Water Operator IV

About the role

As a Lead Water Operator, you'll play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable water and wastewater treatment for the community. You'll oversee advanced treatment systems, troubleshoot complex challenges, and lead a team of Operators I, II, and III. This position combines technical expertise with leadership, making you a key contributor to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant process equipment, including pumps, blowers, scrubbers, motors, chemical feeds, sludge equipment, and basic lab instruments to meet County, State, and EPA standards
• Collect samples and perform tests such as pH, CL₂, conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, BOD, COD, DO, and TSS
• Analyze water quality and lab results, adjusting processes as needed to maintain compliance
• Calculate and adjust chemical feed rates; monitor and operate telemetry and SCADA systems
• Maintain chemical inventory and request new or replacement orders
• Coordinate with maintenance staff for equipment adjustments and safe chemical handling
• Perform minor equipment repairs, lubrication, and report issues promptly
• Prepare daily reports and documentation using spreadsheets and word processing software
• Respond to emergency call-outs, including weekends and holidays, and participate in on-call rotations
• Support other projects and responsibilities as requested
• Operate high level water treatment equipment including Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, Cold Lime Softening systems, groundwater wells, remote stations, and centrifuges
• Perform extensive laboratory analysis with high-level knowledge of data interpretation and corrective actions associated with laboratory test results
• Complete laboratory instrument calibrations and verifications to ensure accuracy
• Maintain, calibrate, verify, and troubleshoot continuous on-line water quality analyzers
• Under limited supervision, perform operation, maintenance and control work at the water treatment plant including chemical feed equipment, pump control valves, pressure control valves; adjusts system to meet specific demands
• Act as a shift lead, providing guidance and mentoring operators I, II, III
• Install and make repairs on piping, valves, and other components of the water treatment plant
• Perform facility, well, and remote site rounds
• Analyze data and communicate results effectively
• Be able to perform as an integral team member participating in process control strategies and implementation
• Show competency in the process changes with the ability to garner "buy-in" from all team members
• Lead and promote an EPCOR One Team environment
• Will occasionally operate equipment such as forklifts and backhoes, after successfully completing competency and safety training
• Assist Foreman with daily tasks
• Fill in as Foreman if absent
• Ensure all monitoring data collection is being completed as required. This includes process control lab data points, RO profiling, clarifier pH reads, centrifuge operational data and others

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain a clean driving record
• Minimum five years of relevant experience with water treatment operations, field maintenance, water and/or wastewater plant maintenance, or other mechanical maintenance experience
• TCEQ Water or Wastewater A or B License

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory practices and advanced water treatment processes, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, ion exchange, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and activated sludge
• Ability to troubleshoot complex plant performance issues and perform mechanical/electrical troubleshooting
• Experience operating sludge presses and centrifuges
• Strong computer skills for reporting and documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills for process adjustments and problem-solving
• Commitment to safety and adherence to emergency procedures
• Experience and ability to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: market-aligned salary and performance-based incentive programs
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance - plus a retirement plan with substantial company contributions
• Generous time-off & work-life balance: paid vacation, sick time, holidays, personal days, and programs that support your well-being
• Professional development: tuition reimbursement, certification support, and ongoing training opportunities to grow your career
• Safety-first culture: robust training, proactive programs, and recognition of safety milestones
• Inclusive & innovative environment: a team that values diverse perspectives, celebrates innovation, and fosters a sense of belonging
• Award-winning workplace: EPCOR has been recognized as a Best Places to Work employer

About EPCOR USA

At EPCOR USA, we don't just deliver water and wastewater services - we invest in communities, protect the environment, and build infrastructure that powers the future. As part of a North American company operating across the United States and Canada, we're headquartered in Glendale, AZ, and are proud to be one of the largest private water utilities in the Southwest.