Water Treatment Plant Operator

Veolia Environnement SA•Toms River, NJ

About The Position

Responsible for operating, routinely servicing, and caring for specialized equipment and systems in a water treatment facility, including pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feed systems, treatment processes, controls, and monitoring equipment. The operator conducts daily operating procedures, laboratory and field analyses, calibrations, inspections, and routine maintenance to maintain optimal treatment and produce safe potable water in compliance with applicable New Jersey requirements and permits. The role maintains accurate operational records and reports, makes process and equipment adjustments based on test results and instructions, responds to abnormalities, and assists with water-system and plant repairs. The operator also trains other employees in facility operations, maintenance, laboratory work, repairs, and safety as needed. The position involves operating and checking treatment processes and equipment; monitoring charts, gauges, and SCADA; handling chemicals and supplies; carrying out preventive and corrective maintenance; troubleshooting complex controls and equipment; and completing operational and maintenance documentation. The operator may work independently or with a team, respond to first-response calls, and perform duties in adverse conditions. Work may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, standby shifts, and overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection T-2 License, or ability to obtain it within one year.
Ability to learn and obtain CPR and first-aid certification.
Technical knowledge and hands-on experience operating advanced water treatment plant facilities on the assigned shift.
Thorough knowledge of water treatment plant operating characteristics and maintenance requirements.
Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, chemical, electrical, and electronic principles and systems relevant to water treatment operations.
Knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations, occupational hazards, safety precautions, and water quality monitoring practices.
Ability to comprehend and communicate oral and written instructions in English.
Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, layouts, wiring and logic diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, specifications, plans, and maps.
Ability to complete operating procedures, work requests, and other documentation, and to troubleshoot malfunctions and record data.
Ability to detect equipment flaws, diagnose abnormalities in complex controls and interlocked control schemes, and determine appropriate corrective measures.
Strong laboratory and sampling experience, including the ability to conduct water quality testing and maintain instrumentation.
Skill in the operation and care of specialized water equipment, materials, and tools, and ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide variety of plant equipment.
Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, applications, SCADA, and other electronic devices used in plant operations.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently, work with minimal supervision, and maintain productivity when working alone.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and interact effectively and diplomatically with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work in adverse conditions and perform the duties for an entire shift and workweek, including overtime when required.
Ability to report to work on time.
Physical ability to climb in and out of vehicles; manipulate large and small hand tools; frequently 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 periodically check water treatment processes, components, and equipment.
Perform daily operational procedures, laboratory and field analyses, routine calibrations, and maintenance.
Inspect mechanical equipment and perform lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs.
Adjust pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, control systems, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators.
Monitor charts, gauges, and operating equipment manually and electronically, including through SCADA systems.
Conduct water quality testing, sampling, validations, and use and maintain water quality instrumentation.
Respond to abnormal conditions and take corrective action in accordance with established procedures and sound engineering practices.
Troubleshoot and repair water treatment equipment and chemical feed systems, including related manifolds, hoses, pump rotors, piping, and fittings.
Load and unload treatment chemicals; assist with ordering, delivery, and inventory of chemicals, laboratory reagents, materials, and supplies.
Maintain accurate operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, and other administrative documentation; submit routine and special reports.
Develop, assist with, and revise operations and maintenance procedures.
Assist with development and effective use of the preventative maintenance CMMS system and report work execution activities accurately.
Conduct safety inspections and follow safety rules, procedures, SOPs, and job safety standards.
Train employees in facility operations, maintenance, repairs, laboratory work, and safety as required.
Perform routine housekeeping, light building repairs, and other duties necessary for facility operation.
Communicate and work effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management, regulators, contractors, municipal officials, customers, and the public.
Respond to first-response calls and provide operational problem-solving.
Perform overtime and, as required, work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, or standby shifts.