Digester Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Operator I maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment related to potable water or wastewater treatment.
• Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area.
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log.
• Ensures conformance to process specifications. Troubleshoots and diagnoses operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes.
• Samples potable water or wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
• Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers.
• Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs lab tests applicable to permit testing and related reports per procedure.
• Performs manual labor including but not limited to filling and emptying of machine bins, cleaning equipment, cleaning facilities, cleaning grounds, digging, using hand tools etc. as required.
• Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.
• Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Assists in other areas of plant as needed.
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must follow established operational, process control, safety and emergency response procedures. Must adhere to specifications and production schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Spends 100% of the time in an operations environment.
• May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicles to perform duties.
• Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Associate's degree in a science or technical area preferred.
• Some experience in a related position and environment preferred.
• One to two years of experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE
• (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
• Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must be able to serve on various sifts to provide required operator coverage.
• Must be able to respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours to accommodate site needs.
• Must be able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Typically holds or is working toward an intermediate level water and/or wastewater treatment certificate. (Requires minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agencies at the site).
• Typically holds a Minimum Class or a Grade C water treatment license / Class C wastewater treatment license. (Requires minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agencies at site).
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Amount of time spent – Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces.
• May be required to use ladders or stairs.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

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.