Senior Process Controller (Wastewater Treatment Works)

Watershed Consulting; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Watershed Consulting seeks a Senior Process Controller (Wastewater Treatment Works) to monitor, control and optimise plant operations across four sites in the Western Cape. Responsibilities include SCADA/HMI/PLC supervision, lab testing, maintenance, chemical handling and safety compliance.

The role requires hands-on operation, data reporting, and adherence to quality standards and regulatory conditions. You will work within a team to ensure continuous, safe effluent delivery and OHS compliance.

Qualifications

• National NQF level certificate or equivalent in Water/Wastewater Treatment.
• Relevant wastewater treatment operator certification/license.
• Practical experience with SCADA, PLC and HMI systems in a process environment.
• Laboratory testing and quality control experience in water/wastewater.
• Valid driver’s license; safety certifications desirable.
• Knowledge of OHS Act and local discharge/licence conditions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, record and report plant activities, flows, reservoir levels and equipment performance.
• Operate SCADA, HMI and PLC set points to meet targets and optimise chemical/energy usage.
• Collect, analyse and record samples; perform bench tests and related procedures.
• Identify deviations from licence conditions and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform housekeeping tasks and maintenance; coordinate with maintenance teams.
• Manage chemical handling, dosing changes and inventory; report usage.
• Complete SHEQ documentation, permits-to-work and incident reporting.

Skills

Operational decision-making

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team leadership

Coaching

Attention to detail

Record-keeping

Shift work & alarms handling

Education

NQF level certificate in Water/Wastewater

Wastewater operator certification/license

Driver's license

Tools

SCADA/PLC/HMI systems

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Title

Senior Process Controller (Wastewater Treatment Works)

4x Positions:

Overstrand/ Hawwston / Hermanus / Stanford - Western Cape

Description

The Senior Process Controller is responsible for monitoring, controlling and optimising wastewater treatment plant operations to ensure safe, compliant and continuous delivery of treated effluent. The role includes plant supervision, process control via SCADA/HMI/PLC, laboratory testing and quality assurance, routine and first-line maintenance, chemical handling and inventory, housekeeping, safety enforcement and reporting. The incumbent is authorised to take corrective action and enforce Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and site procedures when non-conformances are identified.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, record and report plant activities, flows, reservoir levels, pump status and equipment performance in registers and logbooks.
• Operate and adjust SCADA, HMI and PLC set points to meet plant performance targets and optimise chemical and energy usage.
• Collect, analyse and record samples in accordance with quality standards and laboratory procedures; perform bench tests (jar tests, SVI, pH, conductivity, ORP, chlorine, aluminium, sludge characteristics).
• Identify and report deviations from licence conditions, SANS standards or internal KPIs; initiate corrective actions and escalat… as required.
• Perform and supervise housekeeping tasks, inlet/channel/screen cleaning, clarifier maintenance, sludge handling, dewatering and high-pressure washing.
• Assist with first-line maintenance, inspect equipment, report defects and coordinate with maintenance teams or contractors.
• Manage chemical handling, dosing changes, stock verification and safe storage; calculate dosing and consumption rates and report daily.
• Complete and maintain SHEQ documentation, incident reports, permit-to-work, lockout-tagout records and tool registers; participate in incident investigations and audits.
• Ensure safe practices including confined space entry procedures, PPE use, spill response and emergency response drills.
• Conduct shift handovers, attend operational meetings, report on subordinates, suppliers and subcontractor performance and maintain vehicle and plant logbooks.
• Secure plant and assets against theft and vandalism and ensure continuity of operations to meet demand.
• Perform periodic verification and calibration of field instruments and handheld meters; arrange external laboratory submission where required.

Qualifications

• National NQF level certificate or equivalent in Water/Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Science, Civil/Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Relevant wastewater treatment operator certification/license or demonstrated experience at a comparable level.
• Practical experience with SCADA, PLC and HMI systems in a process environment.
• Proven experience in laboratory testing and quality control for water/wastewater.
• Valid driver's licence; confined space, first aid, and other safety certifications desirable.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and standards including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993), SANS and local discharge/licence conditions.

Skills

• Strong operational decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication and report writing
• Team leadership, supervision and coaching
• Attention to detail and record-keeping
• Ability to work shifts and respond to alarms or emergencies