Wastewater Lead Operator I

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Shift: 3rd (11pm - 7am)

The Lead Operator I performs operational, monitoring, process control, laboratory, maintenance, and supervisory support duties related to the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, collection system assets, pumping stations, lift stations, stormwater systems, combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities, and associated equipment.

The Lead Operator I is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations while providing day-to-day guidance and functional oversight to operators and support staff during assigned shifts.

The Lead Operator I assists management in maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and serves as operational oversight when required.

The Lead Operator I may be required to assist with operations, maintenance, emergency response, stormwater operations, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) activities.

Overtime opportunities, emergency response, weather events, equipment failures, and other operational needs may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours. When such needs arise, employees will be contacted utilizing the applicable overtime list. Overtime and emergency call-in assignments shall be administered in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operates and monitors wastewater treatment processes and equipment including pumps, motors, valves, gates, screens, clarifiers, aeration systems, disinfection systems, sludge handling equipment, generators, chemical feed systems, and related infrastructure.
Operates equipment manually and through SCADA systems, instrument panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Monitors plant performance and process conditions through field observations, instrumentation, laboratory testing, trend analysis, and process data evaluation.
Performs process control calculations and adjusts plant operations, chemical feed rates, sludge wasting, aeration, odor control systems, and other treatment processes to maintain permit compliance and operational efficiency.
Performs routine sampling of wastewater, sludge, biosolids, and related process streams in accordance with regulatory requirements and established procedures.
Conducts laboratory analyses and field testing including chemical, physical, and biological testing necessary for operational control.
Maintains accurate operational logs, process data, laboratory records, equipment readings, maintenance documentation, and regulatory records.
Performs preventive maintenance, lubrication, inspections, and minor repairs on treatment plant, CSO facility, and pump station equipment.
Identifies equipment malfunctions, process abnormalities, and compliance concerns and initiates appropriate corrective actions.

Troubleshoots pumps, motors, blowers, instrumentation, chemical feed systems, and related mechanical/electrical equipment.
Reviews operator logs and shift activities to ensure operational consistency and compliance with established procedures.
Creates and updates work orders and communicates maintenance needs to supervisory and maintenance personnel.
Assists maintenance personnel during major repairs, emergency response activities, and shutdowns.
Assists with collection system, pumping station, CSO, stormwater, and related municipal utility operations as assigned.
Assists with coordinating daily operational activities to ensure proper staffing and safe work practices.
Assists management in promoting facility safety procedures, operational standards, and workplace policies.
Provides guidance, mentoring, and on-the-job training to Operators, Utility Workers, and other assigned personnel.
Communicates operational concerns, process changes, maintenance issues, and compliance matters to management.
In direct responsible charge of the wastewater plant and other related facilities deferring only to management.

Will have the opportunity to support emergency response operations including weather events, flooding, sewer overflows, equipment failures, public emergencies, and other operational incidents.
Supports regulatory compliance activities associated with wastewater and CSO operations.
Will have the opportunity to participate in snow and ice clearing and removal operations and emergency staffing when necessary.
Ensures all work is performed in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, safety procedures, environmental standards, and Company policies.
Promotes proper confined space entry, lockout/tagout, arc flash, fall protection, chemical handling, hot work, and other safety procedures.
Will have the opportunity to respond to emergencies, equipment failures, spills, alarms, and weather-related events.
Will have the opportunity to participate in emergency response activities, including responding during off-hours, weekends, holidays, or call-ins.

Always carries the Lead Operator Cell Phone and 2-way radio (if available) with them, being attentive to alarm texts and incoming calls.
Performs facility cleanup, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and general labor duties as required.
Operates facility vehicles and equipment in a safe manner within training/certification requirements.
Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma or GED required.
Preferred postsecondary coursework or training in wastewater technology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering technology, or related field preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment operations or related utility operations preferred.
Prior experience in process control, laboratory testing, equipment troubleshooting, and operational leadership preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Must possess a Massachusetts Grade 6 Wastewater Operator License.
Collection System Operator certification preferred.
Additional certifications related to wastewater operations, safety, laboratory analysis, or maintenance are desirable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, process control, and treatment plant operations.
Working knowledge of collection systems, pumping stations, stormwater systems, and CSO operations preferred.
Knowledge of pumps, motors, valves, instrumentation, SCADA systems, and mechanical equipment.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and operational procedures.
Ability to diagnose process and equipment problems and implement corrective actions.
Knowledge of applicable safety procedures and environmental regulations.
Strong mathematical, mechanical, analytical, and troubleshooting abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
Ability to train and provide functional oversight to staff.
Ability to respond effectively during emergencies and changing operational conditions.
Ability to perform cross-functional duties in support of City and Project operations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and the public.
Demonstrates a positive, professional, and cooperative attitude while performing assigned duties.
Requires wearing appropriate safety equipment and PPE.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
Ability to climb stairs, ladders, elevated platforms, and enter confined spaces in accordance with safety procedures.
Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach, and perform manual labor activities.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier weights with assistance.
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to wastewater, chemicals, odors, noise, dust, grease, and moving mechanical equipment.
Must be able to distinguish colors related to treatment processes and instrumentation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Senior Operations Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, or other designated management personnel.