Utilities Operator

Valtris Specialty Chemicals; Bridgeport (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability

Flexible spending accounts

401(k)

Job summary

Valtris Specialty Chemicals in Bridgeport, NJ is seeking a Utilities Operator to manage daily operation of water and wastewater treatment plants. You will monitor equipment, collect samples, adjust chemical dosages and maintain logs, ensuring compliance with environmental permits and safety procedures.

Responsibilities include process control, data recording, and responding to emergencies. The role requires 1–3 years in manufacturing, a NJ water license would be preferred, and the ability to

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience (preferred).
• NJ T-2 Water Treatment Operator license and/or NJ N-series (preferred).
• High School Diploma or GED and basic math skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor water and wastewater treatment equipment.
• Collect water samples and perform lab analyses.
• Control processes and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Handle chemicals and operate a forklift safely.
• Record data, monitor logs and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain safety, housekeeping and equipment in good condition.
• Respond to emergencies and communicate with the team.
• Conduct weekly fire pump operations and routine checks.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Mathematical skills

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Welcome to Valtris Specialty Chemicals

At Valtris, our purpose is simple: we manufacture and provide specialty chemicals that improve our customers’ products and processes by helping them develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Join our team, and you will be challenged creatively while gaining opportunities to grow in your career.

Welcome to Valtris Specialty Chemicals

At Valtris, our purpose is simple: we manufacture and provide specialty chemicals that improve our customers’ products and processes by helping them develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Join our team, and you will be challenged creatively while gaining opportunities to grow in your career.

Job Summary

The Utilities Operator is responsible for the daily operation of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Primary duties include monitoring and controlling the operation of these facilities, collecting and testing water samples, adjusting chemical levels, maintaining equipment, recording data, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and identifying, communicating and responding to operational issues or emergencies within the facility

Essential Responsibilities

• Operating and Monitoring Equipment – Manage pumps, aerators, filters, clarifiers, and other treatment equipment by adjusting flow rates and monitoring operational parameters through the Delta V DCS system. Perform routine plant rounds and equipment inspections to identify and respond to abnormal operating conditions or equipment issues.
• Sample Collection and Analysis – Regularly collect water and wastewater samples and perform laboratory analyses to assess treatment performance and water quality, including parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids/MLSS, settleability, oxygen uptake rate (OUR), chlorine, and iron. Demonstrate proficiency in proper laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, use and calibration of laboratory equipment, accurate testing techniques, recognition of abnormal or questionable results, interpretation of results, and proper documentation.
• Process Control and Troubleshooting – Monitor treatment performance, identify abnormal process conditions, troubleshoot operational issues, and make appropriate process adjustments within established operating procedures.
• Chemical Handling – Load and unload tank trucks, handle IBC bulk containers and drums, and add necessary chemicals (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, lime, or coagulants) to the water and wastewater treatment process. Safely operate a forklift to load, unload, transport, and position chemicals, drums, totes, and other treatment materials as required.
• Data Recording and Reporting – Maintain detailed logs of operational data, including flow rates, chemical usage, test results, and any equipment malfunction.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensure adherence to applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations and permit requirements for wastewater treatment and discharge and potable water standards.
• Safety Procedures – Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals and operating machinery and Lockout/Tagout procedures. Understand the requirements and applicable work permits and issue permits for work performed within the Water and Wastewater Plants.
• Housekeeping – Maintain clean, orderly and safe work areas, including the plants, laboratory and chemical storage area.
• Shift Communication – Communicate significant operating conditions, equipment issues, process changes and outstanding work to relieving personnel and supervisor.
• Emergency Response – Respond to unexpected situations such as equipment failures, spills, or power outages, taking necessary corrective actions to minimize environmental impact.
• Fire Pump Operations – Conduct weekly testing and operation of fire pumps in case of emergency.

Required Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Working knowledge of EPA, NJ DEP, and local regulations (preferred).
• Valid New Jersey T-2 Water Treatment Operator license and/or New Jersey N-series Industrial Wastewater Operator license (preferred).
• Water/wastewater treatment, chemical processing, utilities or industrial operations experience (preferred).
• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) including the ability to perform calculations related to flow, chemical dosage, concentration and treatment processes.
• Ability to manually lift, push, and move up to 50 lbs. throughout the shift.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment as part of a team.
• Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary.
• Capability to work in an environment involving:
  • Bending, stooping, climbing, pushing/pulling, and reaching (at or above shoulder height).
  • Chemical and mechanical operations, confined spaces, dust, and fumes.
  • Operation of forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
  • Exposure to heat, humidity, and loud machinery.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Ability to understand and follow written operating procedures, safety procedures, permits, and equipment instructions

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to use computers, printers, radios, phones, laboratory equipment and other equipment required to perform job duties
• Must be able to routinely walk and perform rounds throughout the Water and Wastewater Plants, including indoor and outdoor areas.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs and ladders, and work in and around treatment equipment as required.
• Must be able to work in an industrial environment involving chemical and mechanical operations, dust, fumes, heat, humidity, noise and varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to safely work around pumps, rotating equipment, forklifts, chemical-feed systems, tanks, basins, and other treatment equipment.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

We offer a competitive salary and benefit plans focused on the well-being of our employees.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• disability
• flexible spending accounts
• 401(k)

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity , national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration protected by law