Industrial Utilities Operator – Wastewater and Boilers

What a day looks like

Your 12-hour shift (on our 4-on-4-off rotation) begins with a quick check of the control room. You review instrumentation panels, PLC terminals, and trend screens, confirming flows, pressures, and ratios are tracking to plan. A walkdown follows: gauges are verified, chemical inventories are checked, and you log observations for the shift book. If something’s drifting, you diagnose the cause and make procedural corrections to stabilize the process.

Out on the floor (about 75% of your time), you run industrial utility services that keep the facility moving—wastewater treatment, steam and high-temperature hot water boilers, and water filtration—along with all supporting equipment. You handle chemical deliveries and process applications, manage solids, generate hazardous waste per protocol, and keep housekeeping to a high standard. You collect scheduled samples (water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge/residuals, and gas), perform routine lab tests to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units, and prepare solutions as needed. In between, you calibrate field and lab instruments and complete electrical/instrumentation checks.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

• Perform predictive and corrective maintenance on pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, instrumentation, PLC logic, and mechanical systems.
• Execute precision alignments, systematic lubrication, and fluid changes; replace seals, bearings, gaskets, and other critical components.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and perform technical repairs to maintain uptime.
• Conduct detailed inspections to evaluate process performance and equipment integrity.
• Operate vehicles, mobile equipment, and material-handling equipment as needed.
• Coordinate contractor activities while keeping operations steady.

Sampling, testing, and controls

• Calibrate, maintain, and use pH and specific ion meters, analytical balances, furnaces, ovens, pipettes, titrators, and automatic samplers.
• Inspect meters, gauges, and control devices; verify performance via instrument panels, terminals, and PLC units.
• Record observations and data; report variances and suspected malfunctions to supervision.
• Monitor bulk chemical supplies and recommend reorders.

Documentation and communication

• Use process control software and a CMMS to track work and quality activities, including pretreatment QA/QC.
• Create and control Utilities documentation; prepare, review, and revise procedures.
• Respond to client concerns related to Utilities and communicate updates to management.
• Report department performance and quality improvements to the Operations & Maintenance Manager.

Where you’ll work

• Environment: 75% operations floor, 25% office.
• Hazards may include fumes, toxic/caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot/cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards, and electrical equipment.
• Schedule: Rotating days/nights, 12-hour shifts on a 4-on-4-off structure. Opportunities for day-shift schedules are available.

Physical expectations

• Standing 50% / Walking 50%.
• Frequent hand use; occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching; use of ladders or stairs.
• Vision: close, distance, color, and focus adjustment; close visual observation is required to identify process non-conformances and machine malfunctions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Skilled vocational training and/or 2–4 years of equivalent on-the-job experience in industrial operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical/instrumentation, or PLC work in a utilities setting.
• Candidates with strong hands-on mechanical, electrical, and programming skills are highly encouraged to apply—even without formal degrees or certifications.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proven preventive and corrective maintenance capability across facility systems.
• Proficiency with process control software, CMMS, and lab/industrial pretreatment QA/QC.
• Expert use of PPE (respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.).
• Experience with hydraulic systems and pumps (centrifugal, dosing, submersible) and mechanical agitators.
• Ability to read exploded views and assembly drawings; perform precision adjustments for optimal alignment.
• Read/write/understand English instructions; perform basic math.
• Team-focused mindset; able to learn quickly and operate equipment independently.
• Knowledge of current and emerging utilities standards, and applicable federal/state/local regulations and codes.
• Available for rotational 24-hour emergency on-call; respond to emergencies and work extended hours as needed.

Licensing and screenings

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Actively hold or be working toward the highest site-required certification/license.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

Must be able to pass a drug test and a criminal background check.

Benefits and growth

Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off; medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering; and more. Employees may participate in the employer-sponsored 401(k). For union-represented roles, pay and benefits are governed by the collective bargaining agreement.

Who should apply

We’re seeking experienced wastewater professionals—and we also welcome junior candidates who are eager to learn and grow into the role.