Water Treatment Plant Operator - Environmental Scientist

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GENERAL SUMMARY

Independently performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of the membrane filtration facility, Water Distribution System, and Environmental Services laboratory in accordance with Washington State Department of Health regulations; Ensures that the water quality meets or exceeds Washington State Department of Health guidelines per WAC 246-290 including physical, chemical, and microbial standards. Develops, implements, and oversees environmental programs, environmental monitoring, and analytical chemistry programs in support of Energy Northwest (EN) and external client projects. Sponsors, develops, and revises procedures; serves as a project manager for small to medium projects; implements advancements in techniques or instrumentation; interacts with regulators regarding procedures and generated data; responds to appropriate requests for proposals (RFPs); pursues new business, and participates in the Emergency Response Organization (ERO). Ensures data meets regulatory commitments and established internal Quality Assurance requirements.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
 

Operates surface water treatment system (chemical feed systems, storage tanks, membrane filtration racks, clear wells, control systems, instrumentation, etc.) to provide compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and standards. Records plant operating data according to prescribed schedules as required in operations software. Collects and analyzes water samples, recording results, and performs water quality assessments, prepares regulatory reports, and other similar duties related to water treatment. Observes variations in feedwater conditions, water treatment plant operation, and effluent water quality, and adjusts plant processes in response to these variations. Regularly inspects and observes water treatment plant system hardware to ensure proper operating conditions. Maintains and calibrates hand-held, benchtop, and on-line monitoring equipment. Performs minor preventive maintenance on treatment equipment or instrumentation, as required.

Performs instrumental analysis on a wide variety of sample matrices in support of Environmental Services and external client projects. Prepares standards and reagents, performs calibration of instruments, investigates analytical problems, and performs maintenance and troubleshooting of instruments. Analytical methods performed include: gas, ion and liquid chromatography; atomic, mass, infrared and UV spectroscopy; sample digestion, and wet chemistry. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Develops, implements, and oversees environmental programs, environmental monitoring, or analytical chemistry programs over a broad range of work scope in support of EN or external clients. Evaluates current practices against changes in regulatory requirements and adapts monitoring and analysis programs to meet client needs. Serves as resident expert or project lead and/or provides technical support and coordination to EN line organizations in one or more of the following program areas:

• Providing support and assistance with implementation and coordination of programs such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Safety Data Sheet database management, Sanitary Waste Treatment Facility (SWTF) operation and monitoring under WA Department of Ecology and NPDES guidelines, and Radiological Effluents Monitoring Program (REMP) under NRC guidelines.

• Performing analytical laboratory QA/QC activities, records maintenance, reviewing data packages, and preparing technical reports.

• Monitoring and reporting on analytical performance.

• Chemical control and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) data base management.

• Lubricant condition monitoring.

• Procurement, quality assurance and commercial grade dedication of materials.

Serves as project manager for medium and large projects. Prepares quotes and/or proposals in response to RFPs and provides budgetary information; acts as the technical contact for the client, auditors and regulators; ensures provided services meet client needs and regulatory requirement; consults with clients to assist them in designing, monitoring or sampling plans to meet their needs; oversees data quality and prepares or reviews reports. Interfaces with Columbia Generating Stations and external clients for problem resolution.

Schedules, performs, and reports environmental monitoring or analytical chemistry tasks. Uses independent judgment with limited supervision in response to unusual sample types, weather conditions, client requirements or other non-standard ev