Wastewater Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America•Hermitage, PA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Ensure that the wastewater treatment facility is operating effectively and efficiently in full compliance with the facility’s wastewater permit by conducting required environmental tests, analysis, and observations, and maintaining a positive working relationship with regulatory agencies. Ensure the facility complies with applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations. Provide operation and maintenance supervision and support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in related field (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
2 to 5 years of wastewater related experience with a wastewater system similar to the one onsite
Certification and/or License – Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 12 months, to the extent required by state regulations
Solid knowledge of wastewater treatment systems
General microbiological and chemistry skills
General maintenance skills
Working knowledge using mechanical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, and motors
Knowledge of pneumatics, solenoid valves, and air cylinders
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Able to follow process control computer variables, schematics, and diagnose system problems
Able to perform electrical work (e.g., change pump motors, diagnose motor control problems, etc.)
Able to perform minor projects from planning to installation (e.g., non-sanitary piping, drain lines, vacuum lines)
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position
Able to operate and maintain handheld analytical instruments related to this position (DO, pH, temperature, ammonia, etc.)
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Able to multi-task and organize own work activities
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Experience in light duty electrical power systems and instrumentation calibration and use preferred
Working knowledge of state and federal air emissions regulations preferred
Experience in supervisory or lead operations role preferred

Responsibilities

Supervise wastewater plant operations by ensuring proper adjustment of plant processes; coordinate sampling operations to assure proper balance of treatment steps and meet all local and state permit requirements
Collect wastewater compliance samples for analysis
Ensure proper laboratory testing protocols are followed by operations staff
Read gauges and meters and accurately record findings
Accurately prepare and submit required environmental reporting, permit renewals, inspections, training and corrective actions in a timely manner; interact with state and local regulators as needed regarding regulation changes, on-site regulatory inspections, and permit renewals/modifications
Gather technical data and results for reports to be submitted to regulatory agencies
Maintain standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance schedules for wastewater treatment activities; work with vendors to align with best practices
Lead communication between plant operations and wastewater treatment plant to ensure that operational impacts to wastewater treatment are managed daily
Maintain communications with plant operations staff and identified DFA personnel to understand production conditions, changes, and challenges and ensure effective treatment
Respond to emergency situations at the plant and provide input and guidance on wastewater treatment impacts
Prepare, review, and maintain accurate documentation such as records, logs, orders, surveys and routine reports
Perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling and testing including, but not limited to, COD, BOD, TSS, ammonia, total phosphorus, total residual chlorine, temperature and total dissolved solids; interpret daily results for operational trends and make informed adjustments based on daily data collection
Monitor wastewater data and treatment system for indications treatment is not performing adequately prior to non-compliance events. Troubleshoot and solve treatment issues
Prepare and distribute daily operations reports to identified DFA personnel
Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools
Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant
Request maintenance repair work appropriate system/process and ensure scheduled maintenance is accomplished in a timely fashion
Participate in budget preparation and prepare cost estimates for budget items; monitor expenditures
Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement, implement CI programs including Lean, Kaizen, 5S and DMS
Keep inventory of all waste streams in the facility and implement ways for reducing waste
Follow all DFA GMP’s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required