The Plant Operator Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of the water/wastewater treatment plant within a designated region. This role involves supervising plant operators, ensuring the effective operation of equipment and systems, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The Plant Operator Lead will also be involved in troubleshooting, training staff, and implementing operational improvements.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of plant operators, including assigning tasks, and providing training
- Ensure team adherence to safety protocols, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Thorough knowledge of the company’s SCADA system and control room operation and knowledge of electrical components and electronic instruments.
- Thorough knowledge of DEQ requirements for protecting the public health in regard to drinking and wastewater
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of the plant equipment, including pumps, valves, filters, and chemical dosing systems
- Monitor and optimize plant processes to improve efficiency, performance, and reduce costs
- Conduct routine inspections and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment
- Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate maintenance activities
- Record and report accurate operational data and performance metrics
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and monitoring equipment and processes to ensure proper operation
- Oversee grounds and building maintenance
- Travel to assigned plants in the local area
- Work various shifts as the treatment plant operates 24/7
- Proven ability to supervise, motivate and train personnel and to recognize problems as well as suggesting solutions
- Take the lead during severe weather occurrences and emergency situations
- Operate and monitor wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Analyze samples and test water quality to ensure proper treatment processes are followed.
- Perform routine maintenance and repair on equipment, including pumps, valves, and other machinery.
- Utilize logic controllers and distributed control systems for efficient operation of treatment processes.
- All other duties as assigned
Personal Attributes
- Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
- Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem
- Attention to Detail - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task from the beginning to the end of the project/task
- Communication, Oral & Written- Ability to communicate effectively with others using both the spoken/written word
- Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures
- Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards
- Judgment -Ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information
- Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
- Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work- related problems
- Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct.
- Teamwork- Ability to work as part of a team
- Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks in stressful situations
Education/Skills
- High School diploma or GED
- Valid Water/Wastewater Operator Certification
- 3-5 years’ experience in Water/Wastewater
- 2+ years' experience managing others
- Knowledge of methods, principles and practices of operating, maintaining and repairing water treatment plant equipment, instrumentation and associated systems
- Valid Driver License
- Familiarity with and the ability to learn industry software
Working Conditions
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
- Must be able to work in confined spaces
- Must be able to lift heavy objects up to 75 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks
- Exposure to potential hazards such as chemicals, fumes, and odors