Water-Wastewater Operator I

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. Our operations are locally led and managed by over 1,300 professionals delivering vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Access to health, dental, prescription, and vision benefits starting the first of the month after your start date
• 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution
• Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance
• Company-provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Voluntary employee groups based on shared characteristics or backgrounds, sponsored by the organization

About the role

The Sunshine Water Services team has an opportunity for a Water-Wastewater Operator I. This role performs routine tasks related to the operation of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities under general supervision, ensuring plant compliance with EPA standards and state regulations. The position involves general cleaning of grounds and buildings, maintaining plant safety and sanitary requirements, and may require after-hour and weekend on-call support.

Schedule

Monday through Friday. After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required. This position will travel between service areas near Clearwater, FL.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water and/or wastewater treatment equipment, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental protection limits.
• Monitors and samples well and groundwater upon entry to the system; adjusts treatment levels when below-standard variances are detected; samples water prior to exiting system.
• Detects and reports atypical conditions, such as damaged, malfunctioning, or tampered meters, leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring, and other safety hazards.
• Conducts ongoing repairs to equipment or shuts down equipment for more extensive maintenance and repair; activates alternate equipment as needed; requests services of outside maintenance vendors for major repairs.
• Activates pumps, valves, and other processing equipment to move water through various treatment processes; disposes of waste materials in line with company procedures and government controls.
• Assists Lead Operator with emergency procedures in the event of overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water; follows safety protocol.
• Adds chemicals to water by predetermined formula; advises Lead Operator when minimum inventory levels are reached.
• Reads and interprets meters and gauges on central control panel or at individual machines; adjusts controls as needed; retrieves computer reports on treatment process.
• Prepares reports and maintains logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and other recordkeeping requirements; maintains various company records and reports as required by the state.
• Back-washes filters and basins; handles chlorine in a safe, effective manner; ensures proper working order of chlorine-related equipment.
• Cleans and maintains treatment plant, pumping stations, and wells; prepares and paints equipment, walls, and floors.
• Ensures regulatory compliance and adherence to company policies and standards; maintains a safe working environment and reports safety concerns to Area Manager.
• Travels daily between worksites on company time; works on-call in rotation as scheduled and responds to emergency situations as required.
• Completes facility and vehicle inspections, along with related follow-up.
• Installs and reads water meters; acts as liaison between customers and customer service; provides on-site customer communication.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless utility service.
• Ensures that facilities and grounds are kept clean and orderly and comply with company standards.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of mechanical experience, including at least 1 year specializing in chemical treatment of water and/or wastewater, or a minimum of 1 year in the water and/or wastewater utility field with experience in the operation and maintenance of groundwater-supplied water systems and associated distribution systems.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Currently holds a first-level operator license per state regulation, or ability to attain within 1 year of employment; may be in the process of obtaining a second-level license.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Ability to frequently perform moderate to heavy physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing, and mechanical repair.
• Ability to read meters, charts, and gauges and accurately maintain records of plant operations.
• Ability to read and comprehend written technical information and communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.
• Ability to perform mathematical equations to determine chemical doses required for flow rates and proper treatment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Familiarity with computer applications such as MS Word and Excel; ability to use laptops, tablets, and mobile devices; ability to learn internal software programs.

Work Environment

Extreme physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing, and mechanical repair. Work is performed in all weather conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat, and cold. Potential hazards may be encountered in the field.