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Operation Maintenance Specialist I - Water/Wastewater Treatment

Veolia
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Aug 2026

About the role

Company Description

Veolia in North America 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. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Responsible to maintain & operate the City of Portage’s 21 well sites, 56 lift stations, street sweeping,
grounds keeping, leaf collection, sewer cleaning and maintenance, storm sewer cleaning and maintenance,
catch basin cleaning and maintenance, snow plowing, meter reading and all other tasks associated with the
collection and distribution systems.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Diagnoses basic WTP equipment & Wastewater pump station operational problems and takes corrective action; communicates status, changes, and abnormalities in operating areas.
  • Follows process control procedures for assigned areas; verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor.
  • Inspects and troubleshoots equipment using tools and gauges of the trade; obtains necessary parts through established procedures.
  • Monitors and observes operating conditions; records observations and data in area shift log.
  • Operates equipment manually and through instrument panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic control units in an assigned area.
  • Performs field tests (chemical, physical, and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes.
  • Researches, sets up, and carries out (under supervision) testing programs as assigned.
  • Collects water samples using applicable standard methods.
  • Participates in the development of written standard operating procedures (SOP’s)
  • Trains peers and subordinates as requested.
  • Walks meter reading routes while wearing steel toe boots, safety glasses, and hard hat while carrying several pounds of meter reading equipment, additional weight carried is seasonal based on climate.
  • Performs grounds keeping tasks such as mowing, trimming, leaves, chain sawing, brush removal Maintenance Component of Position:
  • Installs new or replacement mechanical systems and equipment; and prepares labor and material estimates.
  • Operates vehicles and equipment for facility operational and maintenance purposes.
  • Performs basic troubleshooting of equipment, recommends solutions and, fills out work orders.
  • Performs cleanup and housekeeping tasks for work area, tools, equipment, facilities, and grounds.
  • Performs limited to moderately complex preventive maintenance of equipment such as tightening loose fittings, checking/replenishing fluids and lubricating equipment; advises supervisors of need for further maintenance
  • Performs mechanically related activities specified by work order; and vibration analysis and other nondestructive testing.
  • Performs routine lubrication of equipment and motors, and replaces oil reserves.
  • Enters confined spaces such as manholes, wet wells, vaults, catch basins, excavations, etc.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Prefer 2 years’ experience, in a municipal public works environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

  • Working knowledge of the standard practices, common tools, materials, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the trade, as acquired through two years of on-the-job training.
  • Ability to safely operate material handling equipment; and to safely use trade tools and equipment to inspect, or maintain equipment.
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships and teamwork with other employees.
  • Working ability of computer programs for maintenance management, preferred.
  • Good reading, math, writing, scientific, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and vendor instructions.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

  • Has or has ability to obtain Class B CDL with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement in state of Michigan.
  • Prefer State of Michigan S4 and D4 water system licenses.

Physical Requirements: 

  • While performing the duties of this job,

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Company

Veolia

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