Water- Wastewater Operator

Water Otter Job Board; New Jersey; On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Valtris Specialty Chemicals in New Jersey is seeking a Utilities Operator to manage the daily operation of our Water and Wastewater treatment plants, monitor equipment, collect samples, and ensure regulatory compliance. You will troubleshoot processes and maintain accurate data records in a dynamic environment.

You will handle chemicals with PPE, operate a forklift, and respond to emergencies while emphasizing safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement across shifts.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of EPA, NJ DEP, and local regulations.
• Valid New Jersey T-2 Water Treatment Operator license and/or NJ N-series license.
• Water/wastewater treatment, chemical processing, utilities or industrial operations experience.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic mathematical skills for flow, dosage and concentration calculations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a physically demanding environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to follow written operating procedures and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, aerators, filters, and other equipment via DeltaV DCS.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and perform lab analyses.
• Control treatment processes and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Load chemicals and operate forklift for handling materials.
• Maintain detailed logs of flow rates, chemical usage, and test results.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permits.
• Follow PPE and lockout/tagout safety procedures.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas in plants and labs.
• Communicate significant conditions to supervision and relief personnel.
• Respond to emergencies and conduct routine fire pump testing.

Skills

Communication

Team player

Safety awareness

Math skills

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NJ T-2 Water Treatment Operator license

N-series Industrial Wastewater Operator license

Tools

DeltaV DCS

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.

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.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts and 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