Water Treatment Operator/ Water Tester

Position Overview

The **Water Treatment Operator/ Water Tester **is a hands-on operations role responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining water treatment, purification, and wastewater processing systems within an industrial chemical manufacturing facility. Working under direct mentorship, you will ensure process water meets stringent quality specifications while adhering to strict environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards.

This is a foundational role backed by structured, on-the-job training designed to build your technical capabilities across mechanical systems, chemical dosing, and computerized process control, positioning you for long-term career growth in plant operations.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

1. Process Operations & Control

• Operate and monitor water treatment and purification equipment, including centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, valves, clarifiers, mixers, blowers, centrifuges, and sludge dewatering systems (e.g., belt filter presses).
• Utilize computerized process control systems (SCADA / HMI) to track flow rates, tank levels, pressures, and chemical dosage; log operating data and make required process adjustments.
• Conduct regular plant rounds and system walk-downs to detect leaks, abnormal vibrations, pressure variances, and equipment malfunctions early.

2. Preventative Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform basic preventive maintenance (lubrication, filter replacements, seal inspections) and assist senior technicians with mechanical and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Clean, calibrate, and verify online sensors, flow meters, and analytical probes (pH, ORP, conductivity, turbidity).
• Assist with equipment isolations, cleanouts, and turnaround activities.

3. Water Quality & Chemical Handling

• Collect water, effluent, and sludge samples across treatment stages; conduct routine field tests and benchtop analyses (pH, chlorine residual, suspended solids, hardness).
• Safely offload, stage, and load process chemicals and treatment additives into bulk tanks and feed systems, including manually lifting and loading 40–50 lb bags.
• Maintain clear, compliant operating logs and report any process quality non-conformance immediately.

4. Safety & Operational Discipline

• Strictly comply with site environmental and safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, chemical handling protocols, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards.
• Drive site utility vehicles safely across plant grounds to inspect remote equipment and transfer materials.
• Participate in rotational 24/7 emergency on-call duty as assigned by the facility.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Licensing: Valid driver’s license with a clean, insurable motor vehicle record.
• Technical Aptitude: Demonstrated mechanical curiosity and comfort operating hand and power tools.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer proficiency for data entry, digital logbooks, email, and process control interfaces.
• Math & Communication: Foundational math skills (ratios, basic algebra for chemical dilution/dosing); fluent written and verbal English communication to understand Operating Procedures (SOPs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Availability: Willingness and ability to work assigned shift schedules, overtime, weekends/holidays, and rotational 24/7 on-call emergency response.
• Pre-Employment: Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in an industrial plant, chemical manufacturing, utility, refinery, wastewater treatment, or military mechanical/operations rating.
• Working knowledge of pumps, piping systems, valves, or pneumatic controls.
• Familiarity with SCADA, PLC interfaces, or digital work order systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo).
• State Water or Wastewater Operator certification (or Operator-in-Training / OIT credential).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work Environment: Active chemical and industrial manufacturing facility. Requires working both indoors (control rooms, mechanical buildings) and outdoors in all seasonal weather conditions. Potential exposure to high-pressure lines, heavy rotating equipment, elevated noise levels, and regulated chemicals (all managed with mandatory, site-provided PPE).
• Mobility & Endurance: Substantial standing and walking required (up to 50% of the shift, occasionally walking up to 4–5 miles per shift across plant grounds).
• Physical Tasks: Regular bending, stooping, crouching, ascending/descending vertical ladders and industrial stair towers, and occasional entry into permit-required confined spaces.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry 40–50 lbs regularly (chemical bags, tools) and up to 60 lbs occasionally with appropriate lifting techniques or assistance.
• Sensory: Clear visual observation and color differentiation needed to evaluate water clarity, read analog/digital gauges, and identify process alarms.