Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

North Texas Municipal Water District•Mesquite, TX

36d•$31 - $45

About The Position

Under the direction of the Wastewater Plant Supervisor, the Lead Wastewater Plant Operator performs, plans, organizes, and supervises the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of wastewater facilities and associated systems, including headworks, liquids treatment, solids handling, odor control, structures, SCADA, and lift stations. The position performs and/or supervises varied work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards, and supports efficient and effective facility operations. The role involves leading and evaluating staff, monitoring treatment processes, reviewing operational records, coordinating maintenance and emergency responses, and communicating with stakeholders. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in wastewater conveyance and treatment environments, with exposure to physical, chemical, biological, and weather-related hazards. The position may require irregular schedules and overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of experience in wastewater treatment, or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience as determined by NTMWD.
Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Class B Wastewater Treatment Operator's License.
Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment and processes, perform wastewater tests, and interpret results.
Ability to supervise personnel.
Effective written and verbal communication with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to drive a District vehicle for business and maintain a current, valid, vehicle-appropriate driver’s license.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including sitting, frequent standing and walking, lifting up to 75 pounds, carrying, bending, reaching, keyboarding, telephone operation, and manual dexterity.
Ability to work with chemicals, tools, machinery, and moving mechanical parts, and to wear and work using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to perceive colors or shades of colors, sounds, odors, depth, and visual cues or signals.
Visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle, including while towing portable equipment, equipment, hand tools, and a computer.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or trade certification.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and adjust facility operations by observing processes, collecting and testing samples, reading instrumentation, and using SCADA.
Train, lead, mentor, and evaluate staff, model positive conduct, and encourage an environment of integrity, trust, respect, unity, safety, and teamwork.
Review written and electronic logs and records for accuracy and completeness and use them to improve operational function and efficiency.
Assist with preparing work schedules and monthly, annual, and special reports on treatment facility management, operation, and maintenance.
Create service requests for needed repairs; coordinate with maintenance personnel; and plan, perform, and implement maintenance procedures for facility assets.
Observe safety policies and guidelines, ensure safe work practices, and encourage workplace safety improvements.
Monitor facility security and alert law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors about breaches as appropriate.
Communicate relevant information during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns; troubleshoot, diagnose, and report problems; respond to emergencies; and coordinate responses, repairs, cleanup, and remediation.
Respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding facilities in a timely and effective manner.
Maintain facility grounds and perform general housekeeping.
Receive shipments, monitor unloading, verify shipment documents, ensure documents reach appropriate personnel, and manage inventory.
Train staff on applicable policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
Assume responsibilities of direct supervisors and subordinates as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.