Water Treatment Plant Operator

Veolia•Toms River, NJ

About The Position

The Water Treatment Plant Operator operates, services, and cares for specialized equipment and processes at water treatment facilities, including pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, control equipment, and monitoring equipment. The operator performs start-up, shutdown, routine checks, testing, calibration, and preventative and corrective maintenance to maintain treatment processes and produce safe potable water in compliance with applicable New Jersey Administrative Codes, laws, standards, and permit requirements. The role includes monitoring and adjusting equipment and processes based on laboratory and field test results; maintaining accurate operating logs and other records; responding to abnormalities; and assisting with equipment repairs, chemical inventory, and the preventative maintenance system. The operator may train other employees and communicate with colleagues, supervisors, regulators, contractors, municipal officials, customers, and the public. The work may involve adverse conditions, overtime, and evening, night, weekend, holiday, or standby shifts.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection T-2 License, or ability to obtain it within one year.
Technical knowledge and hands-on experience operating advanced water treatment plant facilities.
Knowledge of water treatment plant operating characteristics and maintenance requirements, and of hydraulic, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
Ability to conduct water quality testing and use and maintain water quality instrumentation.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment and control-system malfunctions, detect mechanical equipment flaws, and determine remedial measures.
Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, layouts, wiring diagrams, logic drawings, P&IDs, plans, maps, technical manuals, and specifications.
Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, applications, and other electronic devices used in plant operations.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and communicate in English orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare operating procedures, work requests, reports, and other documentation.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work with minimal supervision or alone, and maintain productivity.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to work in adverse conditions and perform overtime; may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, or standby shifts.
Ability to learn and become certified in CPR and first aid.
Ability to climb in and out of vehicles; use large and small hand tools; bend, squat, kneel, twist, push, and pull; and lift and carry objects, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Operate, start up, shut down, and perform periodic checks of water treatment processes, components, and equipment.
Operate and adjust pumps, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, control systems, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators.
Perform daily operational procedures, laboratory and field analyses, routine calibrations, and maintenance to maintain optimal treatment processes.
Monitor charts, gauges, and other operating equipment manually and electronically, including through SCADA.
Inspect mechanical equipment and perform lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs.
Troubleshoot and repair water treatment equipment and chemical feed systems, and take corrective action in response to abnormalities.
Maintain accurate shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, reports, and other administrative documents.
Assist with ordering, delivery, and inventory of chemicals, laboratory reagents, materials, and supplies; load and unload treatment chemicals.
Assist in developing, using, and improving operating and maintenance procedures and the preventative maintenance CMMS system.
Conduct safety inspections and follow established safety rules, SOPs, and job safety standards.
Train other employees in facility operation and maintenance, including repairs, laboratory work, and safety, as required.
Perform housekeeping, light building repairs, and other duties necessary for facility operation.