Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Operator for a long-term contract opportunity in Kansas City, MO. This role is responsible for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment facility and hazardous waste remediation site while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Plant Operator will oversee treatment processes, operate and troubleshoot equipment, maintain regulatory documentation, support site safety initiatives, and respond to operational issues, including after-hours emergencies and system alarms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of a water/wastewater treatment plant and hazardous waste remediation facility in accordance with client requirements, permits, and regulatory standards.
• Operate groundwater pumping and treatment systems while maintaining compliance with Federal and State regulatory orders and permits.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation for system shutdowns, alarms, emergency response, and repairs required to restore operations.
• Monitor, adjust, and record operational data from instrumentation and equipment to ensure proper biological and chemical treatment processes, sludge precipitation and removal, and wastewater system performance.
• Monitor influent and effluent flows, pressure rates, and treatment system performance.
• Maintain accurate daily operating logs, including equipment readings, test results, operational activities, irregularities, and maintenance records for local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Collect treatment plant and groundwater samples and perform water quality testing, including:
• Solids determination
• Chlorine residual testing
• pH analysis
• Sludge volume testing
• Dissolved oxygen measurements
• Well capacity testing
• Turbidity monitoring
• Telemetry monitoring
• Ensure facility operations, discharge sampling, and regulatory inspections remain compliant with applicable environmental regulations.
• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment, including pumps, mixers, filters, compressors, blowers, feeders, and related systems.
• Perform operational adjustments such as tank changes and filter backwashing as needed.
• Monitor SCADA systems for treatment operations and site security.
• Troubleshoot system breakdowns, instrumentation issues, field equipment problems, and operational challenges.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety and compliance with site safety policies and procedures.
• Serve as a site safety representative, ensuring employees, visitors, contractors, and suppliers follow established safety protocols, documentation requirements, and reporting expectations.
• Manage subcontractors performing facility maintenance and repair activities.
• Coordinate with adjacent facilities for emergency action planning and response.
• Perform additional duties as assigned while adhering to company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Science or related field with 8+ years of experience in water/wastewater treatment facility operations and maintenance OR
• Associate degree in Science or related field with 9+ years of experience in water/wastewater treatment facility operations and maintenance OR
• High School Diploma/GED with 10+ years of experience in water/wastewater treatment facility operations and maintenance.
• OSHA 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification with current refresher training.
• Holds, or has demonstrated recent progress toward obtaining, a Certified Grade D Wastewater Operator License in the State of Missouri.
• Strong knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, plant safety practices, and occupational hazards associated with treatment facilities.
• Familiarity with state and federal environmental permits, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of basic mathematics related to wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience collecting and analyzing water samples.
• Experience troubleshooting instrumentation, field equipment, and plant operational issues.
• Experience with metals precipitation processes and related treatment methods.
• Ability to work independently, respond effectively to emergencies, and maintain accurate operational documentation.