Wastewater Operations Technician

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Wastewater O&M Technician I to join our team at Veolia North America. As a key member of our operations team, you will be responsible for providing day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, routine lab tests, and basic corrective and preventative maintenance activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate equipment manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic control units following process control procedures.
• Monitor and observe operating conditions, record observations and data in shift log, and diagnose basic operational problems and take corrective action per procedure.
• Perform routine CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection, and minor repair) on machines and related equipment, including pumps, engines, centrifuges, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, vacuum filters, and belt presses.
• Collect water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge, residuals, and/or gas samples according to schedule and perform field tests (chemical, physical, and biological) to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units.
• Perform routine lab tests and prepare reports per procedure.
• Perform routine instrument calibration for portable meters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, and lower explosive limit.
• Learns to inspect and becomes proficient at mechanical troubleshooting to determine repairs needed, dismantle equipment to gain access to and repair defective parts using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring and testing devices, and reassemble and test equipment ensuring safe and efficient operating condition is restored.
• Perform manual labor, including cleaning equipment, facilities, and grounds as required, and properly dispose of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Operate vehicles, mobile equipment, and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.
• Perform facility maintenance and repair, including replacing or installing light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, damaged glass, windows, doors, partitions, ceiling or floor tiles, door locks, carpet, and/or paint.
• Learns to estimate time and material costs for various projects and may assist in other areas of facility as directed.

Work Environment

• Spends 100% of the time in operations environment.
• Typically spends 25 – 35% of the time exposed to outdoor and sometimes inclement weather.
• Company service vehicles are used as required.
• Travels 1 – 2 times per year for company-provided training.
• May be required to travel up to five consecutive days.
• May serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call.
• Possible work hazards include exposure to fumes, dust, toxic and caustic chemicals, noise, rotating machinery, high pressure, and hot and cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water, and electrical hazards.

Qualifications

• High school or GED with the ability to read, write, and comprehend English (operational, process, safety, and quality instructions) and be able to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Six months to two years of experience in a related position with experience in a similar environment preferred, with the ability to comprehend specifications, blueprints, and manuals.
• Experience using material handling equipment, pressure gauges, and precision measuring instruments.
• Experience using power, pneumatic, hydraulic, and hand tools and shop tools, such as drill press, band saw, bench grinder, and torque wrench, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Some vocational training and mechanical aptitude preferred, with the ability to read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles, and other equipment.
• Must have the ability to diagnose basic and routine process and mechanical problems and take remedial corrective action.
• Must have basic computer skills and have the ability to operate programs for process control, the Computer Maintenance Management System, and laboratory/industrial pretreatment QA/QC.
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently perform assigned duties and meet or exceed production and quality goals.
• Must demonstrate the 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.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

• Minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agency at site.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA, and Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Level I and II First Responder Certification if required by site. Obtain and maintain minimum water/wastewater operator state certification.
• 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 by site.
• Training in operation of mechanical drives, hydraulic pumps, and valves, pneumatics, electronics, and control systems.
• Obtain HVAC, Electrician, Plumber's, or other trade License if assigned to that area. Note: Tech will not perform duties unless properly licensed.
• Training in the use of energy management systems as needed.
• Works toward increasing skills in additional functional areas or in obtaining advanced skills/maintenance certifications.
• May perform more advanced functions as part of training and development.

Physical Requirements

• Amount of time spent – Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• Requires close visual and hearing observation to detect non-conformance and machine malfunction.
• Constantly uses hands to finger, handle, or feel and frequently reaches with hands and arms.
• Works in various positions; works on ladders, catwalks, and supports at heights of 50 feet above the ground; and works with hands extended above and below head and body up to 40 minutes using hand tools weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds) distances of 10 feet.
• Occasional stooping, bending, or kneeling and entering confined spaces.

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