Process Control Lead Operator

LOTT Clean Water Alliance; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is seeking a Process Control Lead Operator to optimize plant performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide operators across wastewater and reclaimed water facilities in Thurston County, WA. You will analyze data, plan process improvements, and lead process control initiatives to sustain high-quality effluent.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and expertise in biological nutrient removal and control systems, with eligibility for a Group III WA

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with Biological Nutrient Removal systems and practices and control systems required.
• Two years of progressively increasing leadership experience preferred. Five years’ LOTT-specific Operations experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Examine, evaluate and interpret daily test results and consult with supervisors to recommend process control options.
• Facilitate weekly Process Control Team meetings.
• Monitor and control treatment processes to ensure high-quality effluent and permit compliance.
• Document operational parameters, performance and equipment function for communication across teams.
• Coordinate shift operation activities and assign staff to operational areas.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance across all plant processes.

Skills

Process control

Leadership

Communication

Education

Group III WA State Wastewater License

Tools

LOTT control systems

Spreadsheets

LIMS

Job description

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Process Control Lead Operator to join our team.

In this lead position, you will leverage your expertise in wastewater treatment, biological nutrient removal, and process control to optimize plant performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and support operational excellence across LOTT's treatment and reclaimed water facilities. As a technical leader, you will guide and lead operators, contribute to operational planning and process improvements, and help maintain safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.

The ideal candidate exercises sound judgment in high-pressure situations and is a collaborative wastewater professional with strong process control expertise. They have the ability to analyze data, solve operational challenges, and communicate effectively across teams. If you thrive in a team-oriented environment and are passionate about advancing high-quality treatment operations, we encourage you to apply.

www.lottcleanwater.org

Under the general supervision of the Operations & Process Control Supervisor, performs and oversees the completion of skilled work in monitoring, documenting and controlling operations of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance (LOTT) Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Treatment Facilities with specific responsibility for Process Control.

Series Concept:

The Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Process Control Lead Operator is the most skilled level in the WWTF Operator series which includes: Operator Apprentice, Operator II, Operator III, Operator IV and Lead Operator. Process Control Lead Operators are fully skilled in treatment plant operations but also possess specialized knowledge and responsibility for process control analysis and process/ quality control implementation. Process Control Lead Operators also participate in the overall operational planning, communication, and training as part of the operations and process control teams.

Essential Functions:

• Examine, evaluate and interpret daily test results and consult with the Operations & Process Control Supervisors to recommend process control options
• Facilitate weekly Process Control Team meetings
• Provide program support and serve as back up on process-related duties to Operations & Process Control Supervisor
• Monitor and control treatment processes and work with Operations and Environmental Compliance staff to make scientifically supported process adjustments and ensure continued high quality effluent and permit compliance
• Regularly monitor all available data for the purpose of making process adjustments to various systems within LOTT’s facilities in accordance with Process Control Team agreements and through the authority of the Operations & Process Control Supervisor
• Communicate daily recommendations and instruction with regard to running the process
• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of LOTT facilities and processes in accordance with supervisor’s instructions, established procedures and regulatory requirements
• Utilize various computer programs including LOTT control systems, spreadsheets and computerized maintenance and Laboratory Information management systems to document, interpret and communicate process issues including operational parameters, performance and equipment function and repair
• Ensure that all process analyzing instrumentation used for managing process control is well maintained
• Plan, organize, direct, and/or participate in shift operation activities
• Immediately intervene and report violations of LOTT Administrative Guidelines to a supervisor with special emphasis on Administrative Guideline #24, Standards of Conduct
• Monitor and operate a computer system to control plant processes
• Assign operations staff to various operational areas
• Monitor plant processes and direct the operations staff in controlling plant processes to ensure final effluent meets established federal, state, and local standards
• Ensure operations staff has proper training and materials required to effectively perform assigned tasks
• Responsible for assisting the Operations Supervisors in the hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluation of the operations staff
• Responsible for instructing operators in operational procedures, and ensuring established policies are followed
• Responsible for maintaining safe operational practices and environmental conditions in LOTT treatment facilities
• Coordinate LOTT operations across all shifts, with maintenance crews, engineering staff, contractors, and manufacturer’s representatives involved in the installation, testing, debugging, and repair of plant equipment
• Review, write, edit, and organize operational SOPs
• Monitor, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, adjust, and document operation of a wide variety of systems and processes, throughout LOTT Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Treatment Facilities, Lift Stations, and Distribution system
• Collect, document, and analyze samples from LOTT Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Treatment Facilities, Lift Stations, Distribution and Collection systems
• Perform testing such as chlorine residual, pH, ORP, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nutrients, and settleability analyses in laboratory and/or field environment to be used for process adjustments and support of the LOTT Water Quality Laboratory
• Take an active role in construction projects from planning through construction and commissioning, and serve on Project Teams as requested
• Safely operate a vehicle to and from offsite facilities, inspection locations, or other locations necessary to perform assigned work
• Adhere to LOTT’s Safety Program including updates and modifications to comply with federal and state regulations including, but not limited to, respiratory medical clearance
• Work weekends and holidays as necessary in response to emergencies, unanticipated equipment failures, or staffing shortages that may occur at any time
• May be assigned on-call duty
• May issue purchase requests for supplies and/or materials needed to operate LOTT facilities
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

