Wastewater Process Analyst

Description

The City of Caldwell Wastewater Treatment Plant is looking for a Wastewater Process Analyst. This is a senior, advanced-level technical position responsible for plant-wide process analysis, monitoring, optimization, and data analysis and management. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the plan superintendents. May act as project or functional lead over operators, laboratory personnel, and other staff during process studies and optimization projects. The principal duties of this class are performed in a laboratory setting with periodic travel in the field to collect waste and water samples; daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine gases, sodium bisulfate, acids, wastes, raw sewage, and other chemicals. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Performs advanced process monitoring, data analysis, and optimization of wastewater and solids treatment processes.
• Monitors key process indicators and plant performance to ensure NPDES compliance and reliable operation.
• Evaluates treatment processes and recommends control strategies and operational changes to improve efficiency and capacity.
• Develops and maintains process control plans, SOPs, and profiles for critical processes.
• Plans and conducts bench-, pilot-, and full-scale process studies to evaluate treatment strategies, technologies, and products.
• Analyzes study data and prepares concise technical reports and recommendations.
• Coordinates with vendors, consultants, and engineering staff on evaluation of equipment, chemicals, and process technologies.
• Uses WIMS and other data systems to collect, validate, and analyze process and compliance data.
• Develops and maintains process models, dashboards, and visual tools for tracking performance and trends.
• Prepares internal and regulatory support reports and technical summaries for management and other stakeholders.
• Monitors solids handling processes and recommends strategies to improve stability, gas production, dewatering, and biosolids quality.
• Organizes and evaluates chemical addition systems to optimize effectiveness and cost.
• Oversees nutrient and resource recovery processes to maximize beneficial use while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Provides technical support to operations, lab, maintenance, and engineering staff on process control issues.
• Mentors and trains staff in process fundamentals, data interpretation, and use of process tools.
• Coordinates special sampling, process investigations, and project-related activities, and communicates results clearly to diverse audiences.
• Follows and promotes safe work practices related to plant operations and process activities.
• Participates in safety programs and assists with updates to process-related procedures.
• Assists with response to process upsets and emergencies, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Performs operator duties when required to support plant operations and performs other duties as assigned.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress and status, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas as approved.
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities to help keep a positive work environment.
• Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with plant operator, employees, supervisors, public, and others.
• Accepts and performs in a timely and effective manner changes in work assignments and/or how work is performed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• Additional coursework, certification, or training in wastewater treatment, environmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, process engineering, or a closely related field.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Five years experience in industrial or municipal wastewater operations analysis and process control; working as a laboratory specialist; or engineering experience in the construction, design, or operations of a wastewater treatment facility.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Level IV Wastewater Treatment Operator license issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL), or the ability to obtain such license within six months of hire date or as otherwise specified.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background check, and drug testing to include prescription medications.
• May be required to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Wastewater Treatment Operator Class IV license.
• Advanced degree in wastewater treatment engineering, technology, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, process engineering, or a closely related field.
• Seven years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and process control of a large wastewater facility or equivalent environment.
• Three years experience providing lead or supervisory direction over operators, laboratory, or technical staff.
• Experience interpreting and complying with federal, state, and local regulations and NPDES permits, including preparation or review of related reports and documentation.
• Experience with advance process control systems, SCADA, and data analytics tools.