Facility Operator (Operator 4/5)

New Mexico Rural Water Association; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite cafeterias

Education assistance

Professional development

Job summary

A prominent research institution in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking a Facility Operator for their TLW operations. The role involves operating and monitoring liquid waste processing systems, ensuring safety and compliance. Candidates should have an associate's degree and relevant experience, with responsibilities including technical support and mentorship. The organization offers onsite benefits like cafeterias and education assistance, alongside a vibrant location with outdoor adventures.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience or equivalent for Operator 4.
• 7+ years of related experience or equivalent for Operator 5.
• Strong interpersonal skills and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Operate TLW liquid waste processing systems safely.
• Provide advanced technical support across operations.
• Conduct inspections and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems

Strong communication skills

Experience with safety practices

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Transuranic Liquid Waste (TLW) facility supports critical waste processing operations essential to the Laboratory’s environmental and safety mission. We are seeking a Facility Operator to support TLW operations, to be filled at either Operator 4 or Operator 5 depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges as follows:

Responsibilities for Operator 4:

• Operate and monitor TLW liquid waste processing systems, including micro-filters, reverse osmosis units, evaporators, ion exchange systems, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, and solids handling equipment, ensuring safe and compliant operations
• Perform technical tasks supporting operations, maintenance, and engineering activities, including executing safety basis surveillances, interpreting process data, running diagnostics, and responding to system alarms or malfunctions
• Conduct inspections and verify operations against established standards, following procedures, process sheets, and work controls while identifying hazards and maintaining proper configuration management
• Support facility systems (mechanical, electrical, chemical), including pressurized water/air systems and handling of concentrated acids and bases, while utilizing SCADA systems for monitoring and control
• Complete administrative duties such as work document reviews, engineering design reviews, procurement tracking, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations (including NPDES discharge requirements)
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols including lock‑out/tag‑out, confined space entry, respirator use, crane and forklift operations, and proper sampling procedures, while demonstrating strong communication and teamwork

Additional Responsibilities for Operator 5:

• Serve as facility lead on off-shifts, making technical decisions to ensure safe and compliant operation of nuclear and wastewater systems
• Provide advanced technical support across operations, maintenance, engineering, and system design, acting as a subject matter expert in wastewater facility processes and equipment
• Lead and ensure compliance with procedure adherence, hazard analysis, configuration management, and formal work control processes
• Perform and review operator rounds and inspections, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance across multiple systems
• Oversee and troubleshoot complex system operations, diagnostics, and safety systems while guiding operational decision‑making
• Mentor and support less experienced staff, reinforcing best practices in safety, operations, and regulatory compliance

Qualifications for Operator 4:

• Associate’s degree and 5+ years of related experience (or equivalent), along with a New Mexico Wastewater Level I/II license or 3–5 years of wastewater operations experience
• Working knowledge of wastewater treatment systems and equipment, including filtration systems, reverse osmosis, evaporative boilers, ion exchange, chemical processes/cleaning, clarifiers, solids handling, and SCADA systems
• Experience with facility operations including hazard identification, safety practices, lock‑out/tag‑out, configuration management, and compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements
• Ability to perform inspections, sampling, and system monitoring while operating within formal work control and safety procedures
• Certifications or experience with confined space entry, respirator use, and operation of cranes and forklifts
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated reliability and teamwork

Additional Qualifications for Operator 5:

• Associate’s degree and 7+ years of related experience (or equivalent), along with a New Mexico Wastewater Level III/IV license or 10 years of wastewater operations experience
• Expert knowledge of wastewater facility operations, including advanced understanding of treatment systems, safety systems, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Extensive experience in procedure compliance, hazard analysis, configuration management, and formal work control processes
• Expertise in conducting and reviewing operator rounds and inspections, ensuring high standards of operational performance
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities across multiple complex systems, including SCADA and safety‑critical equipment
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including mentoring staff and supporting technical decision‑making

Benefits

• Onsite cafeterias, medical, fitness, and breastfeeding facilities
• Education assistance and generous compensation and benefits
• Professional development and work/life balance fostering lasting career satisfaction
• Location in Northern New Mexico offers abundant wildlife, culture, and adventures, including hiking trails and nearby ski resorts

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email [e-mail] or call [phone], opt. 3.