Plant Operator Trainee

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

About the role

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor and Operations Lead Personnel, the incumbent will perform a variety of basic tasks relevant to the day-to-day operation of the wastewater treatment plant facilities, processes, and equipment. This includes process and equipment rounds, recording operations data, making observations, reporting variations in operating conditions, maintaining logs, and implementing corrective actions as directed. The role supports efficient and cost-effective facility operations while ensuring compliance with all corporate and regulatory environmental, health, and safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Work a scheduled shift and respond to emergency call-ins or shift coverage as operational needs demand.
• Record and read meters for pumps, gauges, motors, and other equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Record tank levels and sludge blanket levels.
• Operate equipment pertinent to assigned workstation (e.g., GBT, BFP, overhead lifting jib crane, pumps).
• Open, close, and adjust valves for tanks and pumps.
• Observe process areas (pumps, motors, valves, sewage color, odor, flow) and record findings.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Receive chemicals in bulk, drum, and tote form.
• Adjust or bleed pumps as directed.
• Maintain a clean and safe workstation and surrounding area.
• Inspect equipment for proper functionality and refer repairs to Maintenance.
• Maintain a logbook for the assigned station.
• Create work requests for malfunctioning or broken equipment.
• Make adjustments to equipment (e.g., GBT and Dewatering) to optimize operations.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and obtain approval from the Operations Supervisor before executing changes.

Work Environment

Work is performed both inside and outside with exposure to all weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to noise, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents, and vibration. Employees may work on slippery or uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, ladders/scaffolding, below ground, and may be exposed to water or other liquid materials. A high level of focus on health, safety, and environment is required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Associate degree (or equivalent experience) in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology/Laboratory, or related fields (preferred).
• Good reading, math, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, and computer consoles.
• Ability to understand and execute written and oral instructions, and interpret technical manuals and drawings.
• Proficiency in Windows, Google Workspace, MS Office Suite, and other computer-based systems.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory sampling, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to adjust chemical feeds and processing equipment to maintain compliance.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with management, supervisors, and staff.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Safety-conscious and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• General understanding of treatment plant operations and SPDES limits for the assigned station.

Qualifications

• Valid NYS Driver’s license and ability to meet risk management guidelines.
• Valid NY State Class 1A Wastewater Treatment License (preferred) or ability to obtain it within 24 months.

Pay

$22.91 per hour.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plans and savings accounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.