Operator Lead

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose:

Operates and maintains equipment associated with a food waste to renewable gas to energy and wastewater treatment facility. Is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and may lead the work of others. Serves as the Primary Operator with responsibility for the entire operating staff.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operations Lead is responsible for direct supervision and coordinating with the Operating staff.
• Mentors, trains, plans, supports and works in conjunction with the Operating Staff.
• Verifies and validates data collection and reporting to ensure plant compliance and accurate reporting.
• Coordinates, supports, liaises between the Operators and Maintenance Staffs.
• Researches and supports procurement tasks (quotes, best practices, etc.)
• Assist the Project Manager when and as needed to support business operations.
• Committed to promoting a behavior based safety culture and positive work environment.
• Performs all process analytical laboratory testing and interpretation of the results needed to implement process changes.
• Monitors the entire process via HMI and implements changes to the processes to maximize efficiency that provides water to a certain quality/specification.
• Performs chemical drawdowns to optimize chemical performance and usage.
• Strong Computer literacy to enter, track and trend process data.
• Records daily events accurately and factually into the operator log book.
• Operates Centrifuges.
• Conducts field calibrations of process control equipment and laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy.
• Performs general site housekeeping, cleaning and disinfection of work areas.
• Operates Powered Industrial Trucks after qualified (fork truck and scissor lift).
• Receives, tracks and supervises chemical off-loading deliveries, both in bulk and tote.
• Conducts and documents site specific inspections (Safety, Daily Rounds, etc.)
• Performs plant wide sample collections on all unit processes.
• Detects and diagnoses process issues in single and multi-unit processes and takes remedial/corrective actions to correct.
• Troubleshoots process upsets and recommends & implements corrective actions to maintain compliance and plant performance.
• Interacts and supervises contractors and vendors when directed.
• Troubleshoots mechanical failures and implements corrections if possible.
• Interacts, communicates closely with and effectively supports site maintenance staff to diagnose mechanical issues.
• Performs and supports minor maintenance tasks (filter changes, belt changes, oil changes, RO element change outs, etc.)
• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and odor control and vacuum filters used to decontaminate waste water by settling, aeration and sludge digestion.
• Samples wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
• Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers.
• Performs instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit.
• Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required.
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
• Assigns, monitors & reviews accuracy of work, no authority for personnel actions, work time is spent performing many of the same duties of those in group.
• Models and teaches compliance with all work practices, policies and procedures.
• Frequent contact with plant operators and other personnel in order to understand issues.
• Frequent contact with less experienced maintenance personnel, training, coaching.
• Frequent contact with equipment suppliers to obtain operations and maintenance instructions.
• Assists in other areas of the plant as needed.
• Will assist with orienting or training new or less experienced Operators.

Work Environment:

• Spends 75% of time in a field & laboratory operations environment and 25% in a control room setting.
• Time will be spent exposed to outdoor and inclement weather conditions.
• Exposed to extreme temperature and humid environments.
• Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operation hazards including fumes, dust, toxic, acidic and caustic chemicals, noise, moving mechanical parts and vehicles, heavy machinery, high pressure and hot and cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• 5+ years of operating experience and has demonstrated the ability to safely, compliantly and efficiently operate a water treatment system and all associated processes.
• Lead experience or supervisory training required with understanding of human relations, training, performance evaluation and health and safety.
• Prior Biological WW Treatment
• Demonstrates leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Employs effective time management skills and displays decisive decision making ability.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Employs effective time management skills and displays decisive decision-making ability.
• Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control employing Windows and Google platforms.
• Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and functions.
• Must demonstrate ability to accurately record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate, timely, effective, complete and easily understood written communications and reports.
• Must demonstrate the ability to use, calibrate, read and record data from laboratory process control equipment.
• Possess a general understanding of budgeting and cost control.
• Ingenuity and initiative are required to coordinate problem resolution and to execute the schedule requirements within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the company's code of business conduct and other company policies and procedures.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn, independently operate and safely use assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets.
• Must demonstrate ability to learn, independently operate and safely use equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Must be able to serve rotational 24 hour emergency on-call if required by site.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).
• Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary and essential.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift that includes holidays and weekends as a fill in operator.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must be able to pass a drug test and a criminal background check.
• Must be able to pass random drug screens per any contractual requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Amount of time spent - Standing 75%, Walking 15%, Crouching/Bending 10%
• Climbing ladders to access elevated equipment.
• Ability to carry 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs over multiple level changes.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Requires close visual and hearing observations to detect non-conformance and equipment malfunction.
• Works in various positions; works off of ladders, mobile platforms, awkward positions/angles and works with hands extended above and below the head.
• Stooping, crouching, bending or kneeling to access work areas, enter confined spaces and uneven work surfaces.

Additional Information

Benefits: Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Sign-On Bonus:

Qualified candidates hired for the Lead Operator position will be eligible for a $1,500 sign-on bonus, disbursed according to the following schedule:

- First installment of $750 will be paid with the first regular paycheck.

- Second installment of $750 will be paid upon successful completion of 30 days of continuous employment.

To qualify for the sign-on bonus, candidates must be newly hired external applicants in good standing. The employee must be actively employed at the time of each bonus payment. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please consult with Human Resources for complete eligibility requirements and payment details.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.