Pretreatment Coordinator

City of Gastonia • Gastonia, NC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Gastonia is seeking a Pretreatment Coordinator to perform complex technical work supporting the City’s Pretreatment Program and regulating industrial discharges into the wastewater collection and treatment system. We welcome candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds who possess a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related scientific field and are interested in applying their knowledge to protect the community and environment. The position implements and communicates pretreatment requirements, evaluates the potential effects of pollutants on wastewater treatment operations, and works with industrial customers on regulatory compliance. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for explaining technical and regulatory requirements. Experience in industrial wastewater pretreatment, laboratory operations, or wastewater treatment is beneficial. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Pretreatment Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related field and minimal of five years of experience as a chemist in an industrial or municipal laboratory Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Thorough knowledge of analytical principles and techniques of chemistry and microbiology as applied in modern municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes
• Thorough knowledge of the use and care of laboratory instrumentation and automatic flow measurement and sampling equipment
• Thorough knowledge of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to pretreatment
• Thorough knowledge of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to municipal and industrial wastewater, residuals, and hazardous materials
• Thorough knowledge of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes, as well as knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in plant operation and industrial work sites
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to interpret laboratory analysis results; ability to perform complex mathematical calculations, keep neat accurate records, and write concise, clear business letters and technical reports
• Thorough knowledge of GIS and related computer systems; ability to interact professionally with coworkers, employees, industry representatives, State and Federal agencies, and the general public
• Ability to present a positive image as the City's representative; ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Must possess a valid appropriate driver's license with acceptable driving history.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in industrial wastewater pretreatment, laboratory operations, or wastewater treatment is beneficial.
• Experience in regulating industrial pretreatment dischargers and Pretreatment Program Specialist certification preferred.
• Possession of Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade II certification within 3 years of hire.
• NIMS 700 certification within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Enforces the City of Gastonia Sewer Use and Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance.
• Conducts sampling and maintains current Industrial Waste Surveys, Long Term Monitoring Plan, Headworks Analysis, and Industrial User Allocation Tables and Industrial User Permits; maintains an industrial monitoring program.
• Maintains positive working relationship with State and Federal Agencies; maintains surcharge monitoring program for high strength wastewater.
• Investigates causes of NPDES noncompliance and spills to the City system or receiving streams; investigates complaints, collects samples and performs analyses of surface waters.
• Trains City personnel and industrial contacts in correct sampling, preservation, and testing techniques; keeps abreast of current pretreatment regulations through participation in professional organizations.
• Coordinates activities with City laboratory, operations staff, other City staff, and outside consultants, laboratories, and industry representatives.
• Prepares and presents thorough and accurate technical reports for required activities and as assigned.
• Maintains a safe work area.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level