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Wastewater Operator

Job ID REF38052V Date posted 12/12/2024 Location Rhode Island Category Operations / Operations & Maintenance

Wastewater Operator

About Veolia North America

A subsidiary of Veolia Group, Veolia North America (VNA) 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. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has approximately 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. Please visit our website www.veolianorthamerica.com.

BENEFITS 

Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

Position Purpose: 

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

Primary Duties/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: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

Education/Experience/Background: 

  • High School education or GED with the ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally (operational, process, safety and quality instructions). Must have the ability to perform basic math equations.
  • 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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

  • Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
  • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision.
  • Must demonstrate 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.
  • Must have the 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.
  • Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
  • Must demonstrate 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.
  • RI WW Grade 1 or the ability to obtained within 1 year of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Amount of time spent – Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces. 
  • May be required to use ladders or stairs.
  • The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds). 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.