Wastewater Operator

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

The Operator II maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges.
• Collect and test water and sewage samples.
• Record meter and gauge readings and operational data.
• Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste.
• Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas.
• Inspect all equipment on a regular basis.
• Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
• Ensure safety standards are met.

Work Environment

• Spends 100% of the time in operations environment.
• May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle to perform duties.
• Possible work hazards include exposure to fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Associate's degree in a science or technical area strongly preferred.
• Two to five years of experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Ability to perform basic math equations.
• Proficiency in the care and use of all site-specific, facility-required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.
• Ability to operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision.
• Ability to efficiently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses, and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Ability to diagnose process and mechanical problems in single or multiple unit processes, troubleshoot basic equipment and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
• Working ability to use computer programs for process control.
• Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must be able to respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours to accommodate site needs.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

• Typically holds or is working toward an intermediate level water and/or wastewater treatment certificate (requires minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agencies at the site).
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Wastewater License - Grade 2 in Rhode Island is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces.
• May be required to use ladders or stairs.
• Must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds).
• Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

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