Plant Operator Trainee

Veolia; Wantagh (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia in North America is seeking an Operations Associate for wastewater treatment facilities. You will perform routine rounds, monitor equipment, collect samples, and maintain logs to ensure compliant, efficient operations.

Under supervision, you will handle data recording, equipment adjustments, and basic troubleshooting while adhering to environmental, health, and safety rules. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant technical familiarity.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; an Associate degree preferred.
• Ability to read meters, record data, and follow technical instructions.
• Familiarity with Windows, Google Workspace, and MS Office; basic lab sampling.

Responsibilities

• Record and read meters for pumps, gauges, motors in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Record tank levels and sludge blanket levels.
• Operate equipment at the assigned station and adjust valves as directed.
• Observe process areas and record findings (color, odor, flow).
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Receive chemicals in bulk and in totes; maintain logs.
• Create work requests for malfunctioning equipment and troubleshoot issues with supervisor approval.

Skills

Reading

Math

Written communication

Verbal communication

Laboratory sampling

Windows

Google Workspace

MS Office

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in Environmental Science/Engineering/Lab relevant

Tools

Windows OS

Google Workspace

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It 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. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It 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. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, Operations Lead Personnel and in coordination of fellow Operations Personnel the incumbent will perform a variety of basic tasks relevant to the day-to-day operation of the wastewater treatment plant facilities, processes and equipment, including process and equipment rounds, recording operations data and information, making observations and reporting on variations in operating conditions, maintaining logs and other required reports and forms, and provides input for corrective actions and implements corrective actions as directed. Assist Operations in efforts to maintain efficient and cost-effective facility operations while maintaining compliance with all Corporate and Regulatory environmental, health and safety rules and requirements.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Works a scheduled shift and will be subject to required emergency call in or shift coverage as Operational needs demand.
• Under the direct Supervision of Shift Supervisor or Lead person may be required to perform some of the following tasks depending on the station assigned for that shift:
• Record and Read meters for (pumps, gauges, motors etc.…) in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Record tank levels, sludge blanket levels.
• Operate equipment pertinent to assigned workstation (GBT, BFP, overhead lifting jib crane, pumps)
• Open, close and adjust valves for tanks & pumps.
• Observe their process areas (pumps, motors, valves, sewage color, odor, flow) record their findings.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Receive chemicals in bulk, drum and tote form.
• Adjust / bleed pumps as directed.
• Keep the workstation and surrounding area safe and clear of debris.
• Inspect equipment for proper functionality and refer to Maintenance for any necessary repairs.
• Maintain a logbook for the station they are operating.
• Create work requests for equipment found to be malfunctioning or broken.
• Make adjustments to equipment to optimize the operation (GBT & Dewatering).
• Troubleshoot operational issues and get approval of operations supervisor before executing.

Work Environment

• Work is performed both inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather conditions.
• Incumbents may be occasionally exposed to some noise, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents and vibration.
• Incumbents may work on slippery/uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, ladder/scaffolding, below ground and may be exposed to water or other liquid materials.
• Maintain a high level of focus on health, safety and environment, ensuring safety within all activities.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Associate degree (or equivalent experience) in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology/Laboratory or related fields preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Requires good reading, math, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles, and other equipment.
• Ability to understand/execute written and oral instructions, read/understand technical instructions.
• Ability to interpret data and information from technical service manuals and drawings.
• Knowledge of Windows, Google Workspace, MS Office Suite, and other computer-based systems.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory sampling, testing and documentation.
• Ability to adjust chemical feeds and processing equipment as directed to maintain compliance.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
• Must have the ability to maintain effective working relations w/management, supervisors, and staff.
• Must be able to work as a team in a teamwork-oriented environment.
• Must be safety conscious and able to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Must have a general understanding of how the treatment plant works and the SPDES limits associated to the station being operated.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

• Valid NYS Driver’s license and the ability to meet risk management guidelines.
• Possesses valid NY State Class 1A Wastewater Treatment License is preferred or ability to attend classes required for obtaining valid NY State Wastewater Treatment license and obtain license within 24 months.

Additional Information

Pay Rate: $22.91 per hour.

Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.

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.