EPCOR Careers

Highlights of the job

Join our dynamic team at EPCOR and embark on a thrilling career as a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)/Thermal Operator! Based in the heart of Taylor, TX at our cutting-edge Blue Sky WRF facility, you'll take the reins in overseeing and maintaining the most advanced ZLD and Thermal systems, driving our commitment to environmental excellence. Each day brings fresh challenges, calling for your expert problem-solving skills and quick-thinking responses. Plus, you'll play a crucial role in mentoring and training the next generation of Wastewater Treatment Operators. If you're ready to make a real impact, this role, reporting to our Operations Supervisor, is your opportunity to shine.

What you’d be responsible for:

• Responsible for the operation of the ZLD and Thermal systems and all supporting equipment including boils, IX, UF, RO and CIP systems. 
• Controls the ZLD/Thermal system process through Allen Bradley control system and other process control devices.
• Monitors the operation and performance of the ZLD while on shift: takes appropriate action when necessary to ensure compliance of safety, efficiency, environmental and administrative guidelines.
• Participate in the operation, maintenance, control and repair of all related plant process equipment, including pumps, blowers, motors, chemical feeds, sludge equipment and basic laboratory instruments to ensure treated water and effluent meets County, State and EPA quality standards.
• Obtain samples and perform required tests, including PH, SDI, Conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, silica, DO, TSS and similar tests.
• Monitor water quality and lab results to manage process and makes process adjustments in accordance with established policies and ensures the operational plan is communicated to all shifts.
• Wear chemical suits for periods of time while handling chemicals
• Ensures there is an operational plan for correcting operational out of spec water.
• Conduct various tests to determine proper chemical feed rates, calculate chemical feed rates and change pump settings as needed.
• Maintain chemical inventory supply, and make requests for new or replacement orders.
• Operate, monitor and adjust as necessary all related plant process equipment, including chemical pumps. Monitor and operate telemetry and SCADA systems.
• Coordinates with maintenance staff to ensure process equipment is in a state to allow for maintenance activities.
• Assist in the safe unloading and storage of chemicals, and change out chemical totes when necessary.
• Make equipment adjustments, lubrications, and minor repairs, and report equipment problems.
• Chemical tote handling is required; must have ability to wear a chemical suit when required
• Reviews and updates written procedures for the ZLD/Thermal system
• Responsible for maintaining boiler chemistry
• Prepare necessary relevant spreadsheets and word documents using various software programs as required for daily reports.
• Identifies problems with ZLD equipment and clearly communicates the conditions associated with these problems to the Water Treatment Supervisor.
• Ensure facility emergency procedures and Occupational hazards and safety precautions are adhered to.
• Contacts vendors and contractors to coordinate repair/modification projects.

What’s required to be successful:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial water/wastewater operations.
• Power plant environment or relative military experience in water treatment or power plant operations
• Working with IX, UF, RO, Brine Concentrator, Crystallizers, boilers, centrifuges, heat exchangers and chemical systems.
• Preferred: Experience with Piping and Instrument diagram’s and process controls
• Wastewater Grade B certification from TCEQ or the ability for reciprocity Preferred
• Valid Texas Driver’s license with good driving record
• Knowledge of operation, methods, practices, techniques and servicing requirements of water/wastewater treatment and pumping facilities.  Procedures, materials, tools, equipment and safety practices associated with the operations of ZLD/Thermal facilities. Understand the function of basic system equipment such as:  heat exchangers, pumps, transfer valves, high pressure air systems and hydraulic system.
• Safety practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in water/wastewater, industrial and power plant facilities, and OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Perform accurate arithmetic computations, standardized wastewater laboratory analyses, read and interpret meters, charts, gauges and recording devices.

Other key skills and knowledge required

• Able to pass respirator fit test within 6 months
• Complete OSHA/safety training as required.
• Local travel will be required

Other important facts about this job

As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive salary, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

Headquartered in Phoenix, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We’re proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it.

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.