Water Treatment Operator

Job Summary: The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment processes within the Water Treatment Department. This position ensures contaminated process water, stormwater, sulfuric acid solutions, and other wastewater streams are properly treated and managed in accordance with environmental regulations and company operating procedures. The Water Treatment Operator monitors treatment systems, chemical feed processes, pH levels, holding tanks, filter presses, vacuum filtration equipment, pumps, meters, and associated treatment equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations. Essential Job Duties / Responsibilities: Operate and monitor wastewater treatment systems, holding tanks, pumps, filters, and associated equipment. Treat contaminated wash water, stormwater, and sulfuric acid generated throughout plant operations. Monitor treatment processes and ensure wastewater is processed according to environmental and operational requirements. Check and record pH levels, flow rates, treatment times, and operational data. Add treatment chemicals as required, including hydrated lime, magnesium oxide, Harborlite, and other approved treatment agents. Monitor tank levels, gauges, meters, probes, and control systems to maintain proper operating conditions. Operate and monitor JWI filter presses, vacuum filtration systems, and associated separation equipment. Perform routine inspections of treatment tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, piping systems, and filtration equipment. Pressure wash screens, filters, floors, and treatment equipment to maintain cleanliness and operational efficiency. Collect and document treatment data, laboratory results, operating readings, and inspection records. Monitor water quality, sludge separation, and filtration performance. Troubleshoot process abnormalities including blockages, leaks, equipment malfunctions, and process deviations. Repair or replace PVC piping, hoses, and minor treatment system components as needed. Assist with unloading chemical deliveries and transferring treatment chemicals into storage silos or tanks. Maintain proper chemical inventories and notify supervision of inventory shortages. Coordinate with Maintenance personnel to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime. Follow all environmental regulations, wastewater discharge requirements, and company operating procedures. Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirator, hard hat, hearing protection, gloves, coveralls, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Participate in safety meetings, environmental compliance activities, and required training programs. Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout assigned work areas. Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Strong commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and chemical handling procedures. Ability to monitor and control multiple treatment systems simultaneously. Understanding of pumps, holding tanks, filter presses, vacuum filtration systems, piping, and wastewater treatment equipment. Ability to read pH meters, flow meters, gauges, and process indicators. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Basic math, reading, writing, and recordkeeping abilities. Ability to interpret operational readings and identify abnormal conditions. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Mechanical aptitude and equipment awareness. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement Physical Requirements / Work Environment: Work is performed in a heavy industrial recycling and manufacturing environment. Regular exposure to wastewater treatment chemicals, lead-containing materials, dust, noise, moisture, and varying weather conditions. Frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and working around industrial equipment. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to wear all required PPE throughout the work shift, including: o Respirator o Hard Hat o Hearing Protection o Safety Glasses o Gloves o Coveralls o Steel-Toed Boots Must comply with all OSHA, EPA, ADEM, environmental, and company safety/hygiene requirements. Required Qualifications: Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment. Ability to work safely around chemicals and industrial equipment. Strong attendance and dependability record. Ability to wear required PPE throughout the work shift. Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening. Preferred Qualifications: Previous wastewater treatment, water treatment, environmental, industrial, recycling, manufacturing, mining, or chemical processing experience. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Experience operating filter presses, pumps, tanks, vacuum filtration systems, or wastewater treatment equipment. Experience monitoring pH levels, flow rates, and process controls. Forklift operating experience. Experience working in environments requiring continuous PPE usage. Basic maintenance or plumbing experience involving PVC piping, valves, and pumps.