Technology & Innovation Project Coordinator

Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Join Metro Water Recovery's Technology & Innovation Department in a unique role that supports both the Instrument Solutions Division and the Wastewater Process Engineering Division. This position offers the chance for hands-on implementation of analytical field instruments and lab-scale and pilot-scale treatment systems. You'll engage in the fabrication, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of systems that support active operations and ongoing applied research. With competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, you’ll have the opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic and supportive environment.
 
Why It's a Great Department:
The Technology & Innovation Department is a collaborative space where specialists in various fields unite to push the boundaries of water resource recovery and wastewater process technology. Your role will bridge the Instrument Solutions and Wastewater Process Engineering divisions, facilitating integration of new technologies and systems into our operations. This cross-functional, team-oriented environment is ideal for fostering new ideas and applying practical solutions to complex challenges.
 
How to be Successful in the Role:
Success in this role requires versatility and a strong technical foundation in systems design, fabrication, and maintenance, with a basic understanding of both analytical instrumentation and wastewater treatment. You will need to effectively manage and deliver projects that span both divisions, ensuring that pilot systems are designed, constructed, and maintained to meet our high standards. As an effective leader, you will also engage in cross-departmental staff and vendor coordination. Strong communication skills are essential, as you will coordinate between teams and provide critical feedback and training on new systems and technologies.
 
Your Future in this Role:
In this dynamic position, you will be a key contributor in advancing both instrumentation and process engineering initiatives. You’ll take on projects that enhance our operational efficiency and support data-driven, science-based decision-making. We are committed to your growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities that will enhance your expertise and prepare you for future challenges within our organization.

Description

Responsible for the planning, design, construction, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement of pilot-scale treatment systems and analytical instrumentation used for monitoring, research, development, and testing of wastewater treatment technologies and processes. Works hands-on with various types of process/mechanical equipment such as pumps, blowers, valves, meters, piping, and analytical instruments to install, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment. Reports to the Director of Technology & Innovation.

Examples of Duties:

1. Technology, piloting, or instrumentation ideas, assisting process engineers and instrument specialists in transitioning consensus ideas into viable concepts and prototypes.
2. Develops and executes workplans to deploy pilot plants and analytical instrumentation systems, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
3. Commissions new pilot plant equipment and associated instrumentation, coordinating work with vendors, contractors, Control Systems Group, and Electrical Maintenance staff.
4. Conducts routine preventive maintenance and emergency maintenance of pilot plant equipment and other instrumentation systems, responding rapidly to system and instrument failures as required.
5. Performs field checks of pilot plants, and monitors process conditions, equipment, and control systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
6. Uses process knowledge and skills to support pilot plant operation, including creating and improving standard operating procedures.
7. Provides training for the pilot plant equipment and instrumentation systems to ensure work is performed safely and according to the relevant operating procedures.
8. Assists project teams with requesting equipment proposals, providing system design recommendations, custom design scope, standard equipment selection, and other technical input, as required to meet application needs.
9. Prepares bills of materials, submits purchase requisitions, and tracks inventory of materials, supplies, and spare parts necessary to support pilot plant and instrument installation and maintenance.
10. May support off-site deployment of pilot facilities in conjunction with, e.g., university partnerships or research projects. 
11. Assists with conducting pilot and research facility tours in support of industry engagement and public outreach, which may involve delivering presentations.
12. Provides leadership, mentorship, and training to field teams in the execution of work associated with pilot and/or instrument system fabrication, construction, and maintenance.
13. Performs other duties as needed.

 Typical Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and systems
• Analytical instrumentation used to monitor water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Wastewater treatment facility operational and safety procedures

Skilled at:

• Communicating effectively across interdisciplinary and cross-departmental teams
• Leading or supporting the execution of pilot programs.
• Pilot plant system design, construction, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Customer Service

 Ability to:

• Follow organizational guidelines for procurement of goods and services.
• Organize and oversee multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Lead small teams effectively, providing guidance and training to less experienced staff.
• Gather input from multiple stakeholder groups and incorporate feedback into workplans.
• Plan and execute work requiring independent judgment, devising new approaches to problems encountered.

Education:
Must possess a bachelor's degree in science, engineering, construction, or related field.
Equivalency equals two years of directly related professional experience for every year of education not completed. State of Colorado Wastewater Operator Class D certification (out-of-state reciprocity acceptable).

Working Conditions:

Work Environment
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to outdoor weather conditions 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. The employee is exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; wet and humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock; and vibration less than 1/3 of the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 
 
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell less than 1/3 of the time. The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and up to 100 pounds less than 1/3 of the time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.