Wastewater Treatment Operations Consultant

Wastewater Treatment System Operator

Kimley-Horn's is seeking a Wastewater Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 2+ years of experience to join their Water and Wastewater team.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor treatment processes (e.g., headworks, aeration/anoxic basins, MBR, screw press sludge dewatering, UV disinfection, pump stations, odor control, and SCADA) to maintain compliance with permits and operating targets.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab testing (e.g., pH, DO, TSS, settleability, chlorine residual, turbidity as applicable); interpret results and adjust operations and chemical dosing accordingly.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections/rounds; identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical/process issues; coordinate repairs with maintenance staff and/or contractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks (lubrication, cleaning, calibration checks) and maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Respond to alarms and operational upsets; participate in after-hours/holiday/on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, work orders, chemical usage, meter readings, and compliance documentation.
• Follow safety programs and participate in training and safety meetings.
• Support SOP updates, optimization initiatives, and audits/inspections.
• Communicate professionally with clients and stakeholders on system status, findings, and compliance; adapt messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior operators and trainees on equipment, safe practices, and process control; assist supervisors in evaluating progress.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Candidates at minimum must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 - 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification (or equivalent certification from a reciprocal jurisdiction) at time of application.
• Two years of experience in the operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities.
• Strong documentation habits and comfort with math/process calculations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with clients and regulatory contacts.
• Experience or willingness to mentor junior operators and support their development.

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.