Chief Plant Operator

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.

Position Purpose: 

The Chief Plant Operator shall supervise the day-to-day operations of the Advanced Water Treatment facility. This position is responsible for the overall operations of the dedicated project in addition to the responsibility of regulatory compliance. The incumbent manages a total of 3 operators. Works jointly with other departments to ensure that the facilities are operated in the most optimum and efficient way, in line with set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and budget. Ensures that all operations staff strictly follow all safety instructions and use the required and appropriate PPE at all times. Ensures growth and development of existing staff and proper onboarding of new operations staff.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment and/or water treatment, engineering, principles and methods of scientific research, current advances in the field of water reclamation, computer hardware and software applications for the operation of an advanced water reclamation facility, general administrative principles and practices, and methods of supervision.
• Interface with state regulatory agencies, fill out necessary forms and ensure correctness. Ultimately be accountable for compliance and the efficient and effective operations of the facility.
• Must be readily accessible to staff and their direct reports during all shifts and after hours.
• Must have detailed and comprehensive knowledge of various treatment processes and associated equipment. Routinely monitors and assesses the treatment process operating parameters including their manual and automatic control functions and validates or supervises necessary adjustments ensuring the treatment processes operate in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provides support and guidance in capital projects, research & development projects, and plant improvement projects.
• Ensures equipment is maintained in proper operational conditions and supervises work order entry into CMMS to ensure proper triggering of maintenance activities. Keeps a log of OOS (out-of-service) critical equipment status.
• Oversees and ensures the prompt diagnosis of operational issues, the maintenance of operational and compliance records, reports, and log sheets, and the proper storage thereof.
• Is proficient at collecting, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting process data to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve process issues.
• Drives and oversees the updating and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reviews existing SOPs on a regular basis.
• Interacts with, coordinates with, and supports Operations/Maintenance staff, Laboratory staff, Engineering staff, Administrative staff, and the Client to perform related responsibilities.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or Environmental Science.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in water or wastewater of which 5 years in management or supervisory capacity. Preferred experience as Chief Plant Operator or Plant Manager.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment and/or water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to wastewater system operations.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze data and maintain computer records.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform standard laboratory sampling and testing.
• Available for standby duty and emergencies as needed. Must be accessible to support operations at all times and hours.
• Proficient in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Computerized Maintenance Management System, DCS (Distributed Control System) and other software used in plant operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills including the ability to quickly interpret an extensive variety of technical information/data to make critical operational. decisions.
• Positive can-do attitude.
• Well organized.
• Ability to adapt to change quickly.
• Team Player.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Valid California driver's license is required.
• Valid State of California Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Grade V is preferred or ability to obtain Grade V within 1 year.
• California Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate and Advanced Water Treatment Certificate Grade IV/V.

Pay Rate: $200000 to $250000 per year.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. 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.

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.