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Operator / Mechanic in Training

Veolia North America
locationFreeport, TX 77541, USA
PublishedPublished: 5/16/2025
Company Description

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. www.veolianorthamerica.com

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE: The Veolia Operator Mechanic in Training, operates and maintains equipment in a refinery/industrial facility to produce deionized and cooling tower water, in accordance with customer specifications. The equipment operated in the facility are filtration, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, degasification and ion exchange treatment, chemical addition. The role of the O&M in Training will be provided a Training Packet used as a guide to understand the site safety, operations and maintenance.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, valves, gates, mixers, chemical feed.
  • Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
  • Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned areas.
  • Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log.
  • Ensures conformance to process specifications. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor and takes corrective actions.
  • Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
  • Performs manual labor including changing RO/UF Membranes, cartridge filters, disk filters cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required.
  • Performs maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.
  • Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
  • Practices good housekeeping in assigned areas and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
  • Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and alter unit processes.
  • Samples water, reclaim water according to schedule.
  • Prepares chemical solutions and services metering pumps and AOD transfer pumps.
  • Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder.
  • Performs routine lab tests.
  • Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, chlorine, iron, silica, TSS, lower explosive limit.
  • Assists in other areas of the plant as needed.
  • Perform job duties in a safe manner compliant with policies, procedures and practices.
  • Work flexible schedule that may include days, nights, weekends, holidays and 12 hour shifts, serve rotational 24 hour emergency on call if required by site.
  • Model professional behavior; report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to work.
  • Conduct laboratory analytical testing for product quality assurance/ control; and routine tests.
  • Monitor flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures, pH, ORP, Conductivity, DO sensor and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units.
  • Make appropriate adjustments to systems based on analytical results through computer systems, and manual operation of valves/pumps.
  • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding process and quality targets.
  • Ensure work practices, processes and systems are in compliance.
  • Operate, inspect, maintain, perform preventative maintenance, install and repair (automatic and semi-automatic machines) equipment including pumps, valves, mixers, chemical feed and small bore pipe.
  • Must obtain fork truck certification and demonstrate proficiency.
  • Perform grab and go field tests in order to adjust process chemical dosages for systems.
  • Must demonstrate ability to transfer chemicals from totes/tanks to process equipment.
  • Diagnose basic operational problems and take corrective action per procedures.
  • Verify and report suspected malfunctions, incidents and variances to supervisor or designee in a timely manner as directed, and take corrective actions.
  • Monitor and record operating conditions observations and data in respective shift/area logs.
  • Complete and submit paperwork/ reports (manually and electronically) accurately and timely.
  • Ability to work independently with general supervision and direction, in a team environment.
  • Comply with appearance and dress policies to ensure a safe and professional work environment.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as defined by policy, regulations, work practices and customer.
  • Maintain a safe, neat and clean work environment this includes: work area and equipment.
  • Work effectively in a team environment and provide support and assistance to others.
  • Commitment to promoting and creating a safety culture and positive work environment.
  • Perform other job duties as requested to support the business operations.

  • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

    Work Environment: Spends 100% of the time in an operations environment. May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle to perform duties. Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic/acidicchemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

    Physical Demands: Amount of time spent - Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.
    • Wear required personal protective equipment including; clothing, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, chemical suits, foot protection, hearing protection and hard hat.
    • Enter and exit company vehicles without assistance.
    • Lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 lbs; and up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
    • Sit or stand periodically and for extended periods of time; climb ladders and stairs, reach below knees and above shoulders; kneel and crawl to access work areas.
    • Able to observe information on monitors, computer screens and gauges for periods of time.
    • Stand, walk, bend, stoop; reach forward and grasp.
    • Balance while walking on wet and slick surfaces, metal grates, narrow platforms/pathways, gravel and uneven surfaces.
    • Able to walk and work at an elevated surface with appropriate PPE.
    • Work in loud, cold, hot, wet and dry environments; both indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.
    • Work rotating shift if required by the site, and on-call.


    Qualifications

    Education / Experience / Background
    • Six months to two years experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment.
    • High School diploma or GED.
    • Pass drug/alcohol screens with randoms, annual physical and safety sensitive background check.

    Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
    • Computer skills, knowledge of Goggle, Windows, Office, HachWIMS, Operations, Lab and CMMS programs, SCADA and PLC equipment and systems.
    • Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
    • Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
    • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets.
    • Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, valves, mixers, chemical feed, measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
    • Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
    • Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
    • Must be able to serve rotational 24 hour emergency on-call if required by site.
    • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal in English.
    • Read and understand instructions/signs/directions in English.
    • Proficient mathematical skills; attention to detail and follow up.
    • Able to focus and observe instrument screens for periods of time.
    • Proficient using PC, word processing and email software.
    • Work effectively in diverse team environments that are dynamic.
    • Complete the Training Packet and receive a passing grade of 75% in the Training Packet Test.

    Required Certification / Licenses / Training
    • Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
    • Fork Truck certification (obtained during employment).

    HAZWOPER certification (obtained during employment)

    Additional Information

    BENEFITS

    Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time-off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

    Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.