Wastewater Operator

About the Role

The Wastewater Operator supports the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of the facility's wastewater treatment and water recovery systems. This position involves routine system monitoring, water quality testing, equipment inspections, operational checks, documentation, cleaning, and basic preventative maintenance to ensure treatment systems remain operational and water recovery goals are achieved.

The role works with specialized water treatment equipment including filtration systems, ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), water softening systems, chemical treatment equipment, pumps, tanks, basins, and associated controls. Strong attention to detail, consistency in completing scheduled readings and inspections, and the ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions are required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine walkthroughs and inspections of wastewater treatment, filtration, water recovery, chemical treatment, and associated pumping systems.
• Collect and document required water quality readings including pH, EC/conductivity, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and other operating parameters as assigned.
• Monitor ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis equipment, including system pressures, flows, processed water volumes, permeate production, concentrate volumes, and overall system performance.
• Inspect band filters, rotary filters, sand filtration equipment, and other filtration components. Maintain proper filter paper levels and clean or empty collection areas as required.
• Monitor chemical storage and dosing systems including hydrogen peroxide, acid, lye, and other water-treatment chemicals. Report low levels, leaks, or abnormal chemical usage.
• Perform scheduled treatment bath readings, maintain required documentation, assist with chemical adjustments, and support routine bath cleaning and refill activities.
• Inspect and document wastewater collection basin, treatment tank, storage basin, and evaporation pond levels as required.
• Accurately complete daily operating logs, chemical usage records, shift reports, water processing totals, inspections, and other required documentation.
• Respond to system alarms and abnormal operating conditions, perform basic troubleshooting, safely isolate equipment when trained to do so, and escalate issues requiring additional support.
• Complete assigned basic preventative maintenance, inspections, cleaning, and equipment checks in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain wastewater treatment areas, equipment, tools, chemical storage areas, and workspaces in a clean and organized condition.
• Provide clear communication regarding equipment status, alarms, water levels, chemical levels, maintenance needs, and unresolved issues during shift turnover.
• Follow established safety procedures when working around treatment chemicals, pumps, pressurized equipment, electrical equipment, tanks, and water-treatment systems.
• Adapt to changing operating conditions and workload based on facility and wastewater treatment needs.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to work a 12-hour 2-3-2 rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.
• Ability to accurately complete routine readings, inspections, and operational documentation.
• Ability to follow written procedures, safety requirements, and operating instructions.
• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment or system conditions and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic logs, Microsoft Teams, Excel, or similar programs.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with the Water Operations Supervisor and supporting departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school diploma or related technical training.
• Prior experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, industrial operations, greenhouse operations, manufacturing, plumbing, pumps, filtration, or mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, water softening, chemical dosing, pumps, valves, tanks, or industrial filtration equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience collecting and documenting water quality or equipment operating data.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials as part of daily work; stand and walk for extended periods; and bend, crouch, kneel, and reach as needed.
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including greenhouse environments with warm temperatures and high humidity.
• Ability to work around water-treatment chemicals while following required PPE and chemical-handling procedures.
• Ability to work at heights using ladders or platforms when required.

Pay

$22.00/hour

Schedule

12-hour shifts on a consistent 2-3-2 rotating schedule, including assigned weekends, holidays, and day or night shift coverage as required.