Lead Operator – Water & Wastewater Treatment

About the role

The Lead Operator is responsible for overseeing the continuous, effective treatment of wastewater, managing biosolids operations, and ensuring laboratory analyses meet strict regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Operate wastewater treatment plant processes to guarantee uninterrupted treatment of collected wastewater.
• Manage biosolids processing, storage, and distribution while maintaining sufficient liquid biosolids capacity.
• Conduct laboratory examinations of water, wastewater, and biosolids in compliance with EPA and PADEP regulations and approved methods.
• Procure necessary materials and supplies according to company policies and maintain accurate records.
• Direct, train, and review the work of other operators performing treatment, laboratory, and biosolids tasks.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for treatment processes, laboratory work, and biosolids management.
• Account for all assigned tools, equipment, and materials; perform preventive and corrective maintenance and inspections.
• Coordinate sample‑collection schedules, analytical examinations, and reporting to meet regulatory deadlines.
• Communicate regularly with project management, the Utility Operations Supervisor, and fellow operators.

Required profile

• Experience operating wastewater treatment plant processes and biosolids management.
• Ability to supervise and train other operators.
• Familiarity with EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulations.
• Strong record‑keeping and material accounting skills.
• Capability to coordinate maintenance activities and laboratory sampling.

Required skills

• Wastewater treatment process control
• Biosolids processing and storage management
• Laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples
• Regulatory compliance (EPA, PADEP)
• Preventive and corrective equipment maintenance
• Material and inventory accounting