Wastewater Plant Laboratory Technician / Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Wastewater Plant Laboratory Technician / Operator
to join our team in Greenville, MS. This role supports our continued growth and offers the opportunity to work on & support meaningful projects alongside a collaborative, experienced team. You’ll have the chance to build your career while contributing to impactful solutions across the communities we serve.

The Wastewater Plant Laboratory Technician / Operator is responsible for conducting laboratory analyses, monitoring treatment processes, collecting regulatory compliance samples, and assisting with the daily operation of the wastewater treatment facility. This position ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations while maintaining accurate laboratory records and supporting optimal plant performance. The individual will work closely with the Plant Manager to monitor treatment efficiency, identify operational issues, and implement process adjustments as needed.
Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Perform routine laboratory testing of wastewater, influent, effluent, sludge, and process samples. 
• Conduct analyses including, but not limited to: 
  • pH 
  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 
  • Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 
  • Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) 
  • Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) 
  • Settleability 
  • Alkalinity 
  • Chlorine residual 
  • Nutrient testing (ammonia, nitrate, phosphorus as required) 
  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 
  • Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 
• Collect permit-required compliance samples in accordance with approved sampling procedures. 
• Prepare and preserve samples for outside laboratory analysis. 
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation. 
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of chemicals and supplies. 
• Ensure all laboratory procedures follow Standard Methods and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) requirements. 

Plant Operations

• Monitor plant operations through SCADA systems, field inspections, and laboratory data. 
• Operate pumps, blowers, valves, chemical feed systems, clarifiers, filters, and other treatment equipment. 
• Perform routine operational adjustments based on laboratory results and process performance. 
• Assist with startup, shutdown, and optimization of treatment processes. 
• Monitor sludge handling, solids processing, and dewatering operations. 
• Respond to equipment alarms and abnormal operating conditions. 
• Assist maintenance personnel by identifying equipment deficiencies and reporting repair needs. 

Sampling & Compliance

• Collect regulatory samples in accordance with permit requirements. 
• Maintain chain-of-custody documentation. 
• Prepare laboratory reports and operational data for regulatory reporting. 
• Assist in preparing monthly operating reports (MORs) and Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). 
• Maintain accurate records required by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), EPA, and other regulatory agencies. 

Inspections & Housekeeping

• Perform routine inspections of plant equipment and treatment processes. 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. 
• Assist with facility housekeeping and grounds maintenance. 
• Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, confined space procedures, and PPE requirements. 

Communication

• Report laboratory findings, operational concerns, and equipment issues to the Plant Manager. 
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel regarding equipment performance. 
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, contractors, regulatory inspectors, and management. 
• Participate in training and continuing education programs. 

What you'll need

Education

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Associate degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Water/Wastewater Technology, or a related field preferred. 

Experience

• One to three years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, laboratory analysis, or a related field preferred. 
• Experience with activated sludge treatment processes is preferred. 

Licenses & Certifications

• Mississippi Wastewater Operator Certification (or ability to obtain within the required timeframe). 
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and biological treatment systems. 
• Understanding of laboratory procedures and analytical testing methods. 
• Ability to interpret laboratory data and recommend operational adjustments. 
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including LDEQ and EPA regulations. 
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and process control instrumentation. 
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments and maintain calibration records. 
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, data entry, and recordkeeping. 
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk throughout the treatment facility and laboratory. 
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms. 
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Perform work around chemicals, biological materials, and wastewater. 
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime, or respond to emergency call-outs as required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wastewater laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programs. 
• Experience with process optimization using laboratory data. 
• Familiarity with nutrient removal, solids handling, and disinfection processes. 
• Experience maintaining laboratory instruments and analytical equipment. 
• Working knowledge of data management systems, SCADA software, and regulatory reporting platforms. 

Why Join Our Team

We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! Waggoner Engineering provides a fun, family-friendly, and multicultural work environment that supports a work life balance, including:  

• WEI Incentive Program 
• Healthy Workplace Program 
• Employee Referral Bonus 
• Competitive Health Benefits 
• Career Development and Training 
• Flexible/Hybrid Schedule 
• Community Service Opportunities 

Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Pay Transparency

The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.