Assistant Chief Operator - Wastewater

Veolia Environnement SA•Chatham, MA
•$39 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Chief Wastewater Operator serves as a lead for wastewater treatment plant and collection system operations and maintenance. Working with the Chief Wastewater Operator, the assistant performs complex operational functions, helps ensure regulatory compliance, trains new operators, and supports smooth facility operations. The position participates in an on-call rotation to provide coverage outside regular eight-hour shifts, including weekends, holidays, and other off-hours. The role spends 100% of its time in an operations environment, including work outdoors in inclement weather and driving a company vehicle. Potential hazards include fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, biological hazards, loud noises, and electrical equipment. The job requires extensive walking and standing, occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, and activities such as climbing and entering confined spaces. The position pays $39.00 to $41.00 per hour. Veolia offers paid time off, health, dental, vision and life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering, and participation in an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.

Requirements

  • High school education or GED.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally regarding operational, process, safety, and quality instructions.
  • At least one year of experience in an operations environment.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
  • Ability to identify, diagnose, and correct complex process and mechanical problems within policy and procedure limitations.
  • Ability to interpret trends, data, and operator feedback to identify changes in the operations environment.
  • Ability to operate equipment such as water, sludge, and chemical pumps; engines; motors; generators; valves and gates; mixers; blowers; belt presses; and laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to use a computer and learn related programs and applications for data entry and process control.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and readily assume additional or new responsibilities.
  • Proficiency in the care and use of site-specific required personal protective equipment, including gas detectors, confined-space equipment, gloves, and glasses.
  • Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
  • Massachusetts Wastewater Grade 5 certification.
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements, including walking up to five miles per shift, using ladders or stairs, entering confined spaces, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, occasionally more with team assistance or lifting equipment.
  • Required vision abilities include close, distance, and color vision and the ability to adjust focus; close visual observation is needed to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.

Nice To Haves

  • Associate's or bachelor's degree in a science or technical area.
  • Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of the facility's wastewater technology.
  • Prior supervisory experience.
  • Massachusetts Wastewater Grade 6 or Grade 7 certification.
  • CDL Class B with Tanker Endorsement.
  • Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer 2A/1B certification.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure conformance to process specifications; troubleshoot operational problems and take corrective action according to procedures.
  • Verify and report suspected malfunctions and variances to the Chief Wastewater Operator.
  • Interpret chemical, physical, and biological field and laboratory tests and adjust process setpoints to support permit compliance.
  • Assist with laboratory testing and keep testing on schedule.
  • Monitor process supplies and tools and recommend reordering or replacement.
  • Perform routine and preventative maintenance and other assigned maintenance work.
  • Frequently lead preventative maintenance activities and assist with work-order scheduling, tracking, and recordkeeping.
  • Assign, monitor, and review work for accuracy while also performing many of the same duties as the team; the role has no authority over personnel actions.
  • Participate in the on-call rotation for weekend, holiday, and off-hours coverage and assist with scheduling changes to the rotation.
  • Model and teach compliance with standard operating procedures, Town ordinances, and Veolia policies and procedures.
  • Assist with orienting and training new and less experienced operators and interns.
  • Recommend or adapt procedures, techniques, tools, materials, or equipment to meet special needs and suggest process improvements.
  • Contact equipment suppliers and manufacturers to obtain operations and maintenance instructions.
  • Inspect sewer connections in accordance with Town ordinances.
  • In the Chief's absence, attend meetings, serve as the Town point of contact, and create a work plan.
  • Assist in other areas of the plant as needed.
  • Respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours to accommodate site needs.
  • Attend approved classes or events as required to uphold licensure.

Benefits

  • Paid time off policies
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Savings accounts
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid volunteering
  • Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan
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