Job Description

Why Synagro?

Synagro partners with stakeholders to clean our water, protect our environment and serve our communities by generating worth from what others consider waste. We work to protect the health of our water, our Earth and those who depend on them now and in the future. Synagro takes pride in having zero layoffs during the pandemic and the business continues to thrive during difficult times.

What good is a job without great benefits to reward your hard work? Here are some highlights of what Synagro has to offer:

• 15 days paid time off
• 10 Holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision (within 30 days of hire)
• Health Saving Account (HSA) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match (fully vested upon hire)
• Career growth and promotional opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the biosolids drying facility during assigned shifts. This position serves as an operational leader on shift.

The Chief Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling plant operations through the SCADA system and field inspections, directing operating personnel, optimizing process performance, troubleshooting equipment and process issues, analyzing operational trends, and ensuring adherence to all safety, environmental, and operating requirements. The Chief Operator leads by example and serves as a professional representative of the facility in all interactions with employees, customers, contractors, and the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership and direction to Plant Operators and other assigned personnel during shift operations.
• Coordinate and direct daily work activities to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
• Direct loading operators and coordinate incoming and outgoing material deliveries.
• Coordinate with plant management and maintenance personnel to ensure operational objectives are achieved.
• Train, mentor, and develop operators through coaching and hands-on instruction.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and adherence to plant standards and procedures.

Process Operations and SCADA Control

• Monitor, control, and optimize plant processes using the SCADA system and field observations.
• Analyze process trends and operating data to maintain stable and efficient plant performance.
• Identify upset conditions, equipment malfunctions, and process deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Make process adjustments to maintain production, environmental compliance, and product quality requirements.
• Coordinate startup, shutdown, and changeover activities as required.
• Utilize operating data and trends to proactively identify opportunities for process improvement.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain the following process equipment and systems:

• Rotary Dryers
• Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs)
• Pumps (Reciprocating, Centrifugal, and Positive Displacement)
• Service Air Compressors
• Pneumatic Conveyance Systems
• Screw Conveyors
• Belt Conveyors
• Furnaces and Thermal Processing Equipment
• Electrically and Pneumatically Actuated Valves
• Chemical Feed Systems
• Polymer Make-Down Systems
• Storage Tanks and Process Vessels
• Fans and Blowers
• Scrubbers
• Rotating Equipment and Associated Drive Systems

Maintenance and Reliability

• Diagnose and perform routine repairs and adjustments to operating equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with plant maintenance personnel.
• Assist maintenance technicians with troubleshooting and repair efforts.
• Identify equipment reliability concerns and initiate corrective actions.
• Verify maintenance work is completed safely and effectively prior to returning equipment to service.

Compliance, Safety, and Housekeeping

• Enforce all federal, state, local, company, and site-specific safety and environmental requirements.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture through active leadership and participation.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and identify corrective actions for unsafe conditions.
• Ensure all personnel follow established operating procedures and safe work practices.
• Maintain strict housekeeping standards throughout the facility.
• Ensure compliance with lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and other safety programs.
• Participate in emergency response activities as required.

Inspection, Reporting, and Documentation

• Conduct comprehensive daily inspections of plant equipment and systems.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, inspection reports, production data.
• Prepare and communicate operational updates during shift turnover.
• Document process abnormalities, equipment issues, corrective actions, and production impacts.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Thorough understanding of industrial process operations and process control principles.
• Strong SCADA system monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of industrial equipment.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting and equipment knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify trends and make sound operational decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and changing operational demands.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Process- and systems-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships across departments.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two (3) years of experience in a process operations environment.
• Minimum two (2) years of control room and SCADA/DCS experience.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Experience operating and monitoring industrial process equipment.
• Experience performing minor mechanical repairs and equipment adjustments.
• Experience interpreting process data and making operational process adjustments.
• Ability to understand and apply operating procedures, safety requirements, and compliance standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Perform duties requiring frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, bending, and lifting.
• Work in industrial environments and perform strenuous physical activities as required.

Schedule Requirements

• Ability to work rotating shifts, day shifts, night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Ability and willingness to report to work to support operational needs outside normal working hours and scheduled shifts when necessary.

AA/EOE/M/F/D/V

We thank all individuals for their interest in Synagro, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.