Wastewater Scientific Officer

Wastewater Scientific Officer - Belfast

VANRATH are delighted to support a leading public sector body in the appointment of a Wastewater Scientific Officer on a temporary basis initially until 31st March 2025 .

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate with an "Environmental" qualification and looking to grow and gain new skills.

Job Purpose:
The Wastewater Scientific Officer will undertake a range of performance activities to optimize WwTW Process and Sewer Network performance within the Wastewater Production Line within a geographical area.

It is the postholder's responsibility to ensure that all activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes the risk of pollution incidents, protects the environment and public health, and ensures regulatory compliance. This maintains NI Water's reputation as a reliable and responsible water service provider.

Responsibilities:

• Provide WWPL Operational Teams with visibility of WwTW process performance by undertaking on-site testing (e.g., Clarity, Turbidity, NH3(N), FeSo4 dose rate) and checking WwTW's general condition/operational status.
• Identify poor WwTWs process performance, assess appropriate laboratory tests required, and undertake representative sampling at WwTW, including Interstage/Sludge Performance. Ensure samples are submitted to the lab under correct environmental conditions and with accurate paperwork.
• Organise, distribute, set up, and condition check Automatic Samplers at various sites for collection of Regulatory and Operational samples to provide WWPL Operational staff with visibility of Wastewater Treatment Process performance.

• Interrogate sampling schedules, develop and plan sampling "runs," and undertake analysis of sample results to identify poor process performance using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Liaising with the Environmental Regulation Team to advise on the implementation of mitigation measures for pollution incidents, ensuring that NIEA is aware that all necessary steps are being taken within remit to mitigate pollution risk.
• Collate scientific data/information and provide reports/results for the Deputy Scientific Process Manager using Microsoft applications.
• Ensure data integrity by accurately recording performance results using the onsite sampling app, and train WWPL Operational staff on the correct usage of the app.
• Validate critical process control instrumentation (e.g., Dissolved Oxygen (DO) probes, Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) probes), analyse data sources to identify process problems, and undertake root cause analysis to recommend process improvement opportunities.
• Make field decisions impacting regulatory compliance by providing sound scientific rationale for adjustments to the wastewater treatment process.
• Develop and distribute detailed action checklists for operational staff, outlining critical tasks and procedures, and influence them to adhere to these guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance and process optimisation.
• Provide comprehensive training to operational staff on the correct usage of tools and techniques and communicate the importance of each task in maintaining process performance, and conduct regular monitoring and provide constructive feedback, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to ensure continuous compliance and performance enhancement.
• Use analytical software and statistical techniques to analyse WwTWs sampling data to assess current performance and recommend actions for process optimization.
• Assist the Deputy Scientific Process Manager to undertake root cause analysis of non-conforming samples and support the development of Exceedance Investigation Reports.
• Monitor odour discharges from WwTW odour control units, ensure accurate and timely collection of data across each asset area as part of NIW regulatory requirements for PPC reporting.
• Manage sampling resources and critical onsite testing equipment inventory, communication with suppliers, using Oracle to create and process purchase order requisitions.
• Participate in technology and innovation development, e.g., onsite installation of innovative trial technologies and monitoring of predicted outcomes, including liaison with external consultants and contractors.
• Investigate "rogue" discharges to the sewer network with Wastewater Networks staff and Trade Effluent Team to reduce the potential impact on Wastewater Treatment Processes.

Essential Criteria:

1. Possess an A Level (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or environmental subject.
2. A minimum of two years demonstrable experience working in a Water or Wastewater scientific role.
3. Knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment processes and of analytical techniques carried out on wastewater.
4. Knowledge and experience of Health & Safety requirements in Wastewater treatment.
5. Demonstrable experience of proficiency in using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Technical Knowledge:

• A general knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
• A general knowledge and understanding of analytical tests carried out on wastewater.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other public sector related jobs in Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Suzanne Lowry - suzanne.lowry@vanrath.com in the strictest confidence.