Summary

With limited supervision from the Chief Water Quality Officer and in close collaboration with the Chief Operator, the Process Engineer is responsible for developing targets, monitoring process performance, and driving improvements to ensure compliant and efficient operations of a water resource recovery facility (WRRF). This role also involves staying up to date with industry trends, research, and technology advancements. The Process Engineer will oversee a Senior Process Analyst and a cross-functional team of Process Specialists.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Process Monitoring:

• Establishes targets and makes process recommendations to maintain compliance with permit requirements for effluent, biosolids, and reclaimed water.
• Regularly communicates process performance updates to internal stakeholders.
• Sets early warning parameters, troubleshoots, and recommends corrective actions to prevent process upsets.
• Reviews and revises internal process sampling plans in coordination with the Water Quality Manager to optimize plant operations.
• Manages the internal operational database (OP10), ensuring data accuracy and supporting data requests from internal and external partners.
• Supervises the development and review of regulatory reports to ensure quality and timely submission.
• Monitors regulatory trends and recommends process and equipment improvements to address future challenges.
  
  

Process Optimization

• Conducts in-depth analysis to optimize liquid and solid treatment processes.
• Establishes process target goals and tracks performance.
• Monitors and reports on chemical and energy use; supports testing of alternative chemical products and specification development.
• Develops seasonal process plans to maximize efficiency while maintaining required process parameters.
• Leads research and pilot projects in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Reviews and provides technical input on standard operating procedures to enhance plant performance.
• Manages and ensures accuracy of the process model (SUMO), supporting model requests as needed.
  
  

Equipment Effectiveness & Project Support

• Leads strategy and management of instrumentation used for process monitoring.
• Provides technical input for the development of Capital Improvement Plans to ensure timely equipment upgrades and renewal.
• Reviews and provides technical comments on engineering project specifications, designs, and schedules.
• Serves on project advisory committees to support the design and construction of new equipment.
• Develops scopes of work and manages contracts with external vendors to support plant processes.
  
  

Staff Development & Mentorship

• Supervises the Process Analyst team, setting goals, mentoring, and evaluating performance.
• Leads and supports a cross-functional team of Process Specialists through weekly meetings and professional development.
• Identifies internal process training needs and recommends relevant courses.
• Supports internal teams in developing and submitting technical papers for state and national conferences.
• Assists with apprenticeship programs and continuing operator training on plant processes.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

Key Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Dependability
• Decision Making
• Initiative
• Safety Awareness
• Teamwork
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering with an environmental focus preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in water or wastewater treatment operations, with a focus on advanced wastewater treatment and reclamation processes.
• Prior experience in staff supervision.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Strong understanding of municipal wastewater treatment processes and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in mass balance, energy balance, chemical, and hydraulic calculations.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulatory requirements for wastewater facility permits.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting process control narratives for programming process control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of business and management principles to support budget development and process planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, SCADA systems, and wastewater process modeling (SUMO experience preferred).