Job Title

The Operations Lead (Ops Lead) provides hands-on leadership for daily operations at an industrial wastewater treatment and waste processing facility. This role leads shift-level activities related to waste receipt, sampling, treatment, documentation, and disposition, while ensuring strict compliance with operating permits, safety standards, and environmental regulations.About the RoleThe Ops Lead assigns work, monitors plant conditions, and serves as the senior operational authority on shift. This position requires prior wastewater or industrial waste treatment experience and a strong working knowledge of treatment processes, sampling protocols, and regulatory documentation.ResponsibilitiesOperations and ComplianceLead and coordinate all waste handling and wastewater treatment activities during the assigned shift.Direct inbound waste off-loading and verify materials against approved waste profiles and permits.Conduct and oversee wastewater and waste sampling, analysis, and treatment simulations.Determine batch approvals and filtration clearance based on analytical results and permit limits.Collect and review post-treatment samples to confirm suitability for discharge or final disposition.Review, verify, and sign manifests and associated regulatory documentation.Plant OversightPerform facility, property, and equipment inspections prior to the start of receiving operations.Ensure all SOPs, pre-operational checks, and readiness tasks are completed before trucks arrive.Monitor tank levels, treatment systems, and processing status throughout the shift.Oversee end-of-day and facility close-down procedures on afternoon/evening shifts.Identify, document, and communicate maintenance needs for plant and mobile equipment.Leadership and SafetyAssign tasks and provide direction to operators and technicians on shift.Enforce all safety, environmental, and operational procedures without exception.Actively monitor for unsafe conditions or behaviors and intervene immediately.Train and coach personnel on treatment processes, sampling methods, and SOP adherence.Escalate performance concerns and recognition to the supervising leader in a timely manner.Coordination and CommunicationCoordinate with transporters, vendors, laboratories, and downstream treatment or disposal facilities.Support shift handovers and ensure accurate communication during change-of-shift periods (2:003:00 PM).Participate in emergency response activities related to plant operations and transportation incidents.Additional DutiesStep in to perform operational tasks where needed to relieve workflow constraints or absences.Maintain housekeeping standards across all processing, storage, and chemical handling areas.Perform other duties as required to support safe, compliant, and efficient facility operations.QualificationsProven experience in wastewater treatment, industrial waste processing, or a regulated environmental facility.Demonstrated understanding of sampling, treatment, and compliance-based decision-making.Experience working under environmental permits and regulatory frameworks.Working knowledge of manifests, waste profiles, and chain-of-custody requirements.Strong safety mindset with experience enforcing safety rules in an industrial environment.Ability to lead a shift, make operational decisions, and plan work proactively.Preferred SkillsOntario wastewater certifications or equivalent industrial wastewater credentials.Experience with vacuum truck or bulk liquid waste receiving operations.Familiarity with emergency response protocols and spill management.Previous lead, senior operator, or acting supervisor experience in a water treatment facility.Ability to work in an industrial environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, and varying weather conditions.Ability to wear required PPE and perform tasks including climbing, lifting, and extended standing or walking.