Industrial Water Systems Operator

Role Snapshot

As an Industrial Water Systems Operator, you will run and sustain the treatment, purification, and wastewater processes that keep an industrial chemical production site safe, compliant, and efficient. With structured training and mentorship, you will build practical expertise across mechanical systems, chemical dosing, and SCADA/HMI controls—laying the groundwork for long-term advancement in plant operations.

A Day in the Life

You start your shift reviewing digital logs and setpoints, then make your first walk-through: listening for unusual vibrations, checking pump pressures, confirming tank levels, and validating chemical feed rates. Mid-shift, you draw samples at multiple stages, run quick benchtop tests, calibrate probes, and record results. When work orders pop up, you help with preventive tasks—lubricating equipment, changing filters, verifying seals—and you team with senior techs on troubleshooting. Throughout, you uphold strict EHS procedures, don required PPE, and stay ready to support after-hours call-ins when assigned.

Core Responsibilities

Process Operations & Control

• Operate and observe treatment assets: centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, valves, clarifiers, mixers, blowers, centrifuges, and sludge dewatering equipment (including belt filter presses).
• Use computerized controls (SCADA/HMI) to monitor flows, levels, pressures, and chemical feeds; record data and fine-tune processes as needed.
• Complete routine rounds to identify leaks, pressure anomalies, vibration issues, and early signs of equipment distress.

Preventive Maintenance & Reliability

• Execute basic PM tasks (lubrication, filter swaps, seal checks) and assist with mechanical and instrumentation diagnostics.
• Clean, verify, and calibrate sensors, meters, and analytical probes (pH, ORP, conductivity, turbidity).
• Support isolations, system cleanouts, and turnaround activities.

Water Quality & Chemical Handling

• Collect samples of water, effluent, and sludge across process stages; run field tests and bench analyses (pH, chlorine residual, suspended solids, hardness).
• Safely offload and stage treatment chemicals; load additives into bulk tanks and feed systems, including manual handling of 40–50 lb bags.
• Maintain accurate operating records and promptly report any non-conformance.

Safety & Operational Discipline

• Follow all environmental, health, and safety rules, including LOTO, Confined Space Entry, chemical handling practices, and PPE requirements.
• Operate site utility vehicles to reach remote assets and move materials across the facility.
• Participate in rotational 24/7 emergency on-call coverage as scheduled.

Qualifications

Minimum

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable, clean MVR.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude; comfortable with hand and power tools.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, digital logs, email, and control interfaces.
• Math and communication: ratios and basic algebra for dosing; clear written/spoken English for SOPs, P&IDs, and SDS.
• Schedule flexibility: shift work, overtime, weekends/holidays, and rotational 24/7 on-call response.

Preferred

• 1+ year in an industrial plant, chemical manufacturing, utilities, refinery, wastewater operation, or relevant military occupational specialty.
• Familiarity with pumps, piping, valves, or pneumatic controls.
• Experience with SCADA, PLC interfaces, or CMMS/ERP (e.g., SAP, Maximo).
• State Water/Wastewater Operator certification or OIT.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Active chemical manufacturing setting: indoor control rooms/mechanical spaces and outdoor areas in all seasons; exposure to high-pressure lines, rotating machinery, elevated noise, and regulated chemicals (mitigated by company-provided PPE).
• Mobility: substantial standing/walking (up to ~50% of shift; at times 4–5 miles per shift).
• Physical activity: bending, stooping, crouching, climbing ladders and stair towers, and occasional entry into permit-required confined spaces.
• Lifting: regularly handle 40–50 lbs (bags, tools) and occasionally up to 60 lbs with proper technique or assistance.
• Sensory acuity: clear vision and color differentiation for assessing clarity, reading gauges, and recognizing alarms.

Training & Growth

Step into a structured development path designed to expand your mechanical, chemical feed, and digital control skill sets, opening doors to progressive roles in operations and reliability.

Compliance

Pre-Employment: Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check and drug screen.