As-Needed Wastewater Operator-in-Training

Location(s): Rancho Santa Fe
Practice/Department: District Management
Internal Title: Wastewater Operator-in-Training
Work Environment: On-site
Compensation: $20

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.
Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been , and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.
Our employees are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Learn more about our award-winning culture , the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

Who You Are

As an employee you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.
Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation .

How You’ll Make an Impact

Under direct supervision, the As-Needed Operator-in-Training (OIT) performs entry-level duties in the operation and maintenance of an extended aeration wastewater treatment plant. This includes monitoring, sampling, process control, and equipment maintenance to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

As an ‘as needed’ or ‘variable hour’ employee, your work schedule may be flexible and can vary from week to week or month to month, based on the needs of projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plant Operation & Monitoring:
  • Assist with daily operation of the extended aeration treatment process, including aeration basins, clarifiers, digesters, blowers, and disinfection systems.
  • Monitor and record operating data such as flow rates, tank levels, and dissolved oxygen.
  • Conduct and log settleability tests, visual inspections, and equipment readings.
• Sampling & Laboratory Work:
  • Collect samples of influent, mixed liquor, RAS/WAS, effluent, and other process points.
  • Perform basic lab tests (e.g., pH, DO, MLSS, settleability) under supervision.
  • Assist with preparing samples for outside lab analysis.
• Maintenance Support:
  • Assist with routine maintenance of pumps, blowers, valves, piping, and other plant equipment.
  • Perform basic preventive maintenance tasks, such as lubrication, cleaning screens, and flushing lines.
• Sludge Handling:
  • Support sludge wasting operations and help calculate volumes for WAS and RAS adjustments.
  • Monitor sludge depth and clarity in clarifiers.
• Compliance & Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date logs of operations, maintenance, and lab results.
  • Follow safety procedures, including use of PPE and confined space protocols.
  • Learn and assist with regulatory compliance procedures (e.g., NPDES permit requirements).

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes, especially extended aeration.
• Ability to perform math calculations related to flow, volume, and chemical dosing.
• Willingness to learn mechanical and electrical systems.
• Familiarity with safe handling of chemicals and lab procedures.
• Proficient with basic computer systems for data entry and SCADA monitoring (preferred).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment

Compensation: $20

• *Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

Working Conditions
Environment

• Work involves exposure to unpleasant odors, wastewater, hazardous materials, and outdoor elements.
• Shift work may be required, including weekends and holidays.

• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 50 pounds and perform physical labor
• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.
Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.
*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period. Speak with your recruiter to learn more.
Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.