Lead Operator

Veolia Environnement SA•Westlake, LA

About The Position

Operates and maintains water and wastewater treatment, processing, disposal, and testing equipment to purify water in accordance with permit and operational requirements. The Lead Operator is fully qualified to perform complex functions and may lead the work of others. The role serves as the Primary Operator, with responsibility for state reporting and compliance. The position monitors and adjusts treatment processes and equipment, records operating data, performs field and laboratory tests, collects samples, calibrates instruments, prepares chemical solutions, and monitors chemical supplies. It also involves troubleshooting process and equipment problems, conducting routine and preventive maintenance, operating vehicles and specified equipment, and performing manual work and housekeeping. The Lead Operator assigns and reviews work, models and teaches compliance, and may train or orient other operators. The employee must follow operational, process-control, safety, environmental, and emergency-response procedures and may recommend process improvements.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent, with the ability to read, write, and comprehend English operational, process, safety, and quality instructions.
Over five years of experience in a related position and environment, with knowledge of water and wastewater treatment methods, techniques, and practices.
Ability to perform basic math equations.
Ability to use all site-specific required personal protective equipment, including respirators, gas detectors, and confined-space equipment.
Ability to operate facility equipment to meet or exceed processing and quality targets under general supervision.
Ability to efficiently operate facility equipment, potentially including pumps, engines, centrifuges, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical-feed and odor-control equipment, disinfection equipment, sludge-processing filters, belt presses, measuring and control devices, testing equipment, and material-handling equipment.
Ability to diagnose process problems, troubleshoot equipment, and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
Working ability to use computer programs for process control.
Ability to work in a team environment and readily assume additional or new responsibilities.
Ability to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by the site.
Ability to operate a Skid Steer Loader and a Yard Mule to move trailers.
Typically holds at least a Grade 3T water certification and/or wastewater treatment Grade 6C certificate; must hold the minimum water/wastewater license required by regulatory agencies at the site.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
TWIC Card.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a science or technical area is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment, processing, disposal, and testing equipment.
Tend treatment machinery and related equipment, including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical-feed and odor-control equipment, and vacuum filters.
Monitor control panels, flow meters, gauges, pressures, flow ratios, and related controls; adjust valves and gates to regulate flow.
Record operating conditions, observations, and data in the area shift log.
Ensure conformance to process specifications; troubleshoot and diagnose operational problems, take corrective action according to procedure, and report suspected malfunctions or variances to the supervisor.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance, lubrication, minor adjustments, and other assigned maintenance tasks.
Perform chemical, physical, and biological field tests to pace chemical dosages or alter unit processes.
Collect wastewater, sludge, and gas samples according to schedule.
Prepare chemical solutions, service automatic samplers, and monitor chemical supplies and recommend reordering.
Perform laboratory tests for permit testing and related reports according to procedure.
Calibrate portable instruments, including dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, and lower explosive limit meters.
Perform manual labor, including filling and emptying machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities, and grounds.
Operate vehicles for plant operational purposes; operate a Skid Steer Loader and Yard Mule to move trailers.
Practice good housekeeping and dispose of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
Assign, monitor, and review the accuracy of work, while performing many of the same duties as the group; the role has no authority for personnel actions.
Model and teach compliance with work practices, policies, and procedures.
Follow operational, process-control, safety, and emergency-response procedures and adhere to specifications and production schedules.
Recommend or adapt procedures, techniques, tools, materials, or equipment to meet special needs and suggest process improvements.
Communicate with plant operators and other personnel to understand issues, and with equipment suppliers to obtain operating and maintenance instructions.
Train, coach, orient, or assist less-experienced maintenance personnel and operators as needed.
Assist in other areas of the plant as needed.
Serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by the site.