Wastewater Treatment Operator

Position Title: Wastewater Treatment/Utilities Operator  

Reports To: Wastewater Treatment Manager 

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-exempt 

Job Grade: 2 

Pay Range: $22.35- $31.94 (Depending on Experience)

Position Summary

The Wastewater Treatment/Utilities Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the Cayuga Milk Ingredients anaerobic wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. This role involves performing a variety of skilled technical duties, assisting maintenance staff, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections of plant operations through SCADA system monitoring, visual observations, and      instrumentation readings.
• Monitor and document remote facilities and lift stations, addressing or reporting abnormal conditions.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain pumps, valves, motors, and other essential equipment; receive and unload chemical deliveries.
• Maintain accurate operation logs and reports, performing necessary calculations.
• Collect samples and conduct routine wastewater quality laboratory tests for process control and regulatory compliance.
• Perform general facility maintenance, including cleaning, minor repairs, and equipment upkeep.
• Respond to emergency alarms and calls as required, including after-hours availability when needed.
• Operate equipment and vehicles for grounds maintenance, snow removal, and other facility needs.
• Support safety initiatives, review chemical SDS sheets, and adhere to safe work practices.
• Utilize software applications such as Microsoft Office, Wonderware HMI/SCADA, and Bigfoot CMMS.
• Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Assist in troubleshooting and maintaining all treatment equipment.
• Maintain inventory levels of wastewater treatment and maintenance supplies.
• Work with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, quality, and sanitation personnel to manage waste streams and troubleshoot issues.
• Communicate technical and analytical data through reports, charts, and graphs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Set up and calibrate analytical/testing equipment as needed.
• Keep wastewater treatment plant and maintenance areas clean and organized.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational, analytical, teamwork, communication, and mechanical skills.
• High school diploma or GED; wastewater treatment operation and maintenance experience preferred.
• Specialized education in mathematics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, or mechanics is desirable.
• Ability to operate and maintain WWTP pumps, motors, and related equipment.
• Mechanical and electrical skills preferred.
• Grade 1A Operator Certification or ability to achieve certification within six months.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with Windows-based programs.
• Basic laboratory skills and knowledge of processing equipment calibration.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to detect color changes in chemical testing procedures.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Certification in required training programs within six months of hire.
• Familiarity with standard manufacturing equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Knowledge of activated sludge processes and regulatory requirements is a plus.
• Experience with HVAC and air handling systems preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work primarily takes place in the wastewater treatment plant and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to temperature extremes, high noise levels, wet and slippery conditions, heights, dust, and chemical vapors.

Equipment Used

• Personal protective equipment including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, uniforms, and hearing protection.
• Standard processing equipment including pumps, valves, metering systems, heat exchangers, separators, and PLC control panels.
• Office equipment and software for documentation and reporting.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, hourly position with additional hours required based on business needs.
• Some domestic travel may be required.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.

· Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.

· Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.

· Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.

· Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.

· Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.

· Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Work Schedule:

3 positions available

(1) Monday-Friday 9pm-530am. Additional availability on weekends or off shifts as necessary to support a 24/7/365 operation.

(1) Night Shift: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The role follows a rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

(1) Day Shift: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The role follows a rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.   

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on 

individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However, employees with access to compensation information as part of their job duties are prohibited from disclosing this information to unauthorized individuals, except in specific circumstances outlined by applicable laws and regulations (41 CFR 60-1.35(c)).

General Statement: 

All Cayuga employees recognize that the success and prosperity of the company is everyone’s responsibility. All employees are expected to treat each other in a positive, respectful, and professional manner, to be at work for their assigned shift and to work safely as a team. Employees must be self-starters who can relate to all levels of the organization.

Disclaimer:

o All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

o This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

o The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.

o This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.