Senior Treatment Plant Operator

Join Resource Renew as a Full-Time Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This on-site position located in Duluth, MN provides advanced technical expertise in treatment processes, equipment operation, regulatory compliance and system optimization. As a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you will be responsible for monitoring, operating and controlling the daily operation of the wastewater collection and treatment facilities and related systems.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with licensed operators and trades professionals to ensure safety, operational excellence and environmental stewardship within our community that District serves.

Resource Renew, the brand of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), is committed to preventing pollution and protecting the environment, including the region's most precious resource - Lake Superior. Founded as a special purpose unit of government created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1971 to address serious environmental pollution problems in the lower St. Louis River Basin, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a 530 square mile region around Duluth, Minnesota.

Our facilities include a main wastewater treatment plant, multiple pump stations, and solid waste collection sites of varied types.

• Performs the role of Operator on Duty, which involves operating the wastewater treatment and collection system and monitoring related computer control and facility systems including heating, power generation and distribution
• Provides overall process and facility oversight through monitoring and control of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure operational issues are quickly identified and addressed through coordination of operations, maintenance and other necessary staff and resources
• Maintains site security through monitoring of closed circuit television (CCTV), access control and other security systems; coordinates with necessary staff and resources to address any security issues, both within and outside normal business hours
• Takes independent action to deal with emergency situations; coordinates the efforts of District employees in emergency response according to District procedures; secures and coordinates outside responders until relieved by the responsible District representative; alerts management of emergency conditions and documents as necessary
• Receives, records and forwards communications from industrial users and the public; responds to public inquiries in a timely, helpful and professional manner and informs management of pertinent issues and/or process deficiencies
• Monitors, controls and adjusts operating parameters based on established permit and limits and/or other facility considerations
• Develops graphics and control charts needed to appropriately monitor the process; troubleshoots and provides the first level of correction for process computer problems
• Maintains a high quality operational record of the wastewater treatment facility including daily operational data, key observations and process exceptions
• Conducts routine inspections of plant operations and buildings and grounds
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the wastewater treatment plant and processes
• Monitors and adjusts boiler operation according to special license requirements and following standard operating procedures determined by the Chief Boiler Engineer
• Keeps up-to-date on the WLSSD National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, air permit requirements and process performance
• Maintains a constant awareness of safe work practices; ensures compliance with the District Safety Program to complete work without accidents or injuries

• Knowledge of the NPDES wastewater discharge permit and air emissions permit requirements and the ability to recognize and respond to operating conditions which may lead to operating outside normal range or non-compliance
• Knowledge of statistical process control methods and tools to analyze operating data and identify process issues and opportunities
• Knowledge of theories and practices of wastewater treatment and advanced secondary treatment
• Knowledge of the type and significance of laboratory tests performed in wastewater treatment operations including proper sampling techniques and wastewater testing protocols
• Knowledge of the equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance activities
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes
• Ability to act independently to coordinate district resources as needed to ensure consistent compliance with permit conditions
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot and repair minor operational equipment deficiencies

• A combination of education…