Treatment System Operator/Environmental Technician

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AECOM is currently seeking an experienced Environmental Technician/Treatment System Operator for employment in Richmond, VA. In this full-time role as an AECOM Field Services (AFS) employee, you will primarily work with the Site Manager to support remedial operations, maintenance, and monitoring projects at client facilities.

The successful candidate will ideally have experience in general operations and environmental remediation/sampling. Hands-on mechanical experience and interests are preferred (e.g., construction, pump maintenance, pipe assembly, and instrumentation calibrations). The successful candidate will be part of a team operating a groundwater extraction and treatment system. The groundwater extraction and treatment system is designed to capture groundwater, remove organic chemicals by treatment on-site, and discharge the treated water. The process starts with the collection of the groundwater utilizing extraction wells. The water is then transferred to a central treatment system. Treatment by precipitation, settling, particulate filtration, and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration takes place prior to effluent discharge.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Routine fieldwork (such as environmental multi-media sampling, operations, maintenance, and inspection of groundwater treatment equipment) working under close supervision and at times alone.
• Sampling groundwater Influent and Effluent from groundwater treatment systems primarily for volatile organic compounds. Preparing chains-of-custody and sample cooler loading in preparation for transport to contracted analytical laboratories.
• Performing various operations and maintenance activities associated with remediation systems involving extraction of organics, performing recovery system maintenance as needed, groundwater monitoring, and compilation of field data.
• Assisting with calculations, setting up and operating equipment (sampling devices and pumps), inspecting equipment and installations for compliance with specifications and maintaining proper project documentation.
• Driving AECOM-leased site vehicles.
• Control treatment plant machines and equipment to treat water for industrial use: Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into treating plant.
• Monitor that specified amounts of chemicals are being supplied as required such as polymer into water or adjusts automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to treat the water.
• Operate valves to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities.
• Monitor the pumping of treated water through the effluent / outfall.
• Monitors panelboard and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of water.
• Cleans tanks and filter beds, using backwashing.
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
• Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impurities, using colorimeter, turbidimeter, and conductivity meter.
• Operate centrifuge as required to process solids.
• Participate in amending / developing procedures (as needed) for the operation of the treatment facility.
• Adhere to the sites General Site Conditions.
• Adhering to the plants O&M, Waste Management and Health and Safety Plan
• Oversee contractors as directed.
• Capable of functioning with spreadsheet, word processing and standard office software.

Minimum Requirements

• Must possess a High School Diploma (or GED) and have 2+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency.
• Due to the nature of this work US Citizenship required.
• Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security pre-employment background check; many projects/ clients are security sensitive and require periodic post-employment background checks.
• Ability to pass a client-mandated drug test.
• In order to receive a security badge at the client worksite for which you are being hired to perform services, you will be required to pass the client's background, medical and drug screening requirements, which will be done after you have commenced employment and is a condition of your continued employment.
• Must possess a valid drivers license and clean driving record. Ability to travel to various client sites locations using a AECOM provided Vehicle to conduct fieldwork, including but not limited to environmental sampling, operations and maintenance and inspections.
• Physically able, with or without an accommodation, to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, cold, moisture, chemicals, and noise.
• Position requires frequent (more than 50% of workday) standing/walking; often (25-50% of workday) performing power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), operation of vehicles, performing repetitive or fine hand movements, and lifting of less than 25 pounds; occasionally (10-25% of workday) performing work with arms above shoulder level, repetitive bending & stooping, working at heights, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, work in an environment of heavy, moving, dangerous equipment, work in confined spaces, keyboard/mouse operations, work alone in isolated/remote areas, and lifting of 25-50 pounds; rarely (less than 10% of workday) wearing fall protection, and lifting of 50-75 pounds.
• Position will include wearing associated personal protective equipment, including, but not limited to gloves, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes/boots, hard hat, hearing protection, respiratory and fall protection equipment.
• Participate in and successfully complete post-offer, pre-employment baseline physical in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120. Thereafter, candidate must also comply with OSHA (29 CFR 1910.120) requirements including 40hr/8 hr, medical surveillance.
• Flexibility on work hours is a must. Project consists of working a rotating shift. One week on day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday) followed by two weeks on second shift (2:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday through Friday). This includes periodically working weekends if there is a need.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills to operate groundwater treatment equipment.
• Experience with various media sampling (soil, groundwater, and waste).
• Experience with health and safety programs, and effective communication skills (verbal, field notes, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).
• Advanced or current 8-hr. refresher OSHA 1910.120 40-hour training (training can be provided).
• Confined Space trained (training can be provided).

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here, youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.