Water Treatment Lead Operator

Subsidiary: KIRA Services

Job Title: Water Treatment Lead Operator

Work Location: USAFA - Colorado Springs

Labor Category: Non-Exempt 

Pay Rate: $36.25 per hour

Health & Welfare: $7.67 per hour

About the Role 

The primary purpose of this position is to have responsibility for the efficient operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant. 

What You'll Be Doing

• Distribute and review work performed daily to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently
• Provide informal, on-the-spot problem solving and operational support
• Report employee concerns or issues to management in a timely manner
• Develop and manage employee work schedules to ensure proper coverage and continuity of operations
• Ensure all reports, logs, and inspections are completed accurately and in compliance with requirements
• Support management in recruiting and onboarding new employees
• Train and instruct new hires on safe and proper wastewater plant operations and procedures
• Perform Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) duties for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)
• Operate wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal equipment to control flow and processing of sewage
• Monitor control panels, meters, and gauges; interpret data and adjust valves, gates, and controls (manually or remotely) to regulate flow and meet processing requirements
• Start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to manage the movement of sewage through screening, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion processes
• Maintain operational logs, recording meter readings, gas levels, and system performance data
• Collect wastewater samples and conduct laboratory tests using equipment such as colorimeters and turbidimeters
• Perform preventive, operational, and corrective maintenance on plant systems and equipment as required
• Operate and control treatment plant machinery to purify and clarify water for industrial use
• Regulate the flow of raw water by operating electric motors, pumps, and valves; add or adjust chemicals (e.g., polymers) manually or through automated systems to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water
• Operate agitators and filtration systems; regulate flow through filter beds and monitor system performance via SCADA/HMI to maintain proper flow rates, pressure, and distribution
• Clean tanks and filter beds using backwashing methods; repair and lubricate equipment using hand and power tools
• Test water samples to assess color, turbidity, and impurities; record and track treatment data such as chemical residuals and water pressure
• Operate portable water purification systems as needed to treat wastewater prior to discharge into rivers or streams
• Maintain accountability for all assigned tools and equipment
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• WWTP Lead Operators shall hold a current Colorado “B” license, Colorado class “A” license is a plus 
• Specialized experience in WWTP operations providing knowledge required to perform the tasks of the position. 
• Minimum of HS Diploma or equivalent required. 
• Must be able to successfully complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries (Tier 1) background check. 
• Must have and maintain a valid CO state driver’s license. 
• Must be able to successfully complete a drug/alcohol test and a criminal record check. 
• Must have a safe driving record, as defined by Company policy, to operate a company vehicle. 
• Must have practical knowledge of worksite safety, occupational hazards and standard safety practices. 
• Must be able to perform duties under adverse weather conditions (extreme cold / heat, etc.). 
• Must be able to perform On-call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification. 
• Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays. 
• Knowledge of office automation software. 
• Duties will require frequent periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, crouching, crawling, reaching, and balancing. 
• Physically fit to bend, stoop, and lift in awkward positions and able to lift up to 60 lbs. 
• Must possess the ability to work in a team or alone and be able to change jobs on short notice. 
• May occasionally work outdoors at a water or wastewater treatment plant or effluent discharge area and may then be exposed to extremes of weather or dangerous chemicals/fumes.