Primary Role

The Lead Operator, Wastewater Treatment is an advanced, licensed position responsible for the overall operations, compliance, and technical leadership of a wastewater treatment facility. This role may serve as the Responsible Operator-in-Charge when assigned and exercises independent judgement to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant wastewater treatment and collection. The Lead Operator, Wastewater Treatment provides oversight, technical direction, and training/mentoring to other operators, coordinates shift activities, oversees complex operational activities, and supports regulatory compliance, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. Work is performed with minimal supervision under the direction of local management.

Key Accountabilities

• May serve as the Responsible Operator‑in‑Charge and be included on the Available Operator Report in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the on‑shift technical lead for wastewater treatment plant operations, providing direction, guidance, and operational decision‑making support to Senior and entry‑level operators.Lead and oversee plant startup, shutdown, and routine and non‑routine operational checks to ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory‑compliant facility operations.
• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and technical guidance to lower-level Operators.Order, receive, and manage inventory of treatment chemicals to ensure uninterrupted plant operations and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical oversight and direction for the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and adjustment of wastewater treatment processes and systems, including pumping systems, chemical preparation and feeding systems, aeration and clarification processes, sludge handling systems, and associated control and monitoring equipment.
• Direct and regulate wastewater and sludge flows through treatment processes in accordance with permit requirements, process conditions, and established operating procedures.
• Serve as the primary technical authority during complex or non‑routine operating conditions, troubleshooting advanced process and equipment issues and determining appropriate corrective actions.
• Review, evaluate, and validate operational, laboratory, and field data to identify trends, diagnose treatment performance issues, and implement or direct process improvements.
• Ensure accurate and complete operational documentation, including review of operator logs, laboratory and field results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, and other process data; oversee and support preparation and submission of routine and special compliance reports.
• Lead inspections and condition assessments of mechanical, electrical, and SCADA‑controlled equipment; prioritize corrective actions and coordinate complex or advanced repairs with maintenance staff, engineers, or external contractors.
• Respond to alarms, emergency conditions, and system upsets, exercising sound judgment and following established emergency response procedures.
• Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture by conducting safety inspections, ensuring adherence to PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space, and chemical‑handling protocols, and addressing unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Answer calls from the CSO, and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and safety practices of wastewater or water distribution, pumping, collection, and treatment, each as they may apply to area of responsibility.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific principles related to wastewater treatment processes.
• Advanced knowledge of the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes and related equipment, as well as an awareness and alertness regarding operational modification necessary in both routine and emergency situations.
• Advanced ability to perform laboratory analyses in accordance with approved methods (e.g., Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater) and interpret results for operational control and compliance.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety). Knowledge of emergency response protocols for plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents.
• Advanced understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety concepts. 
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and mentor others. Skill in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making in dynamic environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors. Advanced understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Skill in identifying mechanical, electrical, or control-system failures.
• Skill in adjusting control settings to maintain regulatory compliance and operational stability.
• Technical proficiency in the use of operational software systems, SCADA interfaces, databases, and asset management platforms.
• Ability to perform and interpret laboratory and field test results.
• Skill in data interpretation for operational trends, lab results, and equipment performance.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks during alarms, failures, or emergency conditions. 

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred. 
• 8+ years experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
• Experience in wastewater treatment field.

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel within region may be required.

Work Environment

• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions. 
• Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.
• Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs. 

Competencies