Lead Water-Wastewater Operator

Nexus Water Group; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health and Wellness Benefits

401(k) Program with Matching

Grow With Us

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

Job summary

Nexus Water Group is seeking a Lead Water-Wastewater Treatment Operator to supervise daily operations across multiple facilities around Lakeland, FL. You will ensure EPA/state compliance, lead crews, and optimize treatment processes.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in utility operations, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven leadership. Expect a Monday–Friday schedule with occasional after-hours and site travel to cover service areas.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years progressive experience in utility management or water/wastewater operations.
• Knowledge of EPA/state regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to supervise crews and coordinate tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of water treatment equipment ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate team tasks and delegate responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain operation records and reports for regulatory standards.
• Monitor sampling, testing, and equipment performance; adjust as needed.
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance across facilities.
• Train personnel in operations, maintenance, and safety procedures.
• Travel between Lakeland-area sites daily as required.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Team coordination

Independent work

Education

High school Diploma or GED

Operator II license (or equivalent)

Driver's license

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Who We Are

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 12 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,200 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays
• Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after you start, you'll have access to health, dental, prescription, and vision benefits to help you stay well.
• 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
• Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

Overview

The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a Lead Water-Wastewater Treatment Operator. This role is under limited supervision, performs routine tasks related to the operation of a water treatment facility. Responsible for maintaining plant compliance with EPA standards and state water Commission. Assists with training of other personnel and leading work crews. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and works cooperatively to provide quality seamless utility service. Works with Area Manager and/or VP, Operations to ensure continuity of processes, goals and vision of the company.

Work Location and Schedule

This position will travel between service areas near Lakeland, FL. Schedule is Monday through Friday. After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required. Must be available to work shift work; weekend scheduling may be required.

What you'll do

• Overseethe operation and maintenance of water treatment equipment, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental protection limits.
• Overseethe organization and delegation of team tasks.
• Developand maintains operational records and prepares reports in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Overseesampling and testing systems, and the functionality of pumps, conveyors, blowers and other equipment.
• Installs and repairs pumps, motors, valves and piping; diagnoses, repairs and clarifies aeration equipment, ion exchange bins, filtration equipment and other major apparatuses.
• Monitorand samples well and groundwater upon entry to the system. Adjusts treatment levels when non-standard variances are detected. Samples water prior to exiting system.
• Detectand reports atypical conditions, such as: identifying damaged, malfunctioning and tampered meters, detecting and reporting leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring and other safety hazards.
• Cleanand maintains treatment plant, pumping stations and wells. Conducts ongoing repairs to equipment, or shuts down equipment for more extensive maintenance and repair, activating alternate equipment as needed. Requests services of outside maintenance vendor for major repairs and overhauls.
• Activates pumps, valves and other processing equipment to move water through various treatment processes. Disposes of waste materials removed from water in line with Company procedures and government controls.
• Implementemergency procedures in the event of overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water. Follows safety protocol and notifies local emergency responders.
• Addchemicals to water by predetermined formula. Maintains minimum inventory levels of these materials.
• Readand interpretes meters and gauges on central control panel, or at individual machines or stages in the treatment process. Adjust controls as needed. Retrievecomputer reports on treatment process.
• Preparereports and maintains logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and all other recordkeeping requirements; maintains various Company records and other reports as required by the state.
• Back-washfilters and basins; handles chlorine in a safe, effective manner; assures proper working order of chlorine-related equipment.
• Ensureregulatory compliance and adherence to Company policies and standards.
• Coordinateconstruction and excavation involved in system repairs; estimates required labor and materials; identifies equipment needed for all projects; orders necessary parts.
• Maintaina safe working environment and reports safety concerns to manager.
• Trainpersonnel in the areas of laboratory analysis, operations and maintenance procedures, as well as compliance to Company policies and procedures.
• Ensureall operators are equipped with necessary tools, parts and safety equipment to work effectively.
• Stay abreast of Federal, State and local regulations and environmental guidelines regarding wastewater treatment and distribution.
• Constant, independent travel daily between worksites on Company time.

What you'll bring

Experience

• Requires a minimum of 5 years progressive experience working in utility management or the utility industry. Requires knowledge and experience in the operations, maintenance and processes of water treatment; knowledge of the controls, instrumentation and mechanical equipment in the utility industry; knowledge of standard practices, terminology and safety standards in the utility industry; thorough knowledge of local, state and Federal wastewater regulations; knowledge and experience with the materials and chemicals used in these treatment processes.

Education and Certification

• High school Diploma or GED
• Holds the minimum licensing to be classified asOperator II with the ability to attain minimum licensing to be responsible operator in charge within 1 year of employment
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice to Have

• Currently holds the minimum licensing in order to be responsible operator in charge per state regulation preferred.
• Florida Class C Wastewater License preferred

Physical and Technical Skills

• Ability to work independently and under limited supervision.
• Demonstrates initiative to take on new tasks.
• Ability to mentor and guide co-workers to increase skill level, morale and efficiency.
• Ability to motivate others in pursuit of Company goals.
• 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 to 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.
• Familiarity with computer applications MS Word, Excel and utilizing tablet and mobile device; ability to learn internal software programs Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Work Environment

• Company vehicle provided.
• Extreme physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair. You will be expected to work in all weather conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, etc; you may encounter various potential hazards in the field

About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law.

We are an E-Verify participating employer.