Wastewater Tech I at Western Sugar Cooperative

Title: Wastewater Technician I

Location: Fort Morgan, CO

Position Overview

The Western Sugar Cooperative has an opportunity for an experienced Wastewater Technician I at its facility in Fort Morgan, Colorado. The position will serve as the facility’s Wastewater Operator, certified in the state of Colorado as at least a Class C Wastewater Operator, and will assume ownership of the maintenance and operation of the facility’s wastewater treatment works. The person who fills this role will be a part of the facility’s environmental team and will be responsible for the implementation of site-specific monitoring and maintenance programs associated with the wastewater treatment works and wastewater lagoons in accordance with in-house best practices/plans and environmental regulation.  The preferred candidate is self-motivated, organized, mechanically inclined, and task-oriented to effectively contribute to the overall success of the environmental team.  With a hands-on approach, this person must communicate and collaborate with facility management to create a transparent and productive work setting. 

Essential Functions

• Operates a Class B wastewater treatment works and associated sludge handling system with oversight from the facility’s certified Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC).
• Monitors quality and effectiveness of wastewater treatment works and associated environmental controls and best management practices (BMPs).
• Performs frequent sampling and testing in accordance with analytical reference methods.
• Responsible for managing chemical inventory related to wastewater operations and cooling tower.
• Maintains good housekeeping of wastewater treatment works and sludge handling building.
• Routinely uses, calibrates, and maintains analytical instrumentation (i.e. pH, temperature, odor, dissolved oxygen, COD, etc.) per manufacture’s recommendations and site-specific policies and procedures.
• Responsible for data entry and QA/QC.
• Assists in the preparation of Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs).
• Responsible for performing preventative maintenance routines associated with the wastewater treatment works (i.e. pumps, aerators, gears, belts, etc.).
• Responsible for identifying repairs or non-routine maintenance items and implementing basic maintenance repairs, when qualified to do so.
• Responsible for the management and application of any new treatment technologies identified to promote healthy biological activity, prevent and mitigate potential odors, and prevent or suppress unwanted plant growth.
• On a regular basis, verifies that all required monitoring and recordkeeping related to core-responsibilities is being performed per site-specific policies and procedures.
• Must attend routine training and maintain all required certifications, as identified by the site’s Environmental Manager.
• Performs other environmental duties as assigned.
• Performs all tasks in accordance with environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures, and is responsible for maintaining job-specific certifications and/or licenses as assigned.
• May be required to work rotating shifts.

Skill & Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in wastewater treatment
• Colorado Class C or higher Operator Certification
• SAP experience preferred
• Must be mechanically inclined; maintenance experience preferred
• Safety leader with exemplary behaviors and leadership
• Proficient in critical thinking and multi-tasking high priority projects
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Computer competent (Excel and Word)
• Friendly, results oriented, and collaborative

Work Relationship: Reports to the Environmental Manager

Employment Requirements: Must be 18 years old or older

Travel Requirements, if any (please indicate percentage): Less than 5% (for training purposes)