Water Treatment Plant Operator

The Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a full-time dedicated Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our team at a client site in Butte, Montana. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to environmental remediation and community health at a high-profile site. 

Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Your Role

As the Water Treatment Plant Operator, you will be responsible for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the on-site groundwater treatment facility. The facility consists of two groundwater recovery trenches where groundwater is pumped to a series of granular activated carbon treatment tanks, treated to appropriate standards, and discharged. You will ensure compliance with all relevant federal, State, and municipal regulations, and support ongoing remediation efforts. The successful applicant will play an important role in maintaining the site, analyzing site conditions and coordinating with Tetra Tech, DEQ, EPA, and other interested parties.

The ideal candidate is expected to reside in Butte.  The typical work week will be 40 hours per week, and the schedule is somewhat flexible.  The operator is on-call 24-7 unless the backup operator has been scheduled.  If there are issues at the plant the operator is expected to work until the issues are resolved, which may exceed 40 hours in a week.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain the water treatment plant and associated infrastructure.  Operate equipment in accordance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Collect and submit water samples to a laboratory, record instantaneous water quality data, maintain logs of all operations, and prepare all necessary reports documents operations. 
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, filters, piping and instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues to ensure optimal plant performance.
• Maintain accurate records of carbon and chemical usage, process adjustments, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable permits, regulations, and site-specific requirements.
• Coordinate with Tetra Tech project managers, DEQ representatives, and subcontractors as needed.
• Participate in site safety meetings and adhere to all health and safety protocols.
• Support environmental sampling and monitoring activities as required.
• Monitor the site property and maintain/repair any items that require it.
• Keeping the treatment plant and property organized, maintained, and clean.
• Attending regular meetings with technical support staff and the client.
• Coordinate with utility workers and other contractors to provide access to the site.
• Daily site inspections and property maintenance and management.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 years of experience in water or wastewater treatment plant operations, preferably in an environmental remediation project. You will also have / be: 

• Experience in collecting and monitoring soil, surface water, and groundwater samples using various sampling and monitoring techniques.
• Knowledge of water treatment processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting SCADA control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Sharepoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Ability to manage and input data into a database.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery.

Degree / Certifications

• Bachelor’s (BA/BS) or associate's degree in engineering, chemistry, geology, environmental science, or an associated field is preferred, but not required. 
• Montana Class 1B or 1C Water Treatment Operator Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months) is preferred.
• OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER and HAZWOPER Supervisor preferred.  
• OSHA 10-hr or 30-hr Construction Safety Training preferred.

Work Environment

The work environment is an active remedial water treatment plant. Travel to and from the plant will be required on an as-needed basis regardless of weather conditions.  You must be able to: 

• Drive on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.

• Lift up to 75 lbs and work in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Work long hours to address plant issues if needed.
• Work in small spaces and on ladders required.

Life at Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.  

Benefits
Tetra Tech offers comprehensive benefit options that allow employees to design a plan based on individual needs and assists in planning for long-term financial security.  Available benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, term life, disability, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), time off with pay, 401k retirement plan, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The Salary Range for this position is $55,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, skills, and location.

Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.