Water / Wastewater Operator

Wastewater Operations Technician / Operator

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Wastewater Operator to oversee the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and optimization of an advanced wastewater treatment facility in the Denver, Colorado area. This role is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, maximizing treatment performance, supporting capital improvement projects, and assisting with equipment startup and commissioning activities.

The position requires a highly hands-on professional with experience operating biological and membrane-based treatment systems, including anaerobic treatment processes, membrane bioreactors (MBRs), and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. The successful candidate will work closely with operations leadership, engineering teams, contractors, and facility stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operation.

Periodic travel may be required to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational initiatives at other treatment facilities throughout the United States.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment processes and supporting equipment to ensure reliable system performance and permit compliance.
• Monitor and control treatment operations through PLC/SCADA platforms, including remote system access and alarm management.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance, inspections, and calibration of instrumentation, pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, and other process equipment.
• Diagnose and correct process, mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues with minimal disruption to plant operations.
• Monitor critical treatment parameters including MLSS, pH, dissolved oxygen, sludge age, solids retention time, temperature, flow rates, and treatment efficiency metrics.
• Maintain a safe, organized work environment while adhering to OSHA requirements and internal safety procedures.
• Review operational data and performance trends to identify opportunities for process improvements and system optimization.
• Communicate operational status, technical findings, and recommendations to customers, project teams, and management.
• Interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, equipment manuals, and construction documentation to support operations and verify installation quality.
• Assist in the development and revision of operating procedures, maintenance plans, and site-specific work instructions.
• Support ongoing facility improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and retrofit activities.
• Participate in startup, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and performance testing activities for new and expanded facilities.
• Generate and manage punch-list items, ensuring deficiencies are addressed prior to project completion and turnover.
• Execute equipment functionality testing and process performance verification during commissioning.
• Maintain accurate logs, maintenance records, operational reports, and compliance documentation.
• Participate in technical training programs and continuing education opportunities to support professional growth and license requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years operating industrial or municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
• Colorado Wastewater Operator certification, or ability to obtain equivalent licensing.
• Experience operating wastewater systems in food and beverage, industrial, or municipal environments.
• Strong background with biological treatment processes, including anaerobic digestion, phosphorus removal, solids management, and suspended-growth systems.
• Practical experience operating and maintaining MBR and reverse osmosis treatment systems.
• Familiarity with technologies such as anaerobic and aerobic treatment, MBBR, UF/MBR systems, filtration systems, chemical dosing equipment, and biogas treatment processes.
• Experience working with packaged treatment equipment, process instrumentation, and automated control systems.
• Working knowledge of pumps, valves, piping systems, solids handling equipment, dewatering processes, and general mechanical maintenance.
• Basic understanding of industrial electrical systems, instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Experience performing laboratory analysis and operational testing, including measurements such as TSS, MLSS, and conductivity.
• Ability to interpret and work from P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with PLC/SCADA platforms, process automation, and control logic.
• Experience using Ignition, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar industrial automation systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple operational priorities.
• Willingness to travel periodically to support other facilities and project activities.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Residence within a reasonable commuting distance of the Denver-area facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Technical certifications relevant to industrial wastewater treatment, instrumentation, controls, or process operations.
• Previous involvement in facility startup, commissioning, or process optimization projects.
• Experience supporting construction, retrofit, or capital improvement projects within water or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements that enhance treatment performance and reliability.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated operator who enjoys troubleshooting complex treatment systems, optimizing biological processes, and working closely with engineering and operations teams. They are comfortable balancing daily plant responsibilities with project-related activities such as commissioning, upgrades, and performance testing.

This role is best suited for someone who can combine strong technical knowledge with practical field experience, communicate effectively with both customers and internal stakeholders, and take ownership of plant performance, safety, and compliance.