Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician

Overview

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science, and operations firm with a vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. As an employee‑owned company, we cultivate collaborative teams in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership, and flexibility to make a meaningful impact on clients, communities, and the planet.

Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts to tackle operational issues and keep treatment plants compliant. We also assist employees in earning, upgrading, and maintaining certifications.

In this role, you will participate in the daily maintenance and operations of the Water Treatment Plant facility (wells, pumps, motors, etc.) as directed by the Project Manager. The plant in Defiance, Missouri has been operating for over 84 years, designed to treat 22 million gallons per day but currently averaging about 10 million. A new capital project is starting to add a new clarifier and replace the current three.

The influent source is groundwater from an alluvial aquifer and nine alluvial wells. Treatment includes lime softening, disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, secondary disinfection with aqua ammonia, and addition of fluoride. The plant has achieved four log compliance for years for high‑quality drinking water. The technician monitors the daily process to ensure equipment performs at the highest quality, and participates in maintenance of multiple motor types, pumps, transmitters, analyzers, and general preventive maintenance.

Woodard & Curran supports employees’ growth and development to help you on your career path.

The schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. There is currently no on‑call rotation, but you may respond to emergencies or unpredictable situations and may float as an operator when needed.

• Monitors plant operations to ensure adherence to all State and Federal regulations.
• Collects and analyzes samples from water treatment and TSS samples.
• Responds to emergency situations as required or per the emergency operations plan.
• Maintains and keeps current State operator’s license.
• Maintains stock of chemicals used.
• Performs all work in compliance with established safety standards.
• Performs minor and major repair and maintenance to plant and equipment.
• Is able to wear a respirator.
• Operates and maintains chemical feed equipment; calculates chemical feed rates.
• Maintains and monitors clear wells and treatment basins levels.
• Collects water samples for lab analysis.
• Completes and updates daily log sheets and laboratory test results; enters data into WIMS.
• Inspects water treatment equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Receives and records chemical deliveries and monitors chemical storage areas.
• Backwashes filters and sets proper flow rate when in use.
• Responds to chemical emergencies.

• Missouri Water treatment plant operator’s license preferred.
• A valid Missouri motor vehicle operator's license.
• Working knowledge of the principles, procedures, methods, equipment, materials, and tools employed in the operation and maintenance of a Water Treatment Plant facility.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in water treatment work.
• Knowledge of computer applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre‑placement physical and drug screen before employment.

$27 - $29.50 an hour. Depending on qualifications and experience.

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; up to 8 holidays observed annually;
Vacation accrued based on years of experience;
Sick time;
Parental leave (up to 80 hours of…