Drinking Water Treatment Operations/Compliance

Production Specialist

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Production Specialist under the direction of the Treatment Manager.

The Production Specialist supports the Operations team in managing all aspects of water and wastewater treatment facilities, operations and maintenance of the well and surface water treatment facilities, associated water intakes, water distribution system, and wastewater collection systems. Responsible for assisting the production and treatment department in sampling, analysis and operations in order to assure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and other various compliance requirements. Frequent travel required due to responsibilities for Aqua facilities throughout Western and Central PA. However, the incumbent may be asked to conduct work in other regions of PA as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Works in the field with Compliance, Laboratory, Operations, and Engineering departments, as needed, to produce high-quality drinking water and wastewater effluent at the lowest cost and to solve treatment plant-related problems.
• Learns and manages the SCADA Network and other computer monitoring systems to review treatment and water quality at all assigned facilities and distribution system locations, monitor alarms, analyze computer generated data and respond effectively and in a timely fashion. Coordinates response with Supervisors, Facility Operators, and other personnel as needed. Compiles data, completes reports and analysis and maintains records for compliance reporting purposes.
• Assists in overseeing water and wastewater treatment so that all facilities meet process targets, regulatory limits, and are optimized regarding chemical usage, water quality, and industry best practices. Assumes the duties of the Field Supervisor and Operations Team Lead positions as needed.
• Conducts and/or develops treatment studies, leads special projects, and acts as interdepartmental liaison to facilitate the exchange of physical equipment, information, and technical resources.
• Assists with ongoing capital projects, including coordinating projects with various departments and outside contractors, at the facility as directed and assists in long term capital project planning.
• Participates in various professional organizations; attends seminars, training courses, and conducts independent research to continuously improve technical competency.
• Maintains current on legal and regulatory guidelines and developments. Ensures water and wastewater facilities and operators meet all requirements including but not limited to the following environmental laws and associated regulations: Safe Drinking Water Act, Water and Wastewater Operator's Certification Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Streams Act.
• Responsible for the treatment plants and wells meeting all DEP and SDWA regulatory requirements and NPDES limits including the completion of regulatory reports as needed. Adheres to all Aqua safety and health policies and procedures.
• Performs other tasks and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. Degree required, preferably in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or Biology.
• Prior experience in water and wastewater strongly preferred.
• Must take examinations and obtain Pennsylvania Class A Water and Class B Wastewater licenses including all relevant subclasses within a reasonable time frame.
• A valid U.S. Driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of surface water, groundwater, and wastewater treatment and facilities required.
• Leadership acumen preferred with the technical and managerial ability to assume a supervisory and/or managerial role.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including technical writing, listening, communicating expectations and providing all relevant information and feedback in an organized and timely manner.
• Good computer skills including MS Office, with ability to learn SAP, LIMS, WIMS and other relevant software programs.
• Strong organization, verbal, and written communication skills.
• A team player able to work safely and effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs - lift assessment is required for employment.
• Working conditions will include daily field travel (75%) to plant and work sites of Aqua, PA. Occasional overnight travel may be required. *Company vehicle is provided for business purposes.