Plant Operator

About Veolia North America

Veolia North America, a subsidiary of the global Veolia group, is a leading environmental services provider in the United States, ranked top for three consecutive years. As the largest private operator in water and hazardous waste management, it delivers comprehensive solutions including water and wastewater treatment, waste collection and disposal, energy consulting, and resource recovery across commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and municipal sectors. Headquartered in Boston, the company employs over 10,000 people at more than 350 sites throughout North America.

Role Overview

This position operates at Veolia's two Organic Processing Facilities serving Toronto, one in North York and the other in Etobicoke. These state-of-the-art plants process source separated organics (SSO) to produce biogas and compost, exemplifying circular economy principles by transforming waste into valuable resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage automatic and semi-automatic machinery such as pumps, engines, generators, valves, mixers, conveyors, blowers, centrifuges, and chemical feed systems.
• Monitor equipment parameters including flow meters, gauges, pressures, and ratios via control panels, computers, and programmable logic controllers.
• Maintain detailed records of operational data and observations during shifts in a logbook.
• Utilize SCADA systems for process monitoring and control of plant equipment.
• Conduct field laboratory tests including chemical, physical, and biological assessments like TS, TSS, pH for process dosage adjustments and control.
• Collect scheduled samples of wastewater, sludge, and gases (including odor and digester samples).
• Make autonomous decisions on process adjustments and oversee shift activities of other operators.
• Ensure processes meet specifications, detect operational issues, and take corrective actions per procedures.
• Perform manual duties such as bin handling, equipment cleaning, and facility upkeep, ensuring proper waste disposal and housekeeping.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent with strong verbal and written communication skills for operational, safety, and quality instructions.
• Associate degree in a science or technical discipline is preferred.
• Solid understanding of anaerobic digestion processes, wastewater treatment, water quality control, maintenance protocols, and laboratory procedures.
• Proven troubleshooting, problem-solving, and team collaboration abilities.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in water or wastewater treatment operations.
• Experience with anaerobic digestion operations is highly valued.

Required Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and strict adherence to procedures.
• Strong analytical capability to interpret data and graphical information to inform decisions.
• Competence in the correct use of site-specific personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Familiarity with computer applications including email, SCADA trend analysis, and data retrieval systems.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies and work extended hours as required.
• Dedication to compliance with laws, corporate conduct codes, and safety policies.
• Proficiency in basic mathematics and effective use of English for documentation and communication.
• Reliability with shift start and end times critical to operational continuity.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Exposure to dust and process odors is expected.
• Employees must have their own transportation.

Schedule and Compensation

• Permanent full-time employment.
• Work days Monday through Friday with rotating shifts: 6:00 AM–2:30 PM and 2:30 PM–10:30 PM.
• Ability to work overtime as operational needs dictate.
• Hourly wage range of $28 to $31, complemented by a comprehensive medical and dental benefits package.

Additional Information

• Join a dynamic team committed to environmental stewardship and innovation.
• Opportunities for career development through internal and external training and coaching.
• Competitive compensation, pension benefits, and a health and safety focused workplace culture.
• Commitment to equal employment opportunity and a harassment-free work environment.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada immediately; sponsorship for work permits will not be provided. The company reserves the right to modify compensation details as per applicable law.