Job Description

Operational Technical Services (OTS) is one of the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility staffing providers in the country. We provide certified water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, collections, engineering, laboratory, water quality, maintenance, and training professionals to municipalities, special districts, and private utilities throughout the country. OTS offers temporary, temp to hire, direct hire and emergency on-call opportunities including great benefits.

POSITION: Wastewater Operator - Grade II or Grade III

SCHEDULE: 4x10 Schedule

SALARY: $80,000-$90,000k (DOE)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Wastewater Operator (Grade II or III) will be integral to the operation and maintenance of a complex industrial wastewater treatment system, primarily handling waste from the sugar refining process. This system faces unique challenges, including high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and variations in pH due to processing sugarcane waste.

Your role will involve ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations while optimizing plant processes for efficiency. You will also be responsible for driving operational improvements during ongoing system modernization, including implementing new technologies and managing upgrades to meet evolving industrial standards. The operator will collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, and environmental compliance teams, ensuring that the plant runs efficiently and within regulatory limits.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Industrial Process Management: Operate, monitor, and optimize the treatment system for sugar refinery waste, which includes managing biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, nutrient removal, and chemical dosing to stabilize pH fluctuations.
• Advanced Instrumentation Use: Monitor plant control systems, using SCADA and other advanced instrumentation to track process flows, control system pressures, and manage chemical feed rates. Detect trends and take immediate corrective action when necessary.
• Equipment Maintenance & Repair: Conduct preventive maintenance on key plant equipment, including pumps, blowers, centrifuges, and UV disinfection systems. Troubleshoot and repair critical mechanical and electrical systems to prevent operational downtime.
• Process Improvement Projects: Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as upgrading aeration systems or optimizing sludge digestion to reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance effluent quality.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Perform daily inspections, collect and analyze operational data (flow rates, chemical dosages, and test results), and adjust treatment processes based on data insights to optimize plant efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Sludge Handling: Manage waste solids through dewatering and drying, ensuring proper disposal or beneficial reuse of sludge. Oversee the operation of centrifuges or other dewatering equipment to remove water content from sludge.
• Emergency Operations: Be prepared to respond quickly to equipment failures, system upsets, or environmental incidents, taking the lead in containment, corrective actions, and reporting.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed operational logs, equipment maintenance records, and regulatory compliance reports. Prepare monthly discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and other compliance documents required by local and federal agencies.
• Hazardous Material Handling: Safely handle hazardous materials, including caustics, chlorine, and other chemicals used in treatment. Ensure adherence to all OSHA regulations and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

QUALIFICATIONS

• For Grade II:
• Certification: California Grade II Wastewater Operator certification.
• Experience: 5 years in an industrial wastewater setting, preferably food processing, with experience handling high BOD/COD loads and managing complex treatment systems.
• Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of SCADA systems, flow meters, pH analyzers, and chemical dosing systems.

• For Grade III:
• Certification: California Grade III Wastewater Operator certification.
• Experience: 7+ years in industrial wastewater treatment, with leadership experience overseeing system upgrades or managing large teams.
• Advanced Knowledge: Expertise in process control, advanced mechanical maintenance, and regulatory compliance in industrial contexts.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Outdoor, industrial setting involving exposure to hazardous chemicals and large-scale mechanical systems.
• Physically demanding work including confined space entry, climbing ladders, and handling heavy machinery.

MUST HAVES FOR ROLE:

• Utility Pants: Employees must wear durable utility pants suitable for the work environment.
• Safety Shoes: Steel-toed or other appropriate safety shoes are mandatory to protect against workplace hazards.
• Candidates must consent to and pass a background check and drug screening as part of the hiring process.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Operational Technical Services, (OTS), is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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