Wastewater Operations Specialist

Part-Time Consultant | Manhattan, Kansas and Remote Support I-2-I Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced Wastewater Pre-Treatment Operations Subject Matter Expert to provide technical and operational support for the wastewater pre-treatment system at the USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a senior-level, part-time consulting position supporting a mission-critical laboratory campus. The selected consultant will work directly with wastewater plant personnel through remote consultations and scheduled on-site support. The estimated level of effort is approximately 150 hours per year , including periodic travel to Manhattan, Kansas. The current requirement anticipates at least one annual on-site support session consisting of two eight-hour workdays. Primary Responsibilities The selected consultant will: Review treatment-process performance and recommend improvements to chemical dosing, equipment operation, process controls, and operating procedures. Interpret meter readings, gauge readings, operating data, and laboratory results to determine whether process adjustments are necessary. Help facility personnel maintain compliance with wastewater discharge permits and applicable environmental requirements. Advise the project team regarding changes to wastewater-treament regulations, standards, and industry practices. Assist with reports, permit documentation, and communications involving regulatory agencies, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Troubleshoot operational issues and recommend corrective actions that support system reliability, efficiency, and service life. Evaluate new wastewater-treament equipment and technologies for effectiveness, compatibility, and feasibility. Provide limited technical assistance with the design, installation, startup, and commissioning of new or upgraded systems. Prepare written reports following on-site support sessions, including findings, recommendations, and relevant product or equipment information. Participate in telephone, virtual, and on-site meetings with facility personnel. Prepare meeting agendas and provide accurate meeting minutes. Track and report hours used under the annual support allocation. The work will support a wastewater team of approximately 14 personnel at a 45-acre, nine-building campus that includes high-containment laboratory operations. Required Qualifications Applicants must demonstrate: Extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment or wastewater pre-treatment system operations. Experience providing operational support for wastewater facilities, preferably systems serving laboratories, healthcare facilities, industrial facilities, research campuses, or other complex operations. Strong understanding of treatment processes, chemical dosing, instrumentation, process controls, equipment operation, and troubleshooting. Ability to interpret laboratory data, operating trends, meters, gauges, and regulatory permit requirements. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local wastewater regulations. Experience preparing technical reports, operational recommendations, permit-related documentation, and regulatory submissions. Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to plant operators, facility managers, engineers, and government representatives. Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with the I-2-I Solutions project-management team and USDA personnel. Availability to provide remote support during normal business hours and travel to Manhattan, Kansas, when scheduled. Security and Site-Access Requirements Because the work will be performed at a secure federal research facility, the selected individual must: Be a United States citizen. Successfully complete the required USDA fitness and suitability process, which may include a Tier 2 background investigation. Possess a current REAL ID-compliant government-issued identification or an acceptable federal PIV/CAC credential. Complete required USDA and NBAF site-specific security, biosafety, operational-security, and digital-media training. Comply with all facility policies, standard operating procedures, access controls, inspection requirements, and security restrictions. Follow restrictions concerning photography, video, personal electronic devices, and controlled information. Wear appropriate site attire, including a sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Physical and digital access will not be provided until all required suitability and security reviews have been completed. Preferred Experience Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: Wastewater systems serving research laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, hospitals, universities, industrial plants, or high-containment facilities. Biological or chemical wastewater-treament processes. Industrial pretreatment programs and discharge permitting. Process optimization and chemical-use reduction. Wastewater equipment evaluation, installation, startup, or commissioning. Preparation of documentation for KDHE, EPA, or comparable regulatory agencies. Consulting or technical-assistant contracts involving federal facilities. Work in secure, occupied, or mission-critical operating environments. Work Schedule and Location Most support may be performed remotely through telephone calls, virtual meetings, document reviews, and data analysis. On-site support will be performed at: National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility 1980 Denison Avenue Manhattan, Kansas Normal facility work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Work outside normal hours requires advance approval. Position Details Employment arrangement: Part-time consultant or independent contractor Estimated workload: Approximately 150 hours annually Travel: Periodic travel to Manhattan, Kansas Contract period: One base year with up to four option years Compensation: Competitive and based on experience Anticipated start: Following contract award and completion of security requirements #J-18808-Ljbffr