Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Description
Job Title: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Location:
34 Dock Rd, Milton, NY 12547

Schedule:
Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8am- 5pm

Department:
Facilities Operations

Reports To:
Plant Manager

Hourly Rate:
$25.00 -
$28.00 per hour
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
to manage the on-site treatment of process water and effluent from our beverage production facility. Our plant produces a wide variety of high-sugar and colored beverage products, creating complex wastewater streams requiring careful monitoring and treatment. The operator will ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, particularly those mandated by the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
or equivalent.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment systems including aeration tanks, clarifiers, filters, pumps, and chemical feed systems.
• Collect and analyze water samples to monitor chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of influent and effluent.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of system performance, laboratory results, chemical usage, and maintenance activities.
• Adjust chemical dosages, system flow, and other parameters to ensure effluent discharge consistently meets regulatory standards.
• Interpret laboratory and process data to make informed adjustments to plant operations.
• Conduct preventative and routine maintenance on treatment equipment and coordinate repairs with maintenance teams when necessary.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, logs, and documentation in accordance with DEC and EPA requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and permitting processes conducted by environmental authorities.
• Collaborate with production and sanitation teams to proactively manage influent loads and reduce impact on treatment systems.
• Ensure chemical inventory and safety protocols are adhered to at all times.
• Participate in emergency response and spill containment procedures as needed and neighborhood complaints, as relevant.
• Frequent collaboration and communication with our third-party engineers and environmental counsel.
• Analyze hauling volume.
• Continue to evaluate potential efficiencies for the facility.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Technical Degree in Environmental Science, Water Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Valid Wastewater Operator Certification (e.g., NYS Grade 2 or higher, or equivalent based on location).
• 3 years of experience operating an industrial or municipal wastewater treatment system, preferably in a food or beverage production environment.
• Strong understanding of DEC and EPA regulations, permit conditions, and reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with SCADA systems, laboratory testing, and data entry.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain detailed, organized records.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and time management skills.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, work in confined spaces, and in varying environmental conditions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience handling high-sugar or high-BOD/COD wastewater streams.
• Knowledge of pretreatment technologies (e.g., pH adjustment, DAF, biological treatment).
• Familiarity with beverage-specific sanitation chemicals and their impact on wastewate

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $25 - $28