WWTF Process Control Lead Operators work in facilities which are designed to optimize working and safety conditions. Operators work in several different environments within the facilities, often moving from indoor to outdoor areas, including inclement weather. Some areas are hot, cramped and/or smelly. Some walking and work surfaces are slippery or have open grates. Due to the size and configuration of LOTT facilities, the ability to climb stairs and a fair amount of agility are required. Various health and safety hazards are associated with working near high voltage motors and generators; contact with a variety of combustible, corrosive and toxic chemicals and gases; and with working in or around raw sewage. LOTT facilities are in continuous operation 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Process Control Lead Operators may be assigned to a day, swing or night shift schedule, work holidays as necessary, and may be required to be available after hours for emergency response.

Contacts:

Process Control Lead Operators have extensive daily contact with operations staff for purpose of work coordination, instruction, training, and evaluating. Will also have contact with staff from all sections of LOTT, along with consultants, equipment manufacturers and contractors.

Supervision:

This position does not supervise others but may be part of interview panels and assigned to guide less skilled Operators on how to safely and efficiently operate different areas of the plant including remote sites.

Accountability:

Process Control Lead Operators are accountable for ensuring assigned plant functions and operations meet all applicable rules, regulations, and procedures while the plant is operated at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. Process Control Lead Operators are accountable for ensuring their assigned staff are well trained and meet established standards as well as immediately intervening and reporting violations of LOTT Administrative Guidelines to a supervisor with special emphasis on Administrative Guideline #24, Standards of Conduct.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, materials, and operating procedures pertinent to the operation of a Biological Nitrogen Removal activated sludge wastewater treatment facility, Class A Reclaimed Water Production facilities, Anaerobic Digestion and Class B Biosolids for beneficial reuse and Membrane Bioreactors
• Reclaimed water production and distribution techniques, systems, equipment, permit limitations, process control, and operations and maintenance strategies
• Waste water sampling techniques, documentation, and laboratory testing
• Statistical process analysis and science-based Process Control decision making strategies
• Health and safety hazards associated with treatment facility operation and the necessary safety and health precautions
• Laboratory testing and wastewater sampling techniques
• Current leadership principles

Skill in:

• Basic computer operations, including word processing, spreadsheets, and specific programs related to control and monitoring of wastewater treatment plant operations, maintenance and communication
• The use and care of a variety of hand tools

Ability to:

• Communicate technical information both in a clear, concise, and professional manner verbally and in writing to audiences with varying levels of technical sophistication for the purpose of information sharing, work instruction/direction, coaching, motivating, facilitating, consensus-building and educating
• Work in a safe manner at all times by acquiring and maintaining thorough knowledge of all aspects of plant operation and by observing safe work practices
• Ability to collect, document, understand, analyze, and effectively act on a variety of operational data and instrument readingsClimb ladders and possess sufficient mobility to perform duties in small spaces by crouching, stooping, or kneeling, and physical ability to perform tasks requiring physical strength and finger dexterity
• Resolve problems at the lowest possible organizational level

Education/Experience:

Demonstrated experience with Biological Nutrient Removal systems and practices and control systems required. Two years of progressively increasing leadership experience preferred. Five years’ LOTT-specific Operations experience preferred.

Additional Requirements:

Possession of a valid Group III Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License is required. Must have a valid driver's license. Must participate in LOTT’s Health & Safety Program.