Lead Industrial Wastewater Operator

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee‑owned company, we cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture and prioritize professional growth, ownership, and flexibility to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet.

Woodard & Curran is growing, and we are looking for a qualified Lead Operator to support the wastewater treatment needs for a food and beverage client located in Crossville, Tennessee. This role offers the opportunity to work in industrial wastewater treatment, maintain safety and compliance, and produce the highest quality treated wastewater in a pretreatment plant.

• Assume responsibility for all daily operations of the water and/or wastewater treatment facility as directed by the Plant/Project Manager.
• Ensure that the facility meets all process control targets in the various treatment and odor control systems.
• Implement policies and procedures for process monitoring, control, and troubleshooting.
• Supervise the collection of process samples or collect samples when necessary.
• Perform in‑house lab analysis and interpret results; coordinate additional analysis with certified labs for compliance.
• Adjust wastewater process systems, operations and equipment to comply with local, state and federal standards and permit requirements.
• Coordinate with staff to evaluate equipment performance, correct deficiencies, and assist with capital planning.
• Develop and maintain records such as chemical usage, flows, equipment and process checklists, diaries, logbooks and laboratory records per permit and client requests.
• Communicate with regulatory officials and client representatives as required.

The schedule is eight days on, six days off, primarily on first shift. Operators work from Wednesday through the following Wednesday and then get the next 6 days off. Weekdays are 10‑hour days and weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and holidays are 12‑hour days.

• High School Degree or Equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• A Tennessee Wastewater License preferred; we will work with employees to obtain licensure.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance.
• Ability to make sound decisions in process control and follow safety procedures.
• Successfully complete a background check, pre‑placement physical and drug screen before employment.

• Pay: $25–$30 an hour; pay range varies based on level of experience and licensure.
• Generous Total Rewards Package:
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Excellent benefits, including retirement, generous paid time off, holidays, medical & dental insurance, flexible spending account.
  • Career growth opportunities.
  • Support and reimbursement for licenses and certifications; bonus potential for obtaining next level licensure.
  • Opportunities to become more versatile and technically proficient through cross‑training.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) pre‑tax or Roth contributions; company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed.
• Time Away from Work:
  • Observed holidays: choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually.
  • Vacation accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked.
  • Sick time paid for non‑work‑related illness or injury.
  • Parental leave up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for child bonding.
• Coverage and Support:
  • Disability: paid short‑ and long‑term disability.
  • Health: medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
  • Life: basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; voluntary life insurance available through Sun Life.
  • Wellbeing:
    Dario Mind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.
• Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply; we welcome individuals from all backgrounds.