Plant Operator I

Liquid Brand•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Liquid Environmental Services is seeking an active and motivated Plant Operator for its liquid plant operations processing facility. This full-time position involves treating wastewater, determining water quality, and releasing treated water to city publicly owned treatment works (POTW). The role requires a hands-on understanding of plant operations, including monitoring and operating treatment processes and equipment, managing wastewater flow, tank levels, chemical treatment, pH control, solids and grease separation, pumps, and performing basic preventative maintenance. Operators are expected to monitor plant conditions, recognize abnormal situations, maintain accurate records, and communicate issues requiring corrective action. Some overtime is expected.

Requirements

Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn the operation of pumps, valves, piping, tanks, mixers, and wastewater treatment equipment.
Ability to understand and follow wastewater treatment procedures, operating parameters, and written work instructions.
Ability to learn basic wastewater treatment concepts, including pH adjustment, chemical treatment, solids separation, and fats, oils, and grease removal.
Ability to read gauges, meters, tank level indicators, and other plant instrumentation.
Ability to recognize abnormal equipment or process conditions and communicate concerns promptly.
Ability to accurately record operating data and complete required plant documentation.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations associated with plant operations and chemical treatment.
Ability to safely handle treatment chemicals and wastewater materials after appropriate training.
Ability to follow environmental, safety, and facility compliance requirements.
Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with supervisors and team members.
Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and operational problems.
Ability and willingness to be cross trained in other plant functions as needed.
Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, water treatment, manufacturing, chemical processing, industrial plant operations, or a similar mechanical/process environment.
Previous experience operating or maintaining pumps, tanks, valves, piping, mixers, or other industrial process equipment.
Wastewater treatment or pretreatment experience is preferred but not required for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn treatment processes.
Forklift, skid steer, or other industrial equipment experience.
Basic preventative maintenance or mechanical troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor industrial wastewater pretreatment processes and associated equipment.
Monitor wastewater flow, tank levels, available storage capacity, and treatment progress to maintain efficient plant operation and adequate capacity for incoming material.
Prepare, mix, and add treatment chemicals according to established procedures and process requirements.
Monitor and adjust treatment conditions, including pH and chemical dosage, within established operating parameters.
Operate pumps, mixers, tanks, screening/separation equipment, DAF systems, and other wastewater treatment equipment as applicable to the facility.
Monitor equipment and process conditions for abnormal operation, including leaks, blockages, unusual pressures, changes in flow, excessive solids or grease, and other process concerns.
Collect wastewater samples and perform or assist with basic process testing and monitoring, including pH and other required operational or compliance parameters.
Understand the basic purpose and importance of wastewater characteristics such as pH, BOD, COD, TSS, and fats, oils, and grease (FOG).
Record plant operating data, including tank levels, wastewater volumes, treatment information, chemical usage, equipment readings, and other required operational information.
Maintain adequate treatment and storage capacity to support incoming wastewater and scheduled plant operations.
Assist with wastewater receiving, transfer, treatment, and disposal activities as required.
Inspect pumps, piping, valves, tanks, mixers, and other process equipment for proper operation.
Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on plant equipment within the employee's training and capabilities.
Identify equipment problems and promptly communicate maintenance or operational needs to plant management.
Clean tanks, processing equipment, work areas, containment areas, and other plant areas as required.
Operate forklifts, skid steers, and other facility equipment after receiving required training and authorization.
Follow established procedures for spill prevention, containment, cleanup, and reporting.
Follow facility wastewater discharge requirements, operating procedures, environmental requirements, and applicable safety regulations.
Properly use required PPE and follow procedures for the safe handling and storage of treatment chemicals and wastewater materials.
Maintain good housekeeping standards throughout the facility.
Communicate plant conditions, equipment issues, treatment concerns, and unusual wastewater characteristics to management.
Assist with other plant operations and cross-train in additional responsibilities as needed.