Wastewater Treatment Operator

About the position

The Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the wastewater facility along with sampling, testing and performing corrective action on treated water. The Wastewater Technician operates waste water treatment facilities to control processing of waste water from production plant; diagnoses operating problems and performs necessary corrective action during shift work; monitors gauges, meters, flow and control panels; maintains shift log (e.g. record meter and gauge readings); performs preventive and routine maintenance functions; manually operates valves as necessary; enters data in company database; and performs custodial duties as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Operate designated treatment plant equipment such as pumps, valves, chemical mixing devices, blowers, samplers, flow instrumentation electronics, process control instrumentation, and an emergency power generator to achieve the required degree of wastewater purification.
• Perform laboratory testing of the wastewater at various stages of the treatment process, such as phosphorous, COD, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, alkalinity, etc.
• Utilize test results to make equipment adjustments and other control methods to achieve maximum efficiency in plant operation at minimum cost.
• Regulate the sludge lagoon basin level to provide room for emergency discharge usage.
• Perform variety of manual tasks including the handling of bagged chemicals, barrels of chemical, pumps, large hoses and parts.
• Manually clean basins, valve vaults, clarifier weirs and walls, and various other structures.
• Report spills from tanks on to the ground and surrounding area to the Sr. Wastewater Technical Leader to determine any responsive actions that may be needed.
• Perform and/or coordinate all needed maintenance work to be done on equipment, including preventative maintenance and responsible to check all pumps, motors, valves, etc., for proper condition and operation.
• Assist Sr. Wastewater Technical Leader with preparation of reports, written communications, summaries, etc. as needed.
• Practice and ensure strict adherence to plant safety procedures and departmental guidelines.

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Three (3) years of experience in operation of wastewater treatment plant or similar type operation
• Ability to take and pass the entry level (D) exam within one (1) year, or applicable time frame as designated by the company
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Moderate computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office products
• Familiarity or ability to learn SAP and Maximo, or similar integrated manufacturing systems
• Action-oriented with assertive follow up abilities
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and/or troubleshooting capability
• Complete preventive maintenance work orders
• Able to interpret data and make necessary decisions.
• Able to perform laboratory testing - including chemical and biological analysis.

Nice-to-haves

• Basic knowledge of utility equipment and processes
• Dairy/food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of government and industrial regulations

Benefits

• $29.07 - $30.36 per hour, depending on experience
• $0.75 Evening Pay Differential for every evening hour worked between 6:00pm-6:00am
• $1.00 Weekend Pay Differential for every hour worked Saturday & Sunday