Lead Wastewater Operator

Applied Water Managemen • New York, NY

4d • $35 - $50 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Operator supports the Regional Operations Supervisor in overseeing daily operational activities. Key responsibilities include providing administrative assistance, contributing to required reporting, and offering on-site guidance to operations staff. The role also involves work order entry, execution, and follow-up, as well as providing feedback on treatment plant performance and employee development. Reporting directly to the Regional Operations Supervisor, the Lead Operator plays a vital role in succession planning for the team and assumes supervisory responsibilities in the supervisor’s absence.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel between assigned facilities
• Valid New York State wastewater operator licenses appropriate for assigned facilities (Grade 2A or higher preferred)
• Minimum of 2–6 years of progressive wastewater treatment operations experience
• Strong working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, laboratory testing, safety practices, and SPDES compliance
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies and inspectors
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Familiar with LogCheck or similar electronic work order and reporting systems
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply permits, SOPs, safety plans, and technical documentation

Nice To Haves

• Grade 2A or higher wastewater operator license preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and on-the-job training to Operators, Operators-in-Training, and Lead Operators
• Support onboarding and development of operations staff
• Reinforce operational standards, accountability, and best practices
• Provide input to management on staff performance, training needs, and operational readiness
• Promote a strong culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations and SPDES permit requirements
• Support and participate in regulatory inspections, audits, and agency interactions
• Assist with preparation, review, and submission of Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and DMR reporting
• Maintain accurate and complete operational, maintenance, and compliance records
• Ensure adherence to site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including client-provided SOP manuals
• Lead process control testing and operational adjustments based on laboratory results and operational data
• Utilize laboratory testing to maintain and improve treatment performance
• Support the development, refinement, and implementation of SOPs to improve consistency, efficiency, and reliability
• Assist with diagnostics, troubleshooting, and stabilization of underperforming or transitioning facilities
• Enforce compliance with all NSU and site-specific health and safety programs
• Follow and support implementation of site-specific Written Safety Plans and client Health and Safety Manuals
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and incident investigations as required
• Comply with site-specific Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans maintained by facility owners and follow all established spill prevention and response procedures
• Promote a safety-first culture across all operations staff
• Serve as a key operational point of contact with client representatives at assigned facilities
• Communicate operational risks, performance issues, and improvement opportunities to management
• Represent NSU professionally during inspections, audits, and client interactions
• Support operational transitions, coverage, and startup activities across multiple facilities as needed
• Ensure all equipment, processes, and systems are well maintained and functioning properly
• Perform and oversee cleanup and housekeeping tasks for work areas, tools, equipment, facilities, and grounds
• Operate treatment equipment and processes manually and through instrumentation and control panels
• Safely and proficiently operate various hand and power tools required for wastewater treatment operations
• Participate in on-call rotations and work weekends and holidays as operationally required
• Respond to emergencies and work extended hours as necessary to support operational continuity
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mentorship program
• Work with a motivated team

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED