General Statement
The Lead Wastewater Operator performs and oversees complex technical tasks in the operation, maintenance, and process control of a wastewater treatment facility, collections system, reclaimed water system, and onsite laboratory. This role ensures regulatory compliance, supports staff development, coordinates daily and weekly operational activities, and provides advanced technical guidance to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the wastewater system.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Operates and monitors wastewater treatment processes, including biological treatment, solids handling, disinfection, and reclaimed water production.
- Oversees day-to-day operational activities and provides direction to staff.
- Conducts process control adjustments based on lab data, SCADA trends, and system indicators in collaboration and consensus with management.
- Operates and monitors the wastewater collections system.
- Executes compliance sampling, reporting, and QA/QC procedures.
- Prepares and submits regulatory compliance reports.
- Monitors SCADA system performance.
- Performs and oversees laboratory testing and analysis.
- Troubleshoots and maintains equipment.
- Coordinates contractor activities and supports project delivery.
- Develops and updates SOPs, safety protocols, and optimization initiatives.
- Provides training and mentorship.
- Maintains detailed records and documentation.
- Responds to after-hours alarms and participates in on-call rotation.
- Ensures safety and compliance.
Basic Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment certification (or ability to obtain in 12 months).
- ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Collections certification (or ability to obtain in 12 months).
- Valid Class B CDL with Tanker Endorsement (or ability to obtain in 12 months).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, excel and data systems.
- Valid driver’s license with clean record.
- Ability to pass a drug screen.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience coordinating operational activities.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in wastewater treatment or related field.
- Skilled in diagnosing mechanical and process issues.
- Experience in laboratory sampling and analysis.
- Knowledge of SCADA and PLC systems.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment.
- Asset management and CIP planning experience.
- Experience training operators.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
The work area can involve a working environment indoors as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.
Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to work on equipment, have vision sufficient to service equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour shift must be able to transport self across the facilities, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, and wear and use appropriate safety equipment.
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs offers a Paid Time Off (PTO) policy for employees, seven paid holidays, one floating holiday, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.
The hiring pay range for this position is $27.00 to $31.00 per hour. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Pay: $27.00 - $31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Dependent care reimbursement
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person