Optimization Specialist

Benefits Vary Depending on the Status of the Position

Details of the City of Northglenn's benefits program can be viewed here.

The City of Northglenn, a dynamic municipality located just north of Denver, is looking for an energetic and outgoing individual to fill an Optimization Specialist position at our Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility. This is a full‑time position in the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.

$35.38 - $42.45 / HOUR

This is skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the Utilities Manager, Lab Supervisor and both Chief Plant Operators for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities, with daily activities to ensure a safe and efficient operation of the facility. Serves as a technical expert for facility treatment performance and assists in monitoring treatment processes to determine if the process is operating per design, regulatory requirements, and treatment goals.

Work follows established procedures and is performed closely with and reports directly to the Lab Supervisor. Work is reviewed through inspection and observation of the effectiveness of plant operation through the analysis of reports and chemical laboratory tests.

• Utilize optimization tools that include SCADA, WIMS, Jar Testing, various field probes and meters, and comprehend plant drawings and O&M manuals
• Utilize WIMS (Water Information Management System) system to create reports, graphs, trends and advanced spreadsheets to assist in decision making of treatment plant efficiency.
• Advanced Microsoft program skills, especially with Excel, to analyze multiple forms of data to make crucial decisions based off data trends.
• Identify and consult with Chief Plant Operators in treatment quality issues.
• Design and implement jar tests and pilot studies to optimize chemical dosage for various stages of treatment.
• Assist both Chief Plant Operators in setting division goals and objectives for water quality.
• Monitor and understand State and Federal regulatory requirements; apply said requirements to daily treatment plant operations and make recommendations for plant optimization.
• Evaluate and interpret data results, notify appropriate staff of any abnormalities.
• Prepare professional reports or memorandums, assist in interpretation and preparation of other technical documents.
• Diligently monitor and review State and Federal water quality‑related regulations, ensuring that the City remains in regulatory compliance. Monitor for upcoming revisions or new regulations and provide updates to Utility Manager.
• Assist in training plant operation staff.
• Make recommendations to supervisors for the division’s annual budget, CIP Projects and possible future optimization tools.
• Demonstrate a high level of customer service to residents, clients and City staff while also representing the treatment facility at City events.
• Assist with new plant process startups.
• Demonstrate a high level of customer service while performing public relations duties and conducting public plant tours.
• Takes an active role in training and mentoring of all plant operations staff.
• Collaborate with operations staff to develop and maintain plant Standard Operating Procedures for both Treatment Plants and the Lab.
• Work closely with laboratory staff to test and analyze data, apply results to optimize treatment processes.
• Collect samples from throughout the water or wastewater treatment process and conduct laboratory analysis on same to determine proper treatment requirements using established and approved standard operating procedures; make recommendations for chemical and additive feeder adjustments as needed.
• Maintain legible and defensible bench sheets (paper and/or electronic) and accurately input data into Laboratory Information Management System. Record information from laboratory tests and instrument readings; keep accurate and detailed record of plant operations.
• Guide operators to set‑point changes in SCADA or on instruments to ensure the correct operation of treatment equipment at the water or…