Wastewater Operator III at Veolia Environnement SA

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: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wastewater Operator III to join our Veolia Palm Springs team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and operation of equipment, routine laboratory tests, and minor maintenance activities, leveraging their experience to optimize plant performance. Our annual objectives include achieving successful wastewater plant operation with zero effluent violations, zero OSHA recordable incidents, and reduced overtime.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Operate equipment manually and via instrument panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic control units within an assigned area.
• Conduct field tests (chemical, physical, and biological) to determine appropriate chemical dosages for process and odor control units or to modify unit processes.
• Monitor and observe operating conditions, record observations and data in the area shift log; diagnose fundamental operational problems and implement corrective actions; and communicate status, changes, and abnormalities in operating areas.
• Adhere to process control procedures for assigned areas; verify and report suspected malfunctions and variances to the supervisor.
• Prepare chemical solutions, monitor process chemical supplies, and recommend reorder points.
• Sample water, wastewater, sludge, and gases according to established schedules and procedures; and service automatic samplers.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and instrument calibration for portable meters.
• Execute minor maintenance, including routine preventive maintenance, lubrication, and minor adjustments; perform basic equipment troubleshooting, recommend solutions, and, where appropriate, complete work orders.
• Operate vehicles such as forklifts, loaders, Bobcats, and dump trucks for plant operational purposes.
• Provide on-the-job training for Operators in Training and Operator I in operational, maintenance, and safety duties as required.
• Ensure work is performed in a safe and professional manner by adhering to established safety, operating, and emergency response procedures.
• Perform cleanup and housekeeping tasks for the work area, tools, equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Perform the duties of Lead Operator and related duties as needed.

Work Environment:

• Day Shift (commencing at 6 AM or 7 AM)
• Weekend work is required.
• Occasional overtime and rotational 24-hour emergency on-call duty are part of the role.
• Alternative shift schedules (e.g., a 4-day/10-hour workweek) may be available.
• Requires working in outdoor and indoor environments with varying noise levels and all temperatures and climatic conditions.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, train, and functionally supervise subordinates.
• The ability to execute verbal and written instructions effectively.
• The ability to diagnose plant-wide process problems, implement remedial actions, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Working knowledge of the methods, techniques, principles, and practices of water/wastewater treatment, acquired through five years of experience.
• Must possess the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and a willingness to readily assume additional or new responsibilities.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in using computer programs for process control.
• Strong reading, mathematical, writing, and verbal communication skills; scientific and mechanical aptitude; and the ability to read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles, and other equipment.
• Must demonstrate the ability to efficiently operate all facility equipment, which may include pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed, odor control, belt filter press, measuring/control devices, testing equipment, and material handling equipment.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• A valid California driver's license and a clean driving record.
• A valid California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Grade III certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry 60 pounds.
• Ability to perform tasks standing and walking.

Pay Range: $35.00 to $37.00 per hour.

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. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

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.