The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of industrial water and wastewater treatment systems. This position performs routine plant operations, monitors treatment processes, collects and analyzes samples, maintains accurate operating records, and ensures equipment is operating within established parameters.
Operators are expected to work safely and independently while maintaining compliance with company policies, client requirements, and all applicable environmental and safety regulations. The position requires travel to project sites and may involve rotational schedules and extended field assignments.
Essential duties include:
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Operate water and wastewater treatment systems in accordance with project operating procedures and environmental regulations.
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Monitor treatment processes and make operational adjustments to maintain process performance and water quality specifications.
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Collect process samples and perform field testing as required.
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Record operating data, chemical usage, meter readings, laboratory results, inspections, and equipment performance.
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Safely handle treatment chemicals, including acids, caustics, oxidizers, polymers, lime, coagulants, and other treatment reagents.
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Operate and monitor pumps, valves, piping systems, filters, clarifiers, reverse osmosis systems, microfiltration systems, chemical feed systems, and other treatment equipment.
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Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on treatment equipment.
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Maintain accurate inventories of chemicals, consumables, and operating supplies.
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Complete daily inspections, equipment checklists, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and other required safety documentation.
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Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
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Report equipment failures, process upsets, environmental concerns, and safety hazards immediately.
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Operate company vehicles and mobile equipment, including forklifts, skid steers, loaders, and other equipment as assigned.
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Coordinate with project managers, engineers, supervisors, clients, and fellow operators to ensure successful project execution.
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Work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and escalating issues when appropriate.
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Travel to project sites throughout North America as required.
The above duties and responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Specific skills and experience are as follows:
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Previous experience operating industrial water or wastewater treatment systems.
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Experience with Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.
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Experience with Microfiltration (MF) systems.
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Experience operating clarifiers, dissolved air flotation (DAF), chemical precipitation, or similar treatment processes.
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Experience working in mining, industrial, or heavy construction environments.
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Mechanical aptitude with pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, and process equipment.
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Experience operating forklifts, skid steers, loaders, or other mobile equipment. Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
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Ability to interpret operating procedures and technical instructions.
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Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic data entry.
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Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to prioritize work and operate independently.
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Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
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Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Physical Requirements
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Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
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Walk, climb, kneel, crawl, bend, and work on uneven terrain.
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Climb ladders, stairs, catwalks, tanks, and elevated platforms.
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Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, snow, and rain.
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Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
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Ability to work extended hours, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as required by project needs.
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Frequent travel is required.
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Extended field assignments and rotational schedules may be required.
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Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel by vehicle and commercial airline.
Preferred Certifications
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OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
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MSHA Part 46 or Part 48
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HAZWOPER (40-Hour)
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Water or Wastewater Operator Certification (where applicable)
