Wastewater Treatment Operator

At Tesla, the Wastewater Treatment Operator will be a key member of small team tasked with maintaining 24/7 uptime and regulatory compliance for a critical utility (the onsite wastewater treatment plant - WWTP). The Tesla WWTP is a chemical/mechanical process for removing suspended solids (grit, sand, metal particles, etc.), oils, and dissolved metals (zinc, cadmium, etc.) from the wastewater as a pretreatment process prior to discharging the finished water to the municipal collection system in compliance with Tesla’s discharge permit A successful WWTP operator is will be given significant responsibility and autonomy in the overall process of collecting, analyzing, treating, and discharging process wastewater (no domestic/sanitary wastewater) and will play an important role in our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy

• Operate all wastewater treatment systems and monitor performance via both SCADA and field observations.

• Collect wastewater samples and prepare for analysis.

• Analyze wastewater samples in a laboratory setting that involves use of precision instruments and handling corrosive reagents using the correct PPE.

• Inspect, troubleshoot, clean, maintain and repair equipment and systems involved in the wastewater treatment processes to include instruments, pumps, valves, chemical dosing systems, sludge presses and blowers.

• Remove, replace, clean and calibrate field sensors (example: pH sensors).

• Handle various wastewater treatment chemicals (including [TL1] [BH2] acids and bases) using appropriate PPE.

• Check chemical inventories and ensure supervisor is aware of any potential shortages.

• Confined space entry using proper procedures and equipment.

• Operate a forklift or telehandler.

• Disassemble, remove, and/or demolish equipment as directed.

• Housekeeping activities as directed.

• Change out chemical drums or totes and assist drivers with bulk truck unloading.

• Use a computer to enter data accurately and on time and maintain records.

• Understand and adhere to discharge permit requirements

• Ability to work in a team-oriented production or manufacturing environment, including exhibiting strong interpersonal and communication skills with your teammates.

• Ability and willingness to maintain a safe and collaborative work environment.

• Previous experience as a Wastewater Treatment Operator preferred

• Experience working within a manufacturing environment or related industry

• Mechanical aptitude, familiarity with common hand and power tools

• Verbal and written communication skills (able to understand and record maintenance procedures, shift pass downs, etc.)

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

• Frequently/repeatedly required to stand and walk for periods of time

• Ability to use use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects

• Reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for long periods of time;

• Frequently climb ladders and balance

• Ability to climb into vehicles and equipment

• Ability to perform repetitive horizontal push/pull of 50 pounds of force positioned at 36 inches,

• Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, half-kneel, squat, crouch, twist or crawl,

• Frequently lift and carry 50 pounds

• Push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. 30% climbing stairs.

• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments onsite Approximately 60% outdoors in all weather / all seasons

• Potential to come in contact with non-hazardous process fluids (wastewater, precipitated wet sludge, dried sludge, lubricant oils and greases).

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE): safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, hearing protection, chemical approved face shields, gloves and aprons.

• Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing.

• Comfortable learning new technology

• Must have professional working proficiency of the English language, both written and verbal.

• Computer skills strongly preferred (use of Word, Excel & Outlook programs)

• Must be at least 18 years of age.