Job Details

Wastewater Operator

Job Summary

The Wastewater Operator will independently perform a variety of complex tasks in the operation and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment, quality control/testing, and day-to-day activities on an assigned shift. This position requires advanced knowledge of equipment and tools, the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. The role involves operating vehicles and machinery, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the treatment plant.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain vehicles, tools, machinery, and equipment used in water and wastewater systems to control flow and processing of water/ wastewater, sludge, and effluent under minimal supervision.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings.
• Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control.
• Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve operational and maintenance issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor and adjust plant processes to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Conduct inspections of systems, structures, and equipment to identify and prevent potential issues.
• Maintain detailed records of operations, maintenance, and materials used.
• Prepare reports, collect samples, perform laboratory testing, determine proper chemical flow rates, and maintain shift logs.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Follow and enforce all safety procedures and company protocols.
• Makes operating decisions in the absence of supervisory personnel.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable MVR.
• Strong knowledge of operating and maintaining vehicles, tools, and machinery used in wastewater treatment systems.
• (Preferred) Basic familiarity with the principles and practices of water/wastewater treatment plant operations; operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical sewage analyses; effects and problems of industrial waste in water/wastewater treatment processes; safe work practices.

Operator I

• Minimum of 1 year of experience operating in water/wastewater systems or treatment plants.
• Class I Wastewater Certification through the State of Louisiana.

Operator II

• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating in water/wastewater systems or treatment plants.
• Class II Wastewater Certification through the State of Louisiana.

Operator III

• Minimum of 5 years of experience operating in water/wastewater systems or treatment plants.
• Class III Wastewater Certification through the State of Louisiana.

Education and Experience

This position is part of a structured operator progression pathway. Advancement from Operator I to Operator II and Operator III is based on the successful completion of the corresponding Louisiana wastewater operator certification levels, demonstrated operational competency, reliability, safety performance, and the ability to independently perform tasks appropriate to the next tier. Operators are expected to actively pursue the next level of certification within a reasonable timeframe and participate in ongoing training to support increasing responsibilities. Promotion decisions will be based on certification status, job performance, and supervisory recommendations.

Key Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Advanced understanding of water and wastewater system operations.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Team leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management.
• High stress tolerance and a strong safety-first mindset.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Normal, corrective vision range; ability to see color and to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, bend and reach for long periods of times in a treatment plant setting.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

• Ability to work a rotating schedule, including some nights and weekends, and willingness to work overtime as needed (overtime is not guaranteed).

• Safety is a core value at Bonton Associates. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services. Due to the nature of the job passing a Fitness for Duty testing is required to ensure candidates for this position are physically and functionally fit to perform the essential physical work functions of this safety sensitive position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.
• The physical and environmental demands required to perform the essential duties of this position include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance and agility demands, which may include the ability to stoop, kneel, squat, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements. Additional demands may involve a specific level of dexterity, grip strength, climbing and cardiorespiratory demands. The work areas may be indoor, outdoor, have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Other Duties

This job description is not all-inclusive of all job duties. Job duties and responsibilities may be assigned that are not mentioned above at any time based upon the demands of the Company. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific duties/requirements assigned to the position.