Wastewater Plant Operator I

Veolia • Wyandotte, MI

1d

About The Position

Position Purpose: Operates and maintains wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in wastewater treatment facility to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements. Performs routine operational, maintenance and custodial duties in each of the areas of primary and secondary treatment, sludge thickening, belt filter & centrifuge systems.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Zero to two years of experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment.
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets.
• Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must be able to serve rotational 24 hour emergency on-call if required by site.
• Ability to train and direct other operators in various duties as needed.
• Ability to read meters, gauges, scales, charts, and totalizers and records these readings on appropriate log sheets.
• Typically holds or is working toward a Michigan Class D wastewater treatment certificate.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Incumbent will be required to complete the following training: Employee Orientation Departmental Operating Procedures Safety OSHA Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Michigan Class D Wastewater Certification within six (6) months of hire date or as soon as possible.
• Cross-training if feasible.
• Must become proficient in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.).
• Forklift Certification, if required at site.
• Work toward higher level water treatment certification.
• May perform more advanced functions as part of training and development.

Responsibilities

• Operates plant processes including primary treatment, activated sludge secondary treatment, sludge thickening, gravity thickening & blending, belt filter press & centrifuge systems.
• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and odor control and vacuum filters used to decontaminate waste water by settling, aeration and sludge digestion.
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area.
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log. Ensures conformance to process specifications.
• Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor and takes corrective actions.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
• Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required.
• Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.
• Writes work orders for major repairs and submits to maintenance department.
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
• Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes.
• Samples wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
• Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers.
• Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs routine lab tests.
• Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit.
• Cleans and paints equipment, washes windows, sweeps and mops floors, maintains buildings and grounds throughout the plant.
• Assists in other areas of plant as needed.

Benefits

• Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more.
• In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
• Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees