Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Opportunity Overview

Are you looking for a position that includes growth potential, a multi-faceted work environment, and a competitive benefits package? Bracewell Engineering, Inc. is looking for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to join our team. This individual will take part in day-to-day operation of several small wastewater treatment plants, located throughout the San Benito, Monterey, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties.

Definition

Under general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator, a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator controls, operates, and maintains our wastewater treatment and pumping facilities’ machinery, equipment, structures, grounds, and performs work related to these systems as required.

To excel in this position, an employee must have a strong work ethic and an eagerness to expand their skill and knowledge in the wastewater industry. We are looking for an excellent communicator who possesses the ability to follow directions well, has great attention to detail, and values taking ownership over their tasks from start to finish. An ideal candidate for this position is ethical, respectful, and proactive in their work.

Examples of Duties

• Controls the operation of wastewater treatment and pumping facilities to achieve processing of wastewater and disposal of sludge and effluent to meet mandated discharge requirements.
• Monitors treatment processes and enters operating data accurately on paper and in electronic log sheets.
• Starts, operates, and controls plant processes and disinfection systems in a safe and orderly manner.
• Assists in the collection and processing of samples for laboratory analysis.
• Keeps machinery, equipment, structures, piping, work areas, grounds, and landscaping in clean and orderly condition.
• Performs preventive and routine maintenance, including but not limited to repair and overhaul of machinery and equipment.
• Loads and unloads materials, supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the storage and transfer of plant chemicals.
• Drives a motor vehicle to pumping stations and control facilities to inspect, operate and maintain equipment.
• Inspects plant equip­ment, facilities and grounds; reports the need for repairs or maintenance and any unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.

Qualifications

Must Possess the Following:

• Valid California driver’s license
• Highschool diploma
• At minimum, possess an Operator in Training (OIT) certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
• Free to work some weekends and holidays, as well as participate in the on-call rotation once training is completed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two to three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant
• Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (or higher)

*If not already achieved, employment would be contingent on an agreement that an operator would gain their Grade 1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate within first year of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of wastewater machinery and equipment.
• Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Safe work practices.
• Principles, practices and procedures of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Operation, care, and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• Safe chemical handling and control.

Ability

• Physically, must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time, bend, twist, lift, push, and pull safely.
• Understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
• Keep neat and accurate records with eligible penmanship
• Maintain effective working relations with others
• Learn to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions
• Read and interpret a variety of meters and gauges
• Learn to interpret standardized process control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly
• Available to work a standard Monday-Friday work week (approximately 40 hours)
• Available to work a rotating on-call shift (one week at a time), as well as occasional holidays and weekends

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay of $20-$35 an hour, depending on certifications and experience.
• Hourly pay x 1.5 for all overtime worked, and hourly pay x 2 for holidays worked.
• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage for employees and their dependents
• 401k enrollment opportunity
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave