PRETREATMENT COORDINATOR

City-of-Gastonia-; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gastonia is seeking a Pretreatment Coordinator to perform complex technical work supporting the Pretreatment Program and regulating industrial discharges into the wastewater system. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field is preferred, with interest in applying scientific knowledge to protect the community and environment.

The role involves enforcing the Sewer Use and Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance, conducting sampling,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biology or related field with 5+ years in industrial or municipal lab.
• Experience regulating industrial pretreatment dischargers and program efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and pretreatment regulations.
• Desirable certification: Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade II within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Enforces Sewer Use and Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance.
• Conducts sampling and maintains Industrial Waste Surveys and related plans.
• Maintains liaison with State and Federal Agencies; supervises surcharge monitoring.
• Investigates NPDES noncompliance and spills; collects samples and analyzes water.
• Trains City personnel and industry contacts in sampling/testing techniques.
• Coordinates activities with City lab, operations, and outside consultants.
• Prepares and presents technical reports for required activities.
• Maintains a safe work area.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Microbiology

Laboratory operations

Regulatory compliance

GIS

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Pretreatment Program Specialist certification preferred

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Flow measurement equipment

Sampling equipment

GIS software

Job description

The City of Gastonia is seeking a Pretreatment Coordinator to perform complex technical work supporting the City’s Pretreatment Program and regulating industrial discharges into the wastewater collection and treatment system. We welcome candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds who possess a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related scientific field and are interested in applying their knowledge to protect the community and environment.

The position implements and communicates pretreatment requirements, evaluates the potential effects of pollutants on wastewater treatment operations, and works with industrial customers on regulatory compliance. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for explaining technical and regulatory requirements. Experience in industrial wastewater pretreatment, laboratory operations, or wastewater treatment is beneficial. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Pretreatment Supervisor.

• Enforces the City of Gastonia Sewer Use and Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance. (15%)
• Conducts sampling and maintainscurrentIndustrial Waste Surveys, Long Term Monitoring Plan, Headworks Analysis, and Industrial User Allocation Tables and Industrial User Permits;maintains an industrial monitoring program. (35%)
• Maintains positive working relationship with State and Federal Agencies; maintainssurcharge monitoring program for high strength wastewater. (10%)
• Investigates causes of NPDES noncompliance and spills to the City system or receiving streams; investigates complaints, collects samples and performs analyses of surface waters. (15%)
• Trains City personnel and industrial contacts in correct sampling, preservation, and testing techniques; keeps abreast of current pretreatment regulations through participation in professional organizations. (5%)
• Coordinates activities with City laboratory, operations staff, other City staff, and outside consultants, laboratories, and industry representatives. (5%)
• Prepares and presents thorough and accurate technical reports for required activities and as assigned. (10%)
• Maintains a safe work area. (5%)

• Thorough knowledge of analytical principles and techniques of chemistry and microbiology as applied in modern municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes
• Thorough knowledge of the use and care of laboratory instrumentation and automatic flow measurement and sampling equipment
• Thorough knowledge of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to pretreatment
• Thorough knowledge of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to municipal and industrial wastewater, residuals, and hazardous materials
• Thorough knowledge of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes, as well as knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in plant operation and industrial work sites
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to interpret laboratory analysis results; ability to perform complex mathematical calculations, keep neat accurate records, and write concise, clear business letters and technical reports
• Thorough knowledge of GIS and related computer systems; ability to interact professionally with coworkers, employees, industry representatives, State and Federal agencies, and the general public
• Ability to present a positive image as the City\'s representative; ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor\'s degree in chemistry, biology or related field and minimal of five years of experience as a chemist in an industrial or municipal laboratory
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in regulating industrial pretreatment dischargers and Pretreatment Program Specialist certification preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of Pretreatment Program Specialist Grade II certification within 3 years of hire. NIMS 700 certification within 12 months of hire.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Must possess a valid appropriate driver's license with acceptable driving history.

Drug screening, criminal background, and references checks are required.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/H