Operator Lead

Operator Lead

Requirements

• High School education or equivalent with the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions)
• Associate’s degree in a science or technical area strongly preferred
• Over five years’ experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment
• Ability to perform basic math equations
• Demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to operate all machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision
• Ability to efficiently operate all equipment in the facility which may include pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment, and material handling equipment
• Ability to diagnose process problems regardless of complexity, troubleshoot equipment and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations
• Demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control
• Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily
• Able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site

Responsibilities

• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and odor control and vacuum filters used to decontaminate waste water by settling, aeration and sludge digestion
• Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log
• Ensures conformance to process specifications. Troubleshoots and diagnoses operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes
• Samples wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule
• Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers
• Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder
• Performs lab tests applicable to permit testing and related reports per procedure
• Performs instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit
• Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required
• Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes
• Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies
• Assigns, monitors & reviews accuracy of work, no authority for personnel actions, work time is spent performing many of the same duties of those in group
• Models and teaches compliance with all work practices, policies and procedures
• Must follow established operational, process control, safety and emergency response procedures. Must adhere to specifications and production schedule
• May recommend or adapt procedures, techniques, tools, materials and/or equipment to meet special needs. Is expected to suggest process improvements
• Frequent contact with plant operators and other personnel in order to understand issues
• Frequent contact with less experienced maintenance personnel, training, coaching
• Frequent contact with equipment suppliers to obtain operations and maintenance instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a science or technical area strongly preferred