Drinking Water Treatment Operations/Compliance

Essential Utilities, Inc.•Sharon, PA

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Production Specialist supports the Operations team in managing all aspects of water and wastewater treatment facilities, operations and maintenance of the well and surface water treatment facilities, associated water intakes, water distribution system, and wastewater collection systems. Responsible for assisting the production and treatment department in sampling, analysis and operations in order to assure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and other various compliance requirements. Frequent travel required due to responsibilities for Aqua facilities throughout Western and Central PA. However, the incumbent may be asked to conduct work in other regions of PA as needed.

Requirements

B.S. Degree required, preferably in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or Biology.
Prior experience in water and wastewater strongly preferred.
Must take examinations and obtain Pennsylvania Class A Water and Class B Wastewater licenses including all relevant subclasses within a reasonable time frame.
A valid U.S. Driver’s license

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of surface water, groundwater, and wastewater treatment and facilities required.
Leadership acumen preferred with the technical and managerial ability to assume a supervisory and/or managerial role.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills including technical writing, listening, communicating expectations and providing all relevant information and feedback in an organized and timely manner.
Good computer skills including MS Office, with ability to learn SAP, LIMS, WIMS and other relevant software programs.
Strong organization, verbal, and written communication skills.
A team player able to work safely and effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment.

Responsibilities

Works in the field with Compliance, Laboratory, Operations, and Engineering departments, as needed, to produce high-quality drinking water and wastewater effluent at the lowest cost and to solve treatment plant-related problems.
Learns and manages the SCADA Network and other computer monitoring systems to review treatment and water quality at all assigned facilities and distribution system locations, monitor alarms, analyze computer generated data and respond effectively and in a timely fashion. Coordinates response with Supervisors, Facility Operators, and other personnel as needed. Compiles data, completes reports and analysis and maintains records for compliance reporting purposes.
Assists in overseeing water and wastewater treatment so that all facilities meet process targets, regulatory limits, and are optimized regarding chemical usage, water quality, and industry best practices. Assumes the duties of the Field Supervisor and Operations Team Lead positions as needed.
Conducts and/or develops treatment studies, leads special projects, and acts as interdepartmental liaison to facilitate the exchange of physical equipment, information, and technical resources.
Assists with ongoing capital projects, including coordinating projects with various departments and outside contractors, at the facility as directed and assists in long term capital project planning.
Participates in various professional organizations; attends seminars, training courses, and conducts independent research to continuously improve technical competency.
Maintains current on legal and regulatory guidelines and developments. Ensures water and wastewater facilities and operators meet all requirements including but not limited to the following environmental laws and associated regulations: Safe Drinking Water Act, Water and Wastewater Operator’s Certification Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Streams Act.
Responsible for the treatment plants and wells meeting all DEP and SDWA regulatory requirements and NPDES limits including the completion of regulatory reports as needed. Adheres to all Aqua safety and health policies and procedures.
Performs other tasks and projects as assigned.