Lead Operator

Job description

Position Purpose: Leads assigned team in operating and maintaining water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal, and testing equipment to consistently purify water and meet all permit and operational requirements. Serves as Primary Operator with full responsibility for state reporting and regulatory compliance. Demonstrates advanced expertise in complex treatment functions and provides technical guidance to team members. Ensures facility operations maintain the highest standards of water quality and environmental stewardship. Primary Duties/Responsibilities: In conjunction with supervisor, or in his/her absence, reviews daily team requirements. Overseas work assignments to ensure that schedules are met. May recommend changes to schedule to optimize production and/or reduce costs. Ensures that labor reporting is accurate and balances with labor tracking system. Provides feedback to Supervisor on labor, material and equipment demands needed to achieve schedule. 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 wastewater 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. Provides proactive technical guidance and troubleshoots operational issues, implementing cost-effective solutions while ensuring strict adherence to process specifications. Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and variances, taking immediate corrective action per established procedures and reporting findings to supervisors. Models best practices in problem-solving and mentors team members in identifying efficient, sustainable solutions. Performs routine and preventative maintenance to optimize equipment performance and minimize downtime. Prepares work orders either manually or from a Computer Maintenance Management System as required and prepares work related reports, procurement requisitions, charts, graphs and data submittal requirements in an accurate and timely manner. 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 enforces compliance with all work practices, policies, and procedures, fostering a culture of safety and accountability across the team. Demonstrates exemplary safe work practices and provides active leadership in achieving facility safety goals and regulatory requirements. Conducts or assists with safety training and ensures ongoing safety awareness through proactive communication and environmental stewardship. Maintains rigorous housekeeping standards and promptly reports potential safety or compliance issues to supervisors for timely resolution. 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. Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less experienced Operators. Work Environment: Spends 100% of the time in an operations environment. May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicles to perform duties. Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment. Education/Experience/Background: High School Diploma or GED 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 of experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must have the ability to perform basic math equations. Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.) Must consistently demonstrate the ability to operate all machines and equipment meetin