Wastewater Plant Operator

Water Otter Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K plan with employer’s contribution

Paid holidays

Job summary

H 2 O Innovation is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for a state-of-the-art MBR facility serving the Texas Division of Emergency Management in Austin. You will operate daily processes, monitor performance, perform lab tests, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires hands-on maintenance experience, ability to work independently, and strong problem-solving skills. Travel is possible but limited; on-site work in Austin, TX is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Texas license or higher preferred.
• Five+ years in operations/maintenance of an advanced WWTP.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain the wastewater treatment facility and its systems.
• Perform laboratory testing for water quality and process control.
• Maintain records and coordinate chemical orders and replacements.
• Coordinate safety and environmental compliance programs.

Skills

Environmental awareness

Maintenance & hands-on

Verbal and written skills

Public relations & customer service

Autonomy & initiative

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Studies/related field

Engineering/Physical Sciences background preferred

Tools

SCADA

Office software

Job description

H 2 O Innovation provides public works management services & operations assistance for water & wastewater treatment plants to municipalities, government organizations, and businesses across North America. Choose a career at H 2 O Innovation with a team of passionate and highly self-motivated water treatment professionals working on multidisciplinary challenges in an international, dynamic and ever-growing environment. Here, we encourage entrepreneurship and celebrate achievements. We work together to reach ambitious goals in an environment where fulfilling commitments and integrity are valued.

THE POSITION

H 2 O Innovation is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for a newly constructed, state-of-the-art Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Wastewater Treatment Facility serving the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) State Emergency Operations Center in Austin, Texas. Working under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Operator will be responsible for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility, including its associated pumping, solids handling, disinfection, and reclaimed water systems. Responsibilities include performing laboratory testing for water quality and process control, monitoring treatment performance and regulatory compliance, conducting preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, blowers, piping, instrumentation, and other process equipment, and operating the facility's MBR and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems. The Operator will also utilize SCADA for process monitoring, alarm response, and troubleshooting; calibrate sensors and chemical dosing equipment; maintain accurate operating and maintenance records; and coordinate the ordering of chemicals, supplies, and replacement parts. The position requires a hands-on, self-motivated individual capable of working independently, responding to operational issues, and maintaining reliable facility performance.

Skills & Attributes Desired

• Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or related degree preferred, but not required.
• Heavy background in maintenance of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment, process sensors and systems, and industrial controls.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator License or higher.
• Five plus years in operations &/or maintenance of an advanced wastewater treatment plant.
• Computer and office equipment skills.
• Public relations and customer service skills.
• Verbal and written skills, including report writing.
• Accounting, budgeting, and record-keeping skills.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, equipment, materials, and standards involved in the operations, maintenance, and management of wastewater treatment (WWT) systems.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to assume responsibility.
• Knowledge of laboratory best practices and safety procedures.

Additional Skills

• Requires advanced level mechanical/electrical skills.
• Must possess ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, schematics, and O&M manuals, etc.
• Must be versed in verbal and written communication skills to convey information to co-workers, equipment vendors, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles and any proper licensing needed.

THE DAY-TO-DAY

• Plan, organize, supervise, and schedule resources to meet program and production goals.
• Develop work-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Develop plant specific safety programs.
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend appropriate meetings.
• Develop and implement emergency management guidelines to effectively deal with WWT problems, power outages, flooding, and other factors that could impact public health, safety and or environmental quality.
• Provide on-call coverage for plant alarms and upsets with remote after-hours response to correct problems
• Coordinate plant safety and security needs.
• Assist with the coordination of Capital Improvement Projects to upgrade and/or expand plant facilities.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with client and host site personnel.
• Able to strictly adhere to all client and host directives and requirements.

The Benefits

Overall remuneration including:

• Group Insurance Plan including dental, vision & telemedicine;
• Health saving account;
• 401K plan with employer’s contribution;
• Flexible schedule;
• Day shift from Monday to Friday;
• Thirteen (13) statutory holidays;
• Paid vacation & sick days;
• Competitive Pay

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work location is in a plant/office setting (95%)
• Frequent participation in meetings.
• Hands-on operations and maintenance (working supervisor).
• Travel possible but, limited.
• Vendor contact and interaction.