Wastewater Operator

Cambrian Innovation Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The ideal candidate will hold a Colorado wastewater license or be able to obtain one, have 5+ years of relevant experience, and be able to travel within the U.S. as needed. The position is full-time and on-site in Denver, CO, with a focus on safe operations and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years operating industrial or municipal water/wastewater facilities.
• Licensed wastewater operator in Colorado or ability to obtain equivalence.
• Experience with MBRs, RO, anaerobic/aerobic treatment, and related systems.
• Strong understanding of EPA/OSHA/Colorado regulations.
• Proven ability to read P&IDs/PFDs and interpret engineering plans.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the full treatment system and all ancillary equipment.
• Use control systems to monitor and operate the system and respond to alarms.
• Calibrate and maintain pumps, valves, and field instruments.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues to minimize downtime.
• Monitor parameters (MLSS, pH, COD/BOD, DO) and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Communicate with clients and project teams and support system optimization.
• Read P&IDs, PFDs, and O&M manuals to verify installations align with designs.
• Assist in commissioning, site upgrades, and documentation.

Skills

Wastewater treatment

SCADA/PLC

Mechanical/Electrical basics

Communication

Independent in field

Education

Wastewater license (Colorado)

High School Diploma

Tools

Ignition

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Wastewater Operator

Full Time Denver, CO, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1039

Salary Range: $40.00 To $45.00 Hourly

Who We Are:

Cambrian Innovation is on the cutting edge of developing distributed wastewater treatment, water reuse, and renewable energy solutions. We are on a mission to simplify water reuse and energy recovery, making them sustainable and cost-effective for commercial and industrial clients.

At Cambrian Innovation, we're not just addressing environmental challenges; we're innovating the future of resource recovery. Our award-winning products utilize advanced biological technologies, state-of-the-art automation, and modular designs, allowing us to minimize costs while maximizing impact. With our groundbreaking water-energy purchase agreement (WEPA®), we deliver wastewater treatment and resource recovery as a service with no upfront costs, making it easier for our clients to implement sustainable practices.

Founded with the support of NASA and spurred from MIT's innovative spirit, we are proud to have been recognized as a Global Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and as a Circular Economy Leader by Accenture and the World Economic Forum. We invite you to be part of our journey towards creating sustainable solutions for a better future. Join us to make a difference in the world and help shape the next generation of environmental innovations!

Please note: The Denver, CO area is the required location for this role. Qualified candidates outside of the listed area will be considered.

Basic Function

The Wastewater Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining Cambrian’s Wastewater Treatment Facility in Denver, CO, ensuring compliance with water quality standards, supporting project execution, and contributing to system commissioning. This role involves hands-on system operation, assisting with plant start-up and commissioning activities, resolving operational issues within 24 hours, and helping to manage small-scale upgrades and retrofits in coordination with engineers and contractors.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with wastewater treatment processes such as Anaerobic Treatment, MBRs, and Reverse Osmosis (RO), and a solid understanding of EPA, OSHA, and Colorado state regulations. The role requires frequent communication with customers and Cambrian’s Field Operations leadership, and occasional travel to support other U.S. sites.

Key Responsibilities - These are the key items that employees are accountable for. They represent the outcomes and goals that the employee is expected to achieve.

• Operate and maintain the full treatment system and all ancillary equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with design specifications
• Use Ignition and Allen-Bradley control systems to monitor and operate the system, including remote access and timely alarm response
• Perform regular calibration and preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, chemical systems, field instruments, and other critical equipment
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control system issues to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation
• Monitor and adjust process parameters such as MLSS, pH, sludge age, solids retention time, COD/BOD removal efficiency, flow, dissolved oxygen, and temperature
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, ensuring OSHA compliance and collaborating with the Safety Team as needed
• Analyze operational data to evaluate system trends, identify disruptions, and ensure regulatory and performance compliance
• Communicate regularly with clients and project teams to share operational insights, provide technical summaries, and support system optimization
• Read and interpret engineering plans, P&IDs, PFDs, O&M manuals, and installation details; verify that installations align with design documents
• Assist in developing, implementing, and revising operational protocols for both new and existing sites
• Support project management by tracking tasks, updating schedules, and assisting with site upgrades and retrofits
• Assist with pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, executing assigned tasks on schedule with a minimum 95% completion rate
• Lead punch-list development and resolution before plant handover; verify systems meet specifications before final sign-off
• Support and perform functional and performance testing during the commissioning phase
• Maintain accurate records, document work completed, and contribute to regular operational reporting
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development as determined by the Senior Director of Site Operations; complete required continuing education hours annually

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• 5+ years operating industrial or municipal water/wastewater facilities
• Possess a Wastewater license in the state of Colorado, or the ability to obtain equivalent.
• Operated and optimized WWTPs in food/beverage or municipal sectors
• Managed digestor systems: phosphorus removal, suspended growth, anaerobic treatment, solids separation
• Maintained and operated MBR and RO units
• Hands-on experience with anaerobic/aerobic treatment, RO, UFMBR, MBBR, filtration, chemical dosing, biogas reactors
• Operated and maintained skidded/process equipment, process controls, and instrumentation
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical basics: pumps, valves, piping, dewatering, solids handling
• Applied basic industrial electrical and instrumentation knowledge
• Performed regular lab testing, water quality analysis, and data collection (TSS, MLSS, conductivity)
• Read and applied P&IDs and PFDs for system operations
• Knowledge of PLC/SCADA programming, control sequences, and industrial process automation
• Used Ignition, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar automation/control platforms
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Worked independently in the field, managing multiple priorities
• Valid driver's license
• Lives within 30 minutes of Denver plant site

Desired Skills/Qualities

• Degree in Science, Engineering, or technical certificate
• Experience with MBR, biomass management, membrane cleaning, and related safety practices