Wastewater Operator

Job Title: Wastewater Operator Job Description

This role operates, monitors, and maintains wastewater treatment systems and related equipment to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient treatment processes. The position supports continuous operations on a third-shift schedule and plays a key role in protecting environmental quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment systems and related equipment to ensure consistent and efficient plant performance.

• Watch gauges, meters, and control panels to track system performance and make necessary adjustments to flows, pressures, and chemical feed rates.

• Perform water and wastewater treatment activities, including process adjustments, sampling, and routine checks on treatment units.

• Clear pumps, wash filter beds, and maintain settling tanks and related process units to ensure proper operation and prevent blockages.

• Perform sampling, testing, and basic analysis of wastewater to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.

• Conduct routine inspections of pumps, tanks, hoses, and treatment units to identify issues and ensure proper functioning.

• Troubleshoot operational problems and perform preventive maintenance on equipment to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.

• Properly handle, store, and dispose of wastewater, sludge, and hazardous materials in accordance with EPA, OSHA, and local regulations.

• Maintain accurate operational logs, reports, and documentation, including test results, equipment readings, and maintenance activities.

• Respond promptly to alarms, process upsets, and emergency situations, taking appropriate action to stabilize operations and protect safety.

• Collaborate with supervisors, project managers, and other field personnel to ensure efficient project execution and coordinated operations.

• Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and safety audits to support a strong safety culture and continuous improvement.

• Follow technical procedures, safety data sheets (SDS), and site plans to ensure safe and compliant work practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support project and operational needs within water and wastewater treatment activities.

Essential Skills

• Valid 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Experience working in wastewater treatment, environmental services, or industrial operations (preferred but strongly beneficial).

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and safety practices.

• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, safety data sheets (SDS), and site plans.

• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically demanding environments.

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

• Ability to work third shift hours from 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

• Capability to monitor gauges, meters, and control systems and respond appropriately to changes.

• Competence in handling wastewater, sludge, and hazardous materials in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and local regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical or vocational training in water, wastewater, environmental, or industrial operations (preferred).

• Prior experience with water treatment and wastewater treatment processes.

• Familiarity with preventive maintenance practices for pumps, tanks, hoses, and treatment units.

• Experience maintaining operational logs, reports, and documentation in an industrial or treatment plant setting.

• Comfort working in environments with exposure to chemicals, noise, and varying environmental conditions.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with supervisors, project managers, and field personnel.

• Willingness to participate in ongoing safety training, meetings, and audits.

Why Work Here?

You will join a safety-focused team that values environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and professional growth. The role offers stable third-shift work, opportunities to build specialized skills in water and wastewater treatment, and regular safety training that supports both your development and well-being. You will work in a collaborative environment where clear procedures, structured operations, and adherence to industry standards help you perform confidently and effectively.

Work Environment

This position operates in a wastewater treatment setting with regular exposure to wastewater, chemicals, noise, and varying environmental conditions. You will work primarily on a third-shift schedule from 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., supporting continuous plant operations. The role involves working outdoors and in physically demanding environments, including climbing, lifting, and handling equipment such as pumps, hoses, tanks, and treatment units. Compliance with OSHA, HAZWOPER, and site-specific safety requirements is mandatory, and you will follow detailed safety procedures, SDS guidance, and site plans. You can expect a structured, safety-driven environment where proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to environmental and regulatory standards are central to daily operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Long Beach, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Long Beach,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.