to assist with documentation updates.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead by example, coach junior staff, and work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, engineering, and regulatory personnel.
- Demonstrated reliability, sound judgment, and ability to prioritize and coordinate work in a 24/7 operating environment, including during abnormal and emergency conditions.
Working Conditions - Work performed in water and wastewater treatment plants, pump/lift stations, and field environments, with exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions.
- Regular standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and lifting materials and equipment within established weight limits.
- May be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours call outs.
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