A Water Treatment Specialist or Waste Water Operator operates and monitors equipment in facilities that treat wastewater. Monitors treatment processes so that water is cleaned to meet public health and environmental standards and is safe for drinking or releasing into the environment.
The Licensed Wastewater Operator (N2) is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation, monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of the facility's wastewater pretreatment system in a food manufacturing environment. This position ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, and municipal wastewater regulations, including requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). The operator will maintain system performance, conduct testing, manage records, and support environmental compliance initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Monitoring city water, water softeners, cooling towers daily readings.
System Operations :
Run and optimize the plant's physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes (equalization tanks, DAF units, pH neutralization, and solids handling/dewatering).
Compliance & Sampling:
Execute routine laboratory analysis (pH, TSS, COD, settleability) in accordance with NJDEP and standard methods. Manage the collection of composites and grab samples for certified laboratory testing.
Regulatory Documentation :
Maintain the station logbook and track data required for monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). Ensure all records conform to NJDEP inspection standards.
Process Control:
Adjust chemical feed rates (coagulants, polymers, acid/caustic) to safely neutralize high-strength organic loads and CIP chemical dumps.
Facility Maintenance:
Perform preventative maintenance on pumps, blowers, sensors, valves, and minor repairs on wastewater treatment equipment.
Safety Protocols:
Follow all plant safety policies, environmental procedures, Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), confined space entry procedures, and OSHA requirements. Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues to minimize system downtime.
Experience, Skills, Education:
3-5 years of experience Industrial or manufacturing maintenance experience Minimum of 2 years of wastewater treatment experience, preferably in food manufacturing, or similar industrial environment. Understanding of NJDEP regulations and industrial pretreatment requirements. Strong recordkeeping and documentation skills. Direct experience in a food/beverage production environment is highly preferred.
Required:
New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Operator License, Class N2. Preferred experience in Microsoft office skills (Outlook and Excel) Knowledge in preventative maintenance and good repair practices Knowledgeable in repairing and rebuilding pumps Ability to replace motors, valves, aerators, and filters Must be able to run and fit PVC and black piping Working Conditions & Physical requirements:
Professional Development:
Commitment to maintaining the license by completing required Training Contact Hours (TCHs) during the standard 3-year NJDEP recertification cycle. Ability to work in industrial manufacturing and wastewater treatment environments. Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions. Ability to wear required PPE Ability to respond to emergencies outside of normal working hours.
Compensation Range:
$80,000 - $93,500 (salaried, non-exempt, eligible for overtime) We offer a $3,500.00 Sign-on Bonus!!!!
Benefits:
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick and Holiday pay) 401(k) Plan Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Plan Flexible Spending Accounts Wellness Programs Work-life Balance Employee Assistance Program Casual Dress Code Parental Bonding Leave Disability Coverage Tuition reimbursement program
Employee Discounts Pay:
$80,000.00 - $93,500.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
