Wastewater Specialist

Job DescriptionGENERAL PURPOSEEnsure that the wastewater treatment facility is operating effectively and efficiently in full compliance with the facility’s wastewater permit by conducting required environmental tests, analysis, and observations, and maintaining a positive working relationship with regulatory agencies. Ensure the facility complies with applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations. Provide operation and maintenance supervision and support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSupervise wastewater plant operations by ensuring proper adjustment of plant processes; coordinate sampling operations to assure proper balance of treatment steps and meet all local and state permit requirementsCollect wastewater compliance samples for analysisEnsure proper laboratory testing protocols are followed by operations staffRead gauges and meters and accurately record findingsAccurately prepare and submit required environmental reporting, permit renewals, inspections, training and corrective actions in a timely manner; interact with state and local regulators as needed regarding regulation changes, on-site regulatory inspections, and permit renewals/modificationsGather technical data and results for reports to be submitted to regulatory agenciesMaintain standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance schedules for wastewater treatment activities; work with vendors to align with best practicesLead communication between plant operations and wastewater treatment plant to ensure that operational impacts to wastewater treatment are managed dailyMaintain communications with plant operations staff and identified DFA personnel to understand production conditions, changes, and challenges and ensure effective treatmentRespond to emergency situations at the plant and provide input and guidance on wastewater treatment impactsPrepare, review, and maintain accurate documentation such as records, logs, orders, surveys and routine reportsPerform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling and testing including, but not limited to, COD, BOD, TSS, ammonia, total phosphorus, total residual chlorine, temperature and total dissolved solids; interpret daily results for operational trends and make informed adjustments based on daily data collectionMonitor wastewater data and treatment system for indications treatment is not performing adequately prior to non- compliance events. Troubleshoot and solve treatment issuesPrepare and distribute daily operations reports to identified DFA personnelAssist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power toolsEnsure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plantRequest maintenance repair work appropriate system/process and ensure scheduled maintenance is accomplished in a timely fashionParticipate in budget preparation and prepare cost estimates for budget items; monitor expendituresProactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement, implement CI programs including Lean, Kaizen, 5S and DMSKeep inventory of all waste streams in the facility and implement ways for reducing wasteFollow all DFA GMP’s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirementsEnsure that all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies and procedures reflect current federal, state, and local regulations (i.e. OSHA, EPA, and NMED) and align with DFA standardized procedures.Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF).The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as requiredJob RequirementsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEUndergraduate degree in related field (or equivalent combination of experience and education)2 to 5 years of wastewater related experience with a wastewater system similar to the one onsiteExperience in light duty electrical power systems and instrumentation calibration and use preferredWorking knowledge of state and federal air emissions regulations preferredExperience with a system based on a membrane bioreactor (MBR) preferredExperience in supervisory or lead operations role preferredCertification and/or License – Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements – Class B-2aChemical Clarification and C-3a Activated Sludge Facility License) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 2 cycles, to the extent required by state regulationsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESSolid knowledge of wastewater treatment systemsGeneral microbiological and chemistry skillsGeneral maintenance skillsWorking knowledge using mechanical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, and motorsKnowledge of pneumatics, solenoid valves, and air cylindersStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAble to follow process control computer variables, schematics, and diagnose system problemsAble to perform electrical work (e.g., change pump motors, diagnose motor control problems, )Able to perform minor projects from planning to installation (e.g., non-sanitary piping, drain lines, vacuum lines)Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systemsAble to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this positionAble to operate and maintain handheld analytical instruments related to this position (DO, pH, temperature, ammonia, etc.)Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writingAble to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalismAble to multi-task and organize own work activitiesMust be able to read, write and speak EnglishAn Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/VeteransJob DetailsJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Environmental Health and Safety