Water Operator IV

Ema, Inc.; Lexington (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Time-off & work-life balance

Tuition reimbursement

Safety training

Inclusive culture

Awards & recognition

Job summary

EPCOR USA is seeking a Lead Water Operator to oversee advanced treatment systems, lead a team of Operators I–III, and ensure compliance with EPA standards. The role combines technical expertise with leadership, focusing on safe, reliable water and wastewater treatment for the community.

Responsibilities include operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment, performing laboratory analyses, and coordinating with maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Minimum five years of relevant water treatment operations experience.
• TCEQ Water or Wastewater A or B License.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices and advanced water treatment processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex plant performance issues.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant process equipment to meet standards.
• Collect samples and perform tests (pH, CL2, conductivity, BOD, COD, DO, TSS).
• Analyze water quality data and adjust processes for compliance.
• Monitor telemetry and SCADA systems; adjust chemical feeds as needed.
• Maintain chemical inventory and coordinate orders.
• Lead and mentor Operators I–III and coordinate with maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

TCEQ Water or Wastewater A or B License

Tools

SCADA

Microsoft Office

Job description

Highlights of the Role

As a Lead Water Operator, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable water and wastewater treatment for the community. You’ll oversee advanced treatment systems, troubleshoot complex challenges, and lead a team of Operators I, II, and III. This position combines technical expertise with leadership, making you a key contributor to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant process equipment, including pumps, blowers, scrubbers, motors, chemical feeds, sludge equipment, and basic lab instruments to meet County, State, and EPA standards
• Collect samples and perform tests such as pH, CL₂, conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, BOD, COD, DO, and TSS
• Analyze water quality and lab results, adjusting processes as needed to maintain compliance
• Calculate and adjust chemical feed rates; monitor and operate telemetry and SCADA systems
• Maintain chemical inventory and request new or replacement orders
• Coordinate with maintenance staff for equipment adjustments and safe chemical handling
• Perform minor equipment repairs, lubrication, and report issues promptly
• Prepare daily reports and documentation using spreadsheets and word processing software
• Respond to emergency call-outs, including weekends and holidays, and participate in on-call rotations
• Support other projects and responsibilities as requested
• Operates high level water treatment equipment including Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, Cold Lime Softening systems, groundwater wells, remote stations, and centrifuges.
• Perform extensive laboratory analysis with high-level knowledge of data interpretation and corrective actions associated with laboratory test results. Complete laboratory instrument calibrations and verifications to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain, calibrate, verify, and troubleshoot continuous on-line water quality analyzers.
• Under limited supervision, perform operation, maintenance and control work at the water treatment plant including chemical feed equipment, pump control valves, pressure control valves; adjusts system to meet specific demand s.
• Act as a shift lead, providing guidance and mentoring operators I, II, III.
• Install and make repairs on piping, valves, and other components of the water treatment plant
• Perform facility, well, and remote site rounds. Analyze data and communicate results effectively.
• Be able to perform as an integral team member participating in process control strategies and implementation. Show competency in the process changes with the ability to garner “buy-in” from all team members. Lead and promote an EPCOR One Team environment
• Will occasionally operate equipment such as forklifts and backhoes, after successfully completing competency and safety training.
• Assist Foreman with daily tasks. Fill in as Foreman is absent.
• Ensure all monitoring data collection is being completed as required. This includes process control lab data points, RO profiling, clarifier pH reads, centrifuge operational data and others

What’s Required to Be Successful

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain a clean driving record
• Minimum five years of relevant experience with water treatment operations, field maintenance, water and/or wastewater plant maintenance, or other mechanical maintenance experience.
• TCEQ Water or Wastewater A or B License
• Knowledge of laboratory practices and advanced water treatment processes, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, ion exchange, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and activated sludge
• Ability to troubleshoot complex plant performance issues and perform mechanical/electrical troubleshooting
• Experience operating sludge presses and centrifuges
• Strong computer skills for reporting and documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills for process adjustments and problem-solving
• Commitment to safety and adherence to emergency procedures
• Experience and ability to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Why EPCOR?

We offer more than just a job - we offer a career with purpose. EPCOR is a place where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your safety is prioritized. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a market-aligned salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance - plus a retirement plan with substantial company contributions.
• Generous Time-Off & Work-Life Balance: Take advantage of paid vacation, sick time, holidays, personal days, and programs that support your well-being.
• Professional Development: Benefit from tuition reimbursement, certification support, and ongoing training opportunities to grow your career.
• Safety-First Culture: We prioritize your safety through robust training, proactive programs, and recognition of safety milestones.
• Inclusive & Innovative Environment: Be part of a team that values diverse perspectives, celebrates innovation, and fosters a sense of belonging.
• Award-Winning Workplace: EPCOR has been recognized as a Best Places to Work employer – it’s our people who make that possible.

About EPCOR USA

At EPCOR USA, we don’t just deliver water and wastewater services - we invest in communities, protect the environment, and build infrastructure that powers the future. As part of a North American company operating across the United States and Canada, we’re headquartered in Glendale, AZ, and are proud to be one of the largest private water utilities in the Southwest.

Other important facts

• To join EPCOR, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• If selected for the role, you must successfully complete a background check, drug screening, professional reference check, previous employer verification, and education verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• Some roles may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions and require additional physical capabilities. Positions regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) may also have specific compliance requirements.

EPCOR USA is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive workplace that recognizes and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.