Water/Wastewater Operator

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Water/Wastewater Operator to support consulting engineering services and water/wastewater facility optimization projects. This position will play a key role in assisting with the baseline assessment, operation, maintenance, and improvement of water/wastewater pumping and treatment facilities, while collaborating closely with engineering teams to improve plant performance and efficiency. The successful candidate knows and seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering and gets more out of available resources. The successful candidate holds themself and others accountable to meet commitments, is a very clear communicator, and consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. The successful candidate knows when to make timely decisions and when to defer decision making based upon a mixture of risk analysis, wisdom, experience, courage, and judgment. The successful candidate will orchestrate multiple activities simultaneously and shepherd resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done. The successful candidate will apply their technical expertise in water/wastewater systems to drive project outcomes and help improve regulatory and operational goals. Candidate may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Basic office hours are 8:00 am MT to 5:00 pm MT, Monday thru Friday and is a hybrid schedule. Occasional overtime could be needed with short notice. This position may also require some minimal travel.

Typical hourly rate range for this position is $43.30 - $57.70. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Why Join Us?

As part of our team, you will be an integral part of helping our communities optimize water/wastewater pumping and treatment processes and enhance facility operations. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects alongside experienced engineers in the growing field of water/wastewater utility management.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a positive environmental impact and advancing the efficiency and sustainability of water/wastewater treatment facility operations.

Feel free to adjust or expand on any sections based on your specific company needs or the scope of projects.

Baseline Performance Assessments (BPA) and Baseline Operational Support (BOS):

• Pre-plan and conduct baseline performance assessments (BPA's) that utilize the right combination of operator input from interviews, operation system data, compliance data and reporting, new data acquisition, or new sample results.
• Support engineering teams to complete data and control system reviews as part of BPA's.
• Support engineering teams to pre-plan sampling and testing protocols and assist with the collection and analysis of operational data to support BPA's.
• Support engineering teams to review BPA's key findings and provide BOS that stabilizes any immediate facility/system issues exposed in the BOA.

Facility and Unit Process Optimization (FUPO):

• Beyond BPA, support engineering teams troubleshooting of water/wastewater pumping and treatment facilities, identifying and resolving system (FUPO) issues that allow longer response times and that require additional investments of analysis, labor, materials, funding, or regulatory approval.
• Leverage BPA findings to support engineering teams in the development and implementation of pumping and treatment facility optimization strategies, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, reduce chemical usage, leverage existing asset capability, and improve regulatory compliance.
• Leverage BPA findings to pre-plan and help conduct pilot projects, test new equipment or technologies, and provide feedback to engineers to improve treatment processes.
• Leverage BPA findings to contribute to the identification of areas for operational improvements, recommending solutions to enhance pumping and treatment performance.
• Support engineering teams in developing summary and recommendation reports focused on facility improvements related to efficiency, optimization, and performance of the operational interface.

Consulting Engineering Support on Projects and Studies:

• Collaborate with engineers on water/wastewater pumping and treatment facility assessments, audits, and optimization studies.
• Offer operational insights to engineering teams during the design phases of pumping and facility upgrades, expansions, and retrofit projects.
• Pre-plan and support engineering teams during the commissioning and optimization phases of pumping and facility upgrades, expansions, and retrofit projects.
• Assist with the design and implementation of process changes and upgrades, ensuring they align with standard practices and regulatory requirements.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Assist in the development of operation and maintenance manuals.

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Current or previous certified Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Colorado Class A or B, or other State equivalent.
• Additional training or coursework in environmental science, engineering, or related fields is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-to 5 years of experience in water/wastewater treatment facility operations, preferably with experience in facility optimization or engineering projects.
• Hands-on experience with water/wastewater treatment processes, pumps, aeration systems, chemical dosing, and filtration technologies.
• Experience with SCADA systems, data analysis tools, and process control software is an advantage.
• Knowledge of water/wastewater regulations, environmental standards, and standard practices.

• Employee Owned - all eligible U.S. employees have an Employee Stock Ownership Account.
• Robust Employee Referral Program.
• Annual performance and compensation reviews.
• Professional Training and Development.
• Employee Recognition Awards.
• Peer Mentor Program
• And Much More!

• Apply online only. No e-mail, hard copy or third-party resumes accepted.
• Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).
• Merrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
• Employment with Merrick is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment background check, MVR check, and drug screen.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.