Water/Wastewater Operator or Operator Trainee

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science, and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate diverse teams and encourage collaboration in an equitable and inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership, and flexibility. That’s how we make a difference to our clients, people, and the planet.

What will you be doing at Woodard & Curran?

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Water/Wastewater Operator or Operator Trainee in Orange, New Jersey. The successful candidate regularly participates in the daily operations and maintenance of the Water Treatment facility as directed by Woodard & Curran’s management.

Schedule: Normal work schedule is 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday. Must be able to perform on-call duties at least once a month for after-hours emergencies. Must be able to work overtime and after hours as required by manager.

Why a career in water and wastewater treatment?

Making an impact!

Everyone needs clean water- for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing….. even to flush the toilet! Providing high quality water to your community allows you to make a significant impact not only on the environment, but in the lives of your neighbors, family, and friends. The ability to turn on your faucet knowing that clean water will always come out is a luxury that we have come to expect.

State of the art technology!

Like all things, the way we treat our water changes with the times. Much of the process involves using up-to-date technology that allows you to learn a variety of digital platforms. This assists us in keeping a treatment facility running efficiently and accurately in order to meet compliance standards that are put in place for producing a safe product. 

Career Stability!

The need for clean water will never go away, which makes this one of the most recession-proof careers out there. Woodard & Curran provides the chance to grow and develop a life-long career through hands-on learning, assistance and rewards for achieving treatment licenses, additional continuing education in the industry, and opportunities for advancement… all the way from intern to senior level managers!

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in the daily operations of the water and/or wastewater treatment facility directed by the Chief Operator.
• Assists in operation of assigned treatment, mechanical and electrical equipment and other similarly related facility components and equipment.
• Performs assigned tasks to ensure efficient operation of treatment systems, and will serve as an integral team member with the project staff and management.
• May be required to perform maintenance duties not limited to troubleshooting and repair of pumps & motors and treatment processes.
• Must be willing to obtain treatment licensure. Needs to obtain W1, W2 or C, S1 license within 2 years as a condition of continued employment.

What will you need to succeed?

• High School or trade school diploma is required.
• 0 to 2 years of experience in a Water and/or wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.
• New Jersey S, T, C or W license is preferred but not required, or ability to obtain through NJDEP Operators license exam. Should be required
• Valid New Jersey Driver's License required.
• Must be willing to obtain knowledge of the principles, procedures, methods, equipment, materials, and tools employed in the operation' and maintenance of the Water and Wastewater Treatment, Collection and Distribution systems.
• Some Required knowledge and ability to learn of the hazards and safety precautions involved in water and wastewater treatment work.
• Knowledge of computers applications for record keeping.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply instructions, drawings, and specifications for work assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, other personnel, and the general public.
• Be punctual and reliable.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-placement physical and drug screen before employment.

Benefits & Wellbeing

Retirement Savings:

• 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: Company will match equal to 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed, All employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan and are 100% vested in the value of own contributions and any employer matching contributions.

Time away from work:

• Vacation time is provided to full and part-time regular employees. Vacation is accrued, based on number of hours worked per week as well as prior years of experience.

• Woodard & Curran offers paid sick time to eligible employees who are absent due to their own non-work related, illness, injury, or medical procedure.

• Woodard & Curran provides up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding in a 12-month period.

• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance from Sun Life to assist with replacing a portion of your income in the event of non-job-related illness or injury. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled and eligible immediately.

Coverage and support for your needs and wellbeing:

Personal and Family health: Company offers three medical plan options based on geography; plus HSA and PSA plans are available based on eligibility, additional options include dental and vision plans.

Company provides basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employee and family are available through Sun Life.

WayForward powered by Dario: EAP Program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing coaching.

LiveWell wellbeing program: credit incentive is available, up to $600 annually – nutrition and fitness reimbursement, and access to the Virgin Pulse wellness platform.

Education: Tuition assistance offers eligible employees up to 100% reimbursement of tuition, books and fees up to $5250 per year, for courses related to the employee’s job or planned career development.

Woodard & Curran is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply. We are committed to ensuring our employment practices are non-discriminatory and based solely on job-related factors. To read our entire Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement, click here. To view the Workplace Discrimination Is Illegal poster and supplement, click here.

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to apply, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Woodard & Curran believes that complex teams working together in an equitable, inclusive space provides the best opportunity for achieving our vision of clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. Our success is tied to a culture that embraces our differences so that everyone can bring their whole, authentic selves to work. When our people are supported to reach their full potential, we provide the most innovative, sound, and effective solutions.