Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides vital wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services to more than two million people who call North Texas their home. Our culture is deeply ingrained in our core values of Integrity, Trust, Respect, Unity, Service, and Teamwork (ITRUST). Our employees will tell you they feel a sense of purpose and have a daily opportunity to make a positive impact on the cities we serve by helping to provide services that their residents and businesses need to thrive. We offer an array of excellent benefits, including comprehensive health and wellness packages, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a robust pension plan to help secure our employees' financial future. If you are looking for a rewarding, long-term career where you can make a meaningful impact on the North Texas region, look no further than NTMWD!

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Wastewater Plant Supervisor, the Lead Wastewater Plant Operator performs, plans, organizes, and supervises the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of wastewater facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, headworks, liquids treatment, solids handling, odor control, structures, SCADA, lift stations. This position performs and/or supervises a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs and/or supervises related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Monitors, analyzes, and adjusts facility operations through observation, collecting and testing samples, reading instrumentation, and using SCADA to ensure compliant and efficient operations.
• Trains, leads, mentors, and evaluates staff. Leads by example. Acts as a positive role model for facility employees. Encourages an environment of Integrity, Trust, Respect, Unity, Safety, and Teamwork.
• Reviews logs and records in both written and electronic form to ensure accuracy and completeness. Uses these records to improve the function and efficiency of various operations.
• Assists in the preparation of work schedules and monthly, annual, and special reports on treatment facility management, operation, and maintenance.
• Creates service requests for needed repairs. Coordinates with maintenance personnel and plans, performs, and implements maintenance procedures for facility assets.
• Observes safety policies and guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by NTMWD. Ensures safe work practices are followed. Encourages others to improve workplace safety.
• Monitors the facility for any breaches of security and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors, as appropriate for the situation.
• Communicates relevant information during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns. Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and reports problems. Responds to emergencies. Schedules and coordinates responses, repairs, clean-up, and remediation.
• Responds to stakeholder inquiries regarding facilities in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintains facility grounds and performs general housekeeping.
• Receives shipments, monitors unloading processes, checks shipment documents for accuracy, and ensures documents are submitted to appropriate personnel. Performs inventory control and management.
• Trains staff on and ensures compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Assumes the responsibilities of direct supervisor(s) and subordinates as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED. An associate degree or trade certification is preferred.
• Possess four (4) years of experience in wastewater treatment or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience, as determined by NTMWD.
• Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Class B Wastewater Treatment Operator's License.
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements, including the ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment and processes and perform wastewater tests and interpret results.
• Possess ability to supervise personnel.
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers and subordinates.
• Maintain basic computer skills.

Environmental and Physical Working Conditions

Driving a District vehicle for business will be required. Employees required to drive as part of their job duties are responsible for maintaining a current, valid, and vehicle - appropriate driver's license of their resident state.

The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a wastewater conveyance and treatment environment. The position involves sitting (up to 6 hours per day), frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.

The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Performs functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion.
• Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals.
• Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools and a computer.

Thank you for considering a career with us! We value diversity, equal opportunity, and a positive work environment. We are committed to providing a rewarding and fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about making a difference and contributing to a dynamic and growing organization, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let's explore the potential of working together to provide affordable, safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste management services to the North Texas region.