Lead Operator - Water and Wastewater

Veolia Environnement SA•Middletown, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Account for operation of the wastewater treatment plant processes, laboratory, and biosolids management operations and perform various other assigned operations responsibilities. This role involves providing continuous effective treatment of collected wastewater, managing biosolids processing and distribution, and performing analytical examinations of water, wastewater, and biosolids in compliance with EPA and PADEP regulations. The Lead Operator ensures sufficient liquid biosolids storage capacity, procures necessary materials and supplies, and maintains required records. They also communicate instructions, direct, and review the work of other operators, and implement standard operating procedures for wastewater treatment, laboratory, and biosolids management. Additionally, the role includes accounting for materials, tools, and equipment, performing maintenance and inspections, coordinating operations, and ensuring the scheduling and performance of sample collections. The Lead Operator will also monitor vehicle inventory and condition, complete work orders and daily activity reports, operate heavy equipment, and assist in policy development. Compliance with safety procedures and participation in continuous improvement programs and cross-functional teams are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED is required
Minimum 5 years of experience in operations and maintenance of water or wastewater treatment plants, including 1 year experience in process control operations
Requires the knowledge necessary to understand basic operation, technical, or office processes
Ability to read work orders, city maps, and general correspondence
Ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Ability to write work orders, time sheets, customer contact forms, log books, bench sheets
Ability to troubleshoot, prioritize and make decisions on job site
Ability to utilize technology, computer programs and/or smartphone or tablet apps associated with the company or position (HachWIMS, CMMS, Outlook, Teams, Excel, etc.)
Ability to direct helpers, assistants, or new hires (crews)
Problem Solving (operational, network, plumbing)
Demonstrated ability to choose an appropriate course of action within limits set by standard practices and procedures
Technical knowledge of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Collection System Network
Professional judgment required to apply the proper course of action under various circumstances
Computer applications as they relate to area assigned
English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar
Proven skill in the operation of the wastewater treatment processes
Proven skill in the accurate performance of analytical laboratory procedures
Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers
Must be able to respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours
Hold valid PA DEP Class B Water and Wastewater License
Must hold a Commercial Driver's License
Ability to perform manual labor, climb high structures
Ability to perform lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 lbs
Ability to remain on one’s feet while working for periods as long as 5 hours
Ability to perform work on elevated structures and in confined spaces
Ability to bend, reach, and squat to perform operations and maintenance tasks
Ability to hear and communicate on the telephone, two-way radio, and in person
Ability to view operations and maintenance reports and documents

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of experience repairing and installing water distribution and collection systems preferred
Experience using closed caption television (CCTV) and other sewer inspection equipment
Ability to operate heavy equipment such as front loaders, forklift, skid-steer, dump trucks and Jet-Vac Truck

Responsibilities

Provide continuous effective treatment of collected wastewater, manage biosolids processing and distribution, and provide the analytical examination of water, wastewater, and biosolids in compliance with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulations, and in accordance with standard operating procedures and approved methods
Assure availability of sufficient liquid biosolids storage capacity as to cause no interference or interruption to the wastewater treatment process operations
Secure the procurement of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies as required to accomplish the same
Maintain records as required
Communicate specific instructions to, direct, and review the work of other operators assigned to perform water/wastewater treatment process, laboratory, and biosolids processing/distribution operations
Refer any personnel matters to the Assistant Project Manager or Project Manager
Implement and maintain standard wastewater treatment process control, laboratory, and biosolids management operations procedures
Account for all assigned materials, tools, and equipment
Perform specific maintenance and inspections in accordance with established procedures
Coordinate wastewater treatment process operations with the biosolids and laboratory operations
Coordinate and perform preventive and corrective maintenance and repair of assigned equipment to assure the continuous effective treatment of collected wastewater, and sufficient biosolids processing
Assure the scheduling, analysis, and the performance of sample collections in accordance with EPA and PADEP regulations
Coordinate required performance of analytical examinations with any private laboratories in order to meet established deadlines
Confer on a regular basis as determined by Project Management and as circumstances warrant with other operators and the Utility Operations Supervisor
Monitor vehicle inventory and condition
Provides proper documentation and reports as required
Must be able to work extended hours as needed
Complete work orders and daily activity reports accurately
Operate mobile and heavy equipment such as but not limited to backhoes, dump trucks, utility trucks, jackhammers, Belt Press, air compressors and power-driven equipment
Perform other work activities related to specific job responsibilities listed above
Assist in the development of policies and procedures
Review the work of other operators to assure established procedures are followed
Complies with all organization safety procedures
Participates in continuous improvement programs
Participates on cross-functional teams
Performs other projects / tasks/ duties as assigned