Wastewater Team Lead, Operations

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.

At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.

We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.

Purpose

The Operator IV (Team Lead) performs the most complex technical and mechanical work in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities. Responsible for carrying out and enforcing all safety rules to ensure a safe workplace. Responsible for leading Liberty and contractor crews. Responsible for operating, monitoring and maintaining wastewater treatment facilities and related systems to provide safe, reliable and compliant wastewater treatment. The Operator monitors treatment processes, performs sampling and laboratory testing, operates treatment equipment and control systems, maintains operational records, performs routine maintenance, and responds to equipment and process abnormalities.

Accountabilities

• Organize, lead, and direct Liberty staff and contractors as required

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes and equipment.

• Responsible for making thorough analysis and decisions of job details and emergencies
• Organize, lead, and direct Liberty staff and contractors as required

• Monitor pumps, motors, blowers, valves, clarifiers, aerators, chemical feed equipment and related systems.
• Monitor plant operations SCADA and other process-control systems.
• Collect wastewater, sludge and effluent samples and perform required laboratory tests.
• Adjust equipment and treatment processes based on operating conditions and analytical results.
• Perform inspections and routine preventive maintenance of treatment equipment.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, test results and compliance records.
• Assist in preparing information and reports required by environmental and other regulatory agencies.
• Operate and inspect lift stations and other wastewater collection or treatment facilities, where applicable.
• Handle treatment chemicals and biosolids in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Diagnose operational problems and respond to alarms, process upsets and equipment failures.

Education and Experience

• High school Diploma/ GED
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in wastewater treatment operations.
• Senior level knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, pumps, mechanical equipment, instrumentation and basic laboratory procedures, regulatory compliance requirements, and safe operating procedures.
• Arizona locations require an ADEQ Grade 4 Operator License in Wastewater Treatment.
• Senior knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, pumps, mechanical equipment, instrumentation and basic laboratory procedures.
• Ability to read meters, gauges, drawings and operating procedures.
• Good computer skills, including familiarity with computerized process-control systems.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and emergency call-outs as required.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license. May require a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), with appropriate classification and endorsements.

Expected hourly rate for this position is $35.00 - $45.00 per hour, depending on experience and certification levels against role requirements. In addition to hourly rate and access to approved overtime, Liberty benefits include an annual cash bonus of 5-8% of base pay, 3 weeks vacation, 5 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 100% match of 5% for 401k retirement plan, and comprehensive health, dental, vision insurance.

We strive to advance our operators through a structured Skills Matrix that builds technical competency, supports career progression, and prepares employees for higher-level certifications and roles.

Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.

As the successful candidate

Our Mission

We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.

Our Vision

We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.

Our Guiding Principles

• Customer Centric
• Integrity
• Entrepreneurial
• Teamwork
• Owner mindset
• Outcome focused
• Continuous learning

What we offer

Collaborative environment with a genuine flexible working policy

401k Plan with matching

Share purchase/match plan

Leadership Development Program

Volunteer paid days off

Employee Assistance Program

Achievement fund

Free parking

Variety of Health & Wellness programs

Discount and Perks program

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.

Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.