Environmental Protection Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Job Type: Licensed Class III Groundwater Treatment Plant Operator – Robins Air Force Base in Georgia

Reports to: Robins AFB Optimized Remediation Contract Project Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

At Bhate Environmental Associates, you'll be part of a nationally recognized environmental consulting firm that delivers innovative solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal clients. Our employees work on meaningful projects that protect human health and the environment while supporting our nation's military installations.

We invest in our people by providing opportunities to work with advanced environmental technologies, develop technical expertise, and grow professionally. At Bhate, you'll collaborate with experienced engineers, geologists, scientists, and field professionals in a team-oriented culture where safety, integrity, quality, and innovation are valued.

This position supports the Robins Air Force Base Optimized Remediation Contract (ORC) and provides a unique opportunity to operate and maintain a state-of-the-art groundwater treatment plant that plays a critical role in restoring environmental resources.

Position Summary:

Bhate Environmental Associates is seeking an experienced Class III Georgia Wastewater Operator to operate and maintain a continuously operating Groundwater Treatment Plant (GWTP) located at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. The treatment system utilizes a combination of:

• 10 leachate collection wells
• 6 active extraction wells
• Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
• Intrinsic barrier system
• Wet well to separate LNAPL and DNAPL
• Oil-Water Separator
• Equalization
• Ozone oxidation treatment
• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
• Chemical sequestration with subsequent pH neutralization

The GWTP treats contaminated groundwater prior to discharge under a Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The GWTP operates continuously (24 hours per day, 7 days per week), and the Class III Wastewater Operator is responsible for ensuring the system operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with permit requirements. Operator will be responsible for reviewing laboratory data and reporting any criteria out of compliance to the Project Manager. The successful candidate will perform system monitoring, preventive and corrective maintenance, compliance sampling, operational troubleshooting, process optimization, and regulatory documentation while supporting Bhate's commitment to exceptional client service. The candidate will also have opportunity to assist with a variety of other environmental remediation programs at Robins AFB as time allows.

Why You'll Enjoy Working at Bhate:

At Bhate Environmental Associates, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful environmental restoration projects that support the U.S. Air Force while operating advanced groundwater treatment technologies, including ozone treatment, activated carbon systems, automated controls, and other industrial treatment processes. As part of a collaborative team of engineers, geologists, scientists, and environmental professionals, you'll contribute to technically challenging projects in an environment that values innovation, safety, and technical excellence. Bhate is committed to investing in its employees through professional development, technical training, and opportunities for career advancement. We offer competitive compensation based on experience, a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and professional development support, all within a company culture founded on integrity, quality, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Job Position Purpose:

The GWTP Operator/Technician is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation, monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of groundwater treatment systems supporting environmental remediation activities at Robins Air Force Base. The position serves as the primary operator responsible for ensuring the treatment system is operated in accordance with applicable federal, state, and permit-specific requirements, including the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The GWTP Operator/Technician performs routine operations and maintenance (O&M), preventive maintenance, process monitoring, troubleshooting, compliance sampling, and reporting while supporting the Field Operations Manager in achieving project performance, regulatory compliance, and operational objectives.

Job Expectations:

The GWTP Operator is the operator of record and is responsible for continuous compliance with all applicable NPDES permit requirements and ensure uninterrupted operation of the groundwater treatment system. Additionally, the candidate is a Bhate representative on an active Air Force Base, who is expected to interact with Air Force personnel, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and vendors when needed.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain the groundwater treatment plant in accordance with contract requirements, approved Operation & Maintenance Manuals, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Oversee start-up of the new ozone generator and revise the O&M Manuals accordingly.
• Serve as the licensed operator responsible for operation of the groundwater treatment system in accordance with Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) requirements.
• Ensure continuous compliance with all requirements of the site's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, including discharge limitations, monitoring requirements, inspection requirements, sampling frequencies, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Collect groundwater, influent, effluent, and process samples in accordance with approved sampling plans and NPDES permit requirements.
• Review analytical data and operational trends to evaluate treatment system performance and identify operational improvements.
• Immediately notify project management of permit exceedances, operational upsets, equipment failures, or conditions that could impact regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and maintain operating logs, calibration records, maintenance records, inspection reports, chain-of-custody documentation, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, filter backwash, equipment inspections, repairs, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Operate, inspect, calibrate, and maintain pumps, motors, blowers, treatment vessels, valves, instrumentation, PLCs, flow meters, pressure gauges, and process controls.
• Operate and maintain ozone treatment systems, activated carbon systems, filtration systems, groundwater extraction systems, and associated process equipment.
• Coordinate laboratory analyses, equipment vendors, maintenance contractors, and waste disposal vendors as required.
• Maintain adequate inventories of chemicals, spare parts, sampling supplies, and consumables.
• Identify process improvements that enhance treatment efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable health and safety requirements.
• Maintain electronic timekeeping in accordance with corporate policy.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Georgia Class III Industrial Wastewater Operator License (or higher) is required.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience operating industrial or groundwater treatment systems.
• Demonstrated experience operating treatment systems regulated under an NPDES permit.
• Experience with ozone treatment, activated carbon (GAC), pumps, instrumentation, automated controls (PLCs), and groundwater remediation systems is preferred.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification with annual refreshers.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain access to Robins Air Force Base.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• May require brief periods of weekend work to backwash the filter.
• Potential exposure to equipment operation hazards and moving mechanical parts
• Potential exposure to wet and humid conditions, elevated work locations, inclement weather, and exposure to heat or cold weather-related environments
• Potential to moderate to high noise exposures in the work environment
• Potential exposure to chemical, physical, and biological hazards
• Position requires the passing of baseline and annual medical examinations
• Activities may require use of respiratory protection and chemical protective clothing
• Tasks involved lifting up to 50 pounds in weight, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects

Job Type: Full time

Competitive compensation and benefits are available and will be determined based on related experience and knowledge.

Bhate is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

Bhate Environmental Associates, Inc. is an environmental solutions company using state-of-the-art technologies to solve problems. Our family of employees focuses on a collective commitment to each of our clients. We believe in collaboration, robust training, outstanding compensation, benefits to staff and, always, quality work. Our team, located in 10 offices in the US and abroad, provides the following core services:
Environmental Compliance
Investigations/Studies
Remedial Design/Remedial Action
UXO/MEC
Abatement/Recycling
Construction
Renovation
Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization
Design Build
Design Bid/Build
Horizontal and Vertical
Energy
Life-cycle and Analyses
Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) Analysis
Cogeneration
CADD/GIS
Safety
Hazard Evaluations

Bhate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other