Assistant Chief Operator - Wastewater

Veolia•Chatham, MA

About The Position

The Assistant Chief Wastewater Operator serves as a lead for wastewater treatment plant and collection system operations and maintenance. The role performs complex operational functions and works with the Chief Wastewater Operator to ensure compliance, train new operators, and keep the facility operating smoothly. The position participates in an on-call rotation to provide coverage outside regular eight-hour shifts, including weekends, holidays, and other off-hours. The Assistant Chief Operator supports process control and compliance, maintenance, laboratory testing, supply monitoring, and operator training. In the Chief’s absence, the role attends meetings, serves as the Town’s point of contact, and creates work plans. The position spends all work time in an operations environment, including outdoor work in inclement weather and driving a company vehicle. Potential hazards include fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces, biological hazards, loud noise, and electrical equipment.

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 recognize changes in the operating environment.
Ability to efficiently operate 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 take on 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 attend approved classes or events as required to uphold the license.
Physical ability to stand 25% and walk 75% of the time, including walking as much as five miles per shift; regularly use hands and arms and talk or hear; frequently stoop, kneel, climb, crouch, and enter confined spaces; use ladders or stairs; and lift or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more with team assistance or lifting equipment.
Close, distance, and color vision and ability to adjust focus; close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and in an operations environment with potential exposure to listed hazards.

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 and diagnose operational problems and take corrective action according to procedure.
Verify and report suspected malfunctions and variances to the Chief Wastewater Operator.
Interpret chemical, physical, and biological field and laboratory tests to adjust process setpoints for permit compliance.
Assist with laboratory testing and maintain testing schedules.
Monitor process supplies and tools and recommend reorders or replacements.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance and other assigned maintenance work.
Frequently lead preventive maintenance activities and assist with work order scheduling, tracking, and recordkeeping.
Assign, monitor, and review the accuracy of work performed by other operators; 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 rotation changes.
Model and teach compliance with SOPs, 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; suggest process improvements.
Contact equipment suppliers and manufacturers to obtain operations and maintenance instructions.
Inspect sewer connections in accordance with Town Ordinance.
In the Chief’s absence, attend meetings, serve as the Town’s point of contact, and create work plans.
Assist in other plant areas as needed.
Respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours to accommodate site needs.
Drive a company vehicle to perform duties.