Lead Operator

Veolia•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, may lead the work of others, and serves as the Primary Operator responsible for state reporting and compliance. The role monitors and controls treatment processes, conducts sampling and laboratory testing, performs routine and preventive maintenance, and follows operational, safety, environmental, and emergency-response procedures. It also assigns and reviews work, coaches and trains other personnel, collaborates with plant staff and equipment suppliers, and may recommend process improvements.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent, with the ability to read, write, and comprehend English-language 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 mathematical equations.
Proficiency in the care and use of site-specific required personal protective equipment, including respirators, gas detectors, and confined-space equipment.
Ability to operate facility equipment and meet or exceed processing and quality targets under general supervision.
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 duty 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 certificate or Grade 6C wastewater treatment 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.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain treatment equipment, including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed systems, odor-control equipment, and filters.
Monitor control panels, meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures, and related controls; adjust valves and gates to regulate flow.
Record operating conditions, observations, and data in the area shift log and ensure conformance with process specifications.
Troubleshoot and diagnose operational problems, take corrective action within procedures, and report suspected malfunctions and variances to a supervisor.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance, lubrication, minor adjustments, and other assigned maintenance work.
Conduct field tests and laboratory tests applicable to permit testing; use results to adjust chemical dosages or treatment processes.
Collect wastewater, sludge, and gas samples according to schedule; prepare chemical solutions and service automatic samplers.
Monitor chemical supplies and recommend reordering.
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 operations, including a Skid Steer Loader and Yard Mule to move trailers.
Maintain good housekeeping and dispose of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
Assign, monitor, and review the accuracy of work; model and teach compliance with work practices, policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Train, coach, or orient less experienced maintenance personnel and operators as needed.
Coordinate with plant operators, other personnel, and equipment suppliers to address operational issues and obtain equipment instructions.
Suggest process improvements and adapt procedures, techniques, tools, materials, or equipment to meet special needs.
Assist in other plant areas as needed and serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call duty if required by the site.