Senior Wastewater Operations Travel Technician

Veolia | Water Tech; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 38,572 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

Veolia | Water Tech is seeking a Senior Wastewater Operations Traveling Technician in Boston, MA. The role involves operating and maintaining wastewater plants while ensuring compliance and assisting with new account startups. Technicians will travel to facilities nationwide and provide direction to local operators.

Qualifications include a wastewater license, 6+ years of treatment experience, and strong mechanical skills. The position offers an hourly wage of $28–35 based on market conditions.

Qualifications

• Wastewater license (biological and/or physical chemical) required.
• 6+ years experience in wastewater treatment.
• Operational experience with various WWTP systems.
• Strong mechanical ability and aptitude.
• Good communication and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater plants to comply with requirements.
• Provide direction to operators based on their skills.
• Analyze lab data for treatment and compliance.
• Communicate regularly with Account Manager.
• Manage travel plans and expenses.

Skills

Wastewater license

6+ years experience in wastewater treatment

Operational experience with WWTP systems

Strong mechanical ability

Good communication skills

Effective report-writing skills

Proficient in Microsoft or Google Suite

Education

College degree in relevant field

Job description

About Veolia Group

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation.

Job Description

A Senior Wastewater Operations Traveling Technician (SWOT) will be trained to operate and maintain wastewater plants at several locations around the country. The purpose of the position is to assist with new account startups, temporary operations, and to cover our existing facilities while local operators are out on PTO/sick time. The SWOT will be responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the wastewater plants they visit, including process changes to meet compliance, troubleshooting processes & equipment, operational management, maintenance (routine, reactive, and preventive), process & compliance sampling, laboratory testing, and writing and distributing a daily shift report.

The Senior Wastewater Operations Traveling Technicians will also assist with the startup of new wastewater operating contracts until full‑time local operators are hired, train newly hired operator(s), communicate with the client and Veolia’s Account Manager, and travel for extended periods ranging from 1–2 weeks up to one or more months.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater plants to comply with the requirements of the discharge permit and each client’s expectations/requirements.
• Provide direction and support to the operators on the other shifts, including the delegation of tasks based on their skills and abilities.
• Conduct lab analysis of the waste streams at various points in the process to verify treatment and to make process changes.
• Communicate frequently with the Account Manager regarding the operation of the WWTP and request assistance as needed.
• Coordinate own travel plans to and from the assigned facility; travel expenses paid by Veolia.
• Write or revise Standard Operating Procedures as necessary.
• Analyze lab data to uncover potential treatment issues and implement process changes to prevent non‑compliance.
• Submit daily and/or weekly reports to client and Veolia management regarding the current status of the wastewater plant operations and needs of the operations team.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule; travel on short notice for emergencies when necessary.
• Manage chemical inventories, spare parts inventory, and waste disposal activities.
• Provide training and/or facilitate training of operators for all facets of the operation and management of the WWTP.
• Perform all duties/tasks in compliance with the site safety plan.
• Coordinate and assist with major maintenance and preventive maintenance activities.
• Complete minor reactive and preventative maintenance activities to ensure smooth process operations at all times.
• Optimize the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Lead by example through hard work, attention to detail, respectful and consistent treatment of each member of the team and take responsibility for wastewater plant performance during your shift.
• Assist Veolia Management with the training and development of the operators.
• Show willingness to work with operators on other shifts when problems arise or if an operator needs assistance.
• Be available 24/7 to the operators, manager, and the client when at a client site.
• Provide direction to the team on the daily operation and maintenance of the wastewater plant to ensure compliance.
• Be knowledgeable about client process changes, chemical application rates, maintenance activities, and additional sampling/testing needed.
• Provide clear verbal and written instructions on proper operation and maintenance of the plant and equipment.
• Communicate with Veolia Management or Client Management regarding operational status, compliance, treatment, maintenance, and personnel issues.
• Make process changes based on lab data to correct compliance issues or improve treatment.
• Evaluate maintenance projects and determine needed outside support; coordinate and schedule with client maintenance teams or contractors.
• Discuss significant issues with the account manager to ensure reasonable and compliant actions.
• Develop creative and innovative process improvement ideas related to the operation/management of the WWTF.
• Schedule work independently.
• Participate in group meetings or discussions.
• Conduct meetings and lead group discussions.
• Communicate routinely with Veolia management.

Qualifications

• Wastewater license (biological and/or physical chemical) required; willingness to pursue reciprocity in other states and higher levels.
• 6+ years experience in wastewater treatment with knowledge of biological and/or physical/chemical treatment systems; college included.
• Operational experience with several types of WWTP systems (clarification, coagulation, flocculation, sludge dewatering, metals precipitation, aerobic, anaerobic, chemical feed, lab procedures).
• Strong mechanical ability and aptitude.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability and desire to build a “team mentality”.
• Effective report‑writing skills.
• Proficient in writing documents and updating spreadsheets in Microsoft or Google Suite.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $28–35 USD hourly, based on market conditions and internal equity.

Additional Information

Typical working conditions include a wastewater treatment plant and outdoors. The job holder may be exposed to extreme weather, heat and cold, burns, chemicals, dangerous machinery, dirt and dust, electrical hazards, grease and oil, loud noises, vibrations, steam, and high moisture levels. The position requires lifting and/or carrying up to 75 pounds, climbing a vertical ladder up to 30 feet, standing for long periods, walking on uneven surfaces, bending, using extension ladders daily, working a 12‑hour shift, and maneuvering in tight spaces. All PPE and gear will be provided.

EEO Statement

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and provides equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.