Wastewater Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE

Ensure 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 RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise 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 requirements
• Collect wastewater compliance samples for analysis
• Ensure proper laboratory testing protocols are followed by operations staff
• Read gauges and meters and accurately record findings
• Accurately 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/modifications
• Gather technical data and results for reports to be submitted to regulatory agencies
• Maintain standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance schedules for wastewater treatment activities; work with vendors to align with best practices
• Lead communication between plant operations and wastewater treatment plant to ensure that operational impacts to wastewater treatment are managed daily
• Maintain communications with plant operations staff and identified DFA personnel to understand production conditions, changes, and challenges and ensure effective treatment
• Respond to emergency situations at the plant and provide input and guidance on wastewater treatment impacts
• Prepare, review, and maintain accurate documentation such as records, logs, orders, surveys and routine reports
• Perform 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 collection
• Monitor wastewater data and treatment system for indications treatment is not performing adequately prior to non-compliance events. Troubleshoot and solve treatment issues
• Prepare and distribute daily operations reports to identified DFA personnel
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools
• Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant
• Request maintenance repair work appropriate system/process and ensure scheduled maintenance is accomplished in a timely fashion
• Participate in budget preparation and prepare cost estimates for budget items; monitor expenditures
• Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement, implement CI programs including Lean, Kaizen, 5S and DMS
• Keep inventory of all waste streams in the facility and implement ways for reducing waste
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• 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 required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate 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 onsite
• Experience in light duty electrical power systems and instrumentation calibration and use preferred
• Working knowledge of state and federal air emissions regulations preferred
• Experience in supervisory or lead operations role preferred
• Certification and/or License - Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 12 months, to the extent required by state regulations

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Solid knowledge of wastewater treatment systems
• General microbiological and chemistry skills
• General maintenance skills
• Working knowledge using mechanical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, and motors
• Knowledge of pneumatics, solenoid valves, and air cylinders
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Able to follow process control computer variables, schematics, and diagnose system problems
• Able to perform electrical work (e.g., change pump motors, diagnose motor control problems, etc.)
• 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 systems
• Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position
• Able 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 writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to multi-task and organize own work activities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer