Potable Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator

Dexterra Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dexterra Group is seeking a Potable Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator in Houston, TX. You will operate and monitor water and wastewater systems to meet public health standards and environmental regulations, working within TCEQ/EPA guidelines.

Responsibilities include routine sampling, adjusting chemical dosing, proper documentation, and coordinating maintenance. The role involves rotating shifts, on-call duties, and compliance reporting in a challenging industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–5+ years of water/wastewater operations experience (level based on certification).
• Experience with SCADA and automated controls is a plus.
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening.
• Knowledge of SDWA/CWA and local permit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate potable water treatment systems (filtration, chlorination, disinfection, storage, distribution).
• Operate wastewater treatment processes (aeration, clarification, sludge handling, disinfection).
• Perform routine sampling and analysis (pH, turbidity, chlorine residual, BOD, TSS).
• Adjust chemical dosing and system controls to maintain compliance.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams for repairs and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Water/wastewater treatment knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Laboratory testing procedures

Regulatory compliance

Independent work in remote/industrial

Education

High school diploma or GED

Post-secondary environmental-related education

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Job Description

What’s the job? The Potable Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems supporting the workforce accommodations facility. This role ensures that all treated potable water meets public health standards and that wastewater discharge complies with state and federal environmental regulations. The operator will work in accordance with standards established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and applicable local authorities.

Your Work Will Include

Operations & Monitoring

• Operate and monitor potable water treatment systems (filtration, chlorination, disinfection, storage, and distribution)
• Operate wastewater treatment processes (aeration, clarification, sludge handling, disinfection)
• Perform routine sampling, testing, and analysis (pH, turbidity, chlorine residual, BOD, TSS, etc.)
• Adjust chemical dosing and system controls to maintain compliance
• Rotating shifts, on‑call duties, and emergency response requirements

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with
  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)
  • TCEQ rules and permit requirements (e.g., TPDES permits)
• Maintain accurate operational logs, lab records, and compliance reports
• Report incidents, exceedances, or system failures immediately

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Conduct preventative maintenance on pumps, valves, blowers, and instrumentation
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process issues
• Coordinate repairs with maintenance teams and contractors

Health, Safety & Environmental

• Follow OSHA safety standards and site‑specific procedures
• Handle chemicals safely (chlorine, coagulants, polymers, etc.)
• Ensure proper sludge and waste disposal practices
• Exposure to chemicals, noise, and biological hazards

Qualifications

Required Certifications (Texas – TCEQ)

• Water Treatment Certification
  • Class D (entry‑level) – minimum requirement for small systems
  • Class C / B / A – required based on system size and complexity
• Additional Licensing & Requirements
  • Valid Texas Driver’s License
  • Ability to pass background check and drug screening
  • Confined space entry and HAZWOPER training (preferred)
  • First Aid/CPR certification (preferred)
• Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Post‑secondary education in environmental science, engineering technology, or related field preferred
  • 1–5+ years of experience in water/wastewater operations (depending on certification level)
  • Experience with SCADA systems and automated controls is an asset
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
  • Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures
  • Attention to detail and regulatory compliance
  • Ability to work independently and in remote or industrial environments

Dexterra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.