WASTEWATER TECHNICIAN 3
The WASTEWATER TECHNICIAN 3 is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing wastewater systems and equipment, minimizing equipment downtime and meeting all permit requirements.
Schedule Requirements
- 12‑hour shift – must be available to work a 2‑2‑3 schedule that includes every other weekend.
- Work overtime as directed by management.
Accountabilities & Impact
Safety / Food Safety
- Adhere to all Plant and Safety policies and procedures, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
- Ensure equipment meets safety standards and regulations.
Technical Expertise
- Operate, maintain, and repair wastewater treatment systems and associated process equipment.
- Operate and monitor a hybrid anaerobic/aerobic wastewater treatment system, including the EGSB digester, equalization systems, aerobic biological treatment processes, dissolved air flotation systems, sludge handling systems, and associated process equipment.
- Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain biogas systems, including flare systems, gas compressors, co‑generation equipment, and H2S scrubbers.
- Maintain compliance with environmental, process safety, and operational requirements associated with anaerobic digestion, aerobic biological treatment, combustible gas systems, hydrogen sulfide hazards, confined space entry, and wastewater treatment operations.
- Analyze data from controls, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biological systems and initiate operational changes to maintain treatment performance within equipment requirements and permit limits.
- Monitor and optimize wastewater treatment performance, including flow, pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, nutrient balance, biomass health, COD reduction, gas production, H2S concentrations, sludge quality, and overall biological treatment efficiency.
- Initiate corrective actions or alternative operating procedures during outages, equipment failures, process upsets, toxic or high‑strength waste loads, large spills, or emergency conditions affecting wastewater treatment systems.
- Perform basic and advanced laboratory testing related to wastewater process monitoring, anaerobic treatment, aerobic biological treatment, sludge quality, and process control.
- Conduct routine and non‑routine analysis of wastewater streams and anaerobic/aerobic treatment performance.
- Perform routine, preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, aerobic treatment, gas handling, sludge handling, and process treatment equipment.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, anaerobic process, aerobic process, and biological treatment equipment to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
- Demonstrate strong root‑cause problem‑solving skills to identify operational issues, execute repairs, improve reliability, and optimize wastewater treatment system performance.
Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work performed, parts used and observations.
- Ensure PMs/work order paperwork is completed before departure from plant.
- Follow up with team members when passing ongoing work to the next shift.
- Assist lead with developing/updating SOPs.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with brewing and other departments to coordinate maintenance activities without disrupting the manufacturing process; communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
Inventory Management
- Find parts in the CMMS system.
- Ensure parts used from inventory are reported and documented in accordance with inventory control program guidelines.
- Optimize use of resources, including tools and equipment.
Communication
- Ensure smooth shift changes by communicating important information to incoming shifts, including updates on work in progress, equipment conditions, and any outstanding issues or concerns.
- Escalate concerns to supervisor as it relates to safety, quality, performance goals, productivity, continuous improvement, and teamwork/harmony.
Training And Development
- Collaborate with peers and team members to transfer specialist technical knowledge.
Process Improvement
- Work directly with leadership to develop and execute projects involving continuous improvement, equipment and/or facility upgrades, and the permanent corrective measures of reoccurring problems.
- Perform other various job duties as required.
Skill & Experience Needed
- 3 years of operational experience in an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant preferred.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations, sludge processing and handling, chemistry, microbiology, anaerobic digestion processes, EGSB digester operations, and laboratory testing equipment.
- Experience with biogas systems including flare systems, gas compressors, co‑generation systems, and H2S scrubbers preferred.
- Knowledge of mathematics, mechanical systems, chemistry, biology, microbiology, electrical systems, instrumentation, controls systems, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
- Competent in the operation of wastewater treatment equipment and unit processes including pumping systems, controls systems, screening, grit removal, clarification, pH adjustment, nutrient dosing, sludge dewatering equipment, anaerobic pretreatment systems, aerobic biological treatment systems, and associated process equipment.
- Experience handling hazardous chemicals and working safely around combustible gases, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and confined space environments.
- Experience troubleshooting and maintaining pumps, motors, compressors, valves, piping systems, instrumentation, process controls, SCADA systems and related process equipment.
- Proficient in computer systems and software including Microsoft Office, Excel, email platforms, SCADA systems, and CMMS.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to effectively document operational activities and communicate across departments.
Personal Attributes
- Superior attention to safe work practices.
- Ability to manage well under pressure while staying true to company values.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to take on any task.
- Reliable and punctual – must adhere to attendance and absenteeism policy.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and prioritize work while multitasking.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to demonstrate and maintain a “can‑do” and positive attitude.
- Ability to provide and receive open and regular feedback and adjust accordingly.
- Works collaboratively within various teams.
- Ability to adjust communication/leadership style as needed and when appropriate.
- Fully accountable owner of self and team behaviors and results.
Working Conditions
- Exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc.
- Occasional outdoor work exposed to outside conditions for short periods.
- Subject to extreme heat/cold temperatures.
- Must have sufficient endurance to perform tasks over long periods of time.
- Fast‑paced and constantly changing work environment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand/move 8‑12 hours per day.
- Ability to ascend/descend stairs/ladders throughout shift.
- Fine motor skills and dexterity for manipulation.
- Must wear PPE including dull cap, safety steel toe shoes, safety glasses, dust masks or PAPRs.
- Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Additional Information
- Scheduling requirements: 2‑2‑3, 12‑hour shifts in a two‑week cycle. Shift operations include weekends, holidays. Must be able to work overtime as directed by management.
- Safety sensitive position within the state of Arizona.
- Pay starts at $33.99 per hour.