Operations Technician I

City of Alexandria VA Sanitation Authority•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

AlexRenew is one of the most advanced wastewater utilities in the United States, serving over 300,000 customers in Alexandria, VA, and parts of Fairfax County. Each year, our facility processes and treats approximately 13 billion gallons of wastewater received from area homes, schools, and businesses to protect public health and the environment. If you are interested in working for a leader in the wastewater industry, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Wastewater Operations Technician I position. What we do and how we do it is driven by our five Goals: Operational Excellence: Taking proactive steps to meet current and future challenges. Thriving Workforce: Investing in our staff and fostering a culture of belonging. Strategic Partnerships: Promoting watershed-level thinking. Environmental Sustainability: Being good stewards of our resources to minimize our impact. Commitment to the Community: Strengthening connections with the public and providing affordable service. Summary: Operations Technician I are learning to become critical infrastructure professionals who provide an essential environmental service to the AlexRenew community 24/7, 365. As part of the Operations Team, they gain on-the-job experience supported by in-depth training to become experts in the operations of the AlexRenew Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). OITs are responsible for performing all routine operational tasks under the direct supervision of Senior Operations Technician or Supervisor in compliance with all regulatory requirements, safety standards, and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) equivalent required.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license required.
Basic understanding of industrial equipment to include process control, pumps, motors, ultra violet reactors, mixers, blowers, chemical feed and storage system and solids dewatering equipment.
Demonstrated compliance with AlexRenew’s safety and security policies, including lockout tagout, confined space, electrical safety and hazard communication.
Ability to read and interpret process trends to identify process abnormalities and make process change recommendations to Operations Technician and/or Shift Leader.
Ability to effectively communicate with management and co-workers.
Ability to apply wastewater treatment math concepts to shift responsibilities.
Ability to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions as a member of a team.
Ability to follow oral instructions promptly and accurately.
Ability to work as an effective team member.
Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures and equipment Operations & Maintenance Manuals.
Ability to use computer software programs.

Nice To Haves

Two years wastewater industry experience as AlexRenew Wastewater Systems Apprentice or equivalent wastewater plant operations experience preferred.
Active Virginia Wastewater Works Operator license Class 3 or 4; or other state wastewater licensure or ability to obtain Virginia licensure within one year of employment desired. A combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of a Senior Operations Technician or Supervisor, perform rounds to monitor and operate all liquid and solids processes within required standards of performance.
Under minimal supervision, perform routine operations and preventative maintenance activities in support of efficient operations; examples include raking screenings cans, pigging of heat exchangers, changing parts or supplies, offloading deliveries, and preparing solids or screenings for loading and pickup.
Collect representative samples and conduct basic field analyses using standard methods.
Monitor WRRF performance data and trends using SCADA, Operator 10, and other instruments, notify OTs or Supervisors of abnormal conditions.
Record accurate operational data using standard forms and procedures.
Perform basic troubleshooting of plant equipment. In consultation with Senior OT or Supervisor, provide recommendations for improvements and implement corrective actions.
Perform required plant housekeeping and maintain clean work areas to ensure proper operations.
Provide on-the-job training to Wastewater Systems Apprentices, as assigned.
Satisfactorily complete ongoing professional development on all aspects of WRRF operations.
Actively promote safe behaviors and health awareness at all times in the execution of daily tasks.
Perform general housekeeping duties around facilities.
Participate in communications training programs. Shares information as requested about position and tasks with communications team. As requested, participates in various outreach activities, such as career panels and guided tours.
Understands and weaves our organizational sustainability objectives into daily work and decision making.
Actively promotes safe behaviors and health awareness at all times in the execution of daily tasks.
Perform other duties as required.