Process Operator

Location: On site / Histon, Cambridge, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Construction & Trades | Operative
Salary: Negotiable salary

The Process Operator will be responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient day-to-day operation of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)  primary purpose of the role is to ensure the plant remains capable of treating process effluent from the manufacturing site and consistently operates within the required trade effluent discharge conditions.

The ETP includes dissolved air flotation (DAF) and high-rate anaerobic digestion. The role combines plant operation, process monitoring, routine laboratory analysis, accurate data recording, first-line fault identification, housekeeping, alarm response and continuous improvement. The Process Operator will work closely with the Area Operations Manager and will have access to Aqua Operations technical, HSEQ and maintenance support.

The post holder will also participate in the site's out-of-hours/on-call arrangements, using remote monitoring and telemetry where available and attending site when required to safely restore or maintain plant operation.

Main

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate the ETP safely and effectively in accordance with Aqua Operations procedures, site rules, operating instructions and agreed process limits.
• Complete routine plant rounds and inspections, checking process conditions and the operational status of pumps, blowers, valves, dosing systems, DAF equipment, anaerobic treatment systems and associated plant.
• Monitor flows, levels, pressures, temperatures, chemical dosing rates and other relevant process parameters and take appropriate operational action within agreed limits.
• Monitor the quality and variability of incoming process effluent and identify changes in manufacturing conditions that could affect ETP performance.
• Undertake routine sampling and laboratory analysis required to monitor process performance and compliance, ensuring results are accurately recorded and escalated where necessary.
• Recognise deteriorating or abnormal process conditions at an early stage and work with the Area Operations Manager and technical support team to stabilise and optimise the treatment process.
• Respond promptly to plant alarms, abnormal operating conditions and potential compliance risks, including remote assessment and site attendance when required as part of the on-call rota.
• Record call-outs, including the reason for attendance, arrival time, actions undertaken and outcome, to support trend analysis and elimination of repeat issues.
• Maintain accurate daily operational records, plant logs, laboratory results, chemical usage records, alarm records and other site documentation.
• Report actual or potential environmental compliance breaches, safety issues, equipment defects and operational risks immediately through the agreed escalation process.
• Monitor treatment chemical, laboratory consumable and operational material stocks, identify requirements in sufficient time and support deliveries and stock control.
• Monitor sludge and screenings generation and support the coordination and recording of removal activities where required.
• Carry out operator-level asset care and basic routine maintenance activities where trained, competent and authorised, and identify faults requiring mechanical, electrical or specialist support.
• Use the CMMS and digital reporting systems where implemented to record defects, inspections, maintenance requirements and operational information.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the ETP, laboratory, control areas and chemical storage areas.
• Comply with all Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality requirements, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, COSHH…