Senior Operations Specialist (Water)

About the role

HDR is seeking an energetic, hardworking problem solver to become a full-time Senior Operations Specialist to work on both municipal and industrial water treatment facilities. This position will involve working on a variety of treatment technologies for multiple treatment plants, ranging from small municipalities to some of the most iconic in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Support HDR project leaders on water treatment projects requiring input from Operations Specialists.
• Review drawings for operability review and HazOps analysis with an eye for successful operation of various treatment processes.
• Manage operations and maintenance projects with both municipal and industrial clients, including client interfacing, regulatory reporting, and personnel, subcontractor, and maintenance management.
• Develop startup and commissioning plans and host workshops to ensure these plans work for each specific plant.
• Perform startup and commissioning of new water treatment facilities, working alongside contractors and engineers to ensure the new equipment functions correctly before handing it over to the operations and maintenance staff.
• Provide formal and informal training to help clients’ treatment plants operate effectively.
• Test facilities to ensure they are ready for startup and after startup, meet the capacity requirements of the design.
• Perform condition assessment and asset management tasks on water and wastewater facilities, using state-of-the-art evaluation tools.
• Conduct operational or maintenance troubleshooting and evaluations on municipal and industrial water facilities.
• Work on a variety of new and innovative projects, providing opportunities for career growth.
• May require 30 to 40% travel, with weekend travel normally not required.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years field experience in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment at water treatment facilities and/or resolving water treatment process problems.
• High level water treatment operator license or professional engineering license.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans and specifications.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products and computerized maintenance and management systems.
• A strong attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Microsoft Office product experience.
• General background-related experience.
• A strong attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computerized maintenance and management systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $71,960 - 128,500 depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time.

Employee Status

Regular.

Business Class

WW Treatment and Effluent Mgmt.

Job Posting

Dec 31, 2025.

Company Information

For over 100 years, HDR has specialized in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. We provide solutions to thousands of partners, from small local utilities to the largest global companies. HDR has nearly 13,000 employee owners worldwide and ENR ranked in the top 10 of Water design firms, Water Treatment and Desalination design firms, and Wastewater design firms. Our Water Business Group has over 2,000 employee owners, with over 500 in our Eastern Region.

We believe water is more than a resource; it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

This isn't just a job; it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

We are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.