AD Team Leader - (Effluent Treatment Plant)

Job Purpose

To lead the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, maximise treatment efficiency, and promote sustainable resource recovery (biogas, water reuse, sludge management).

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Supervise and monitor daily operation of ETP and AD plants ensuring all units function efficiently and safely.
• Process Management: Oversee physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes (primary, secondary, tertiary).
• Biogas & Digesters: Manage and optimise anaerobic digesters for consistent biogas generation and methane yield.
• Process Targets: Maintain target parameters such as pH, MLSS, BOD, COD, DO, gas composition, and sludge volume.
• Process Stability: Coordinate feed balancing between AD and ETP to maintain process stability.
• Sludge Handling: Ensure proper handling, dewatering, and disposal of sludge as per environmental standards.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all Environmental Agency (EA) discharge limits.
• Maintain updated records, test results, and documentation for internal and statutory reporting.
• Support environmental audits, inspections, and ISO 14001 or sustainability certifications.
• Assist in preparations for daily, weekly, and monthly operation and performance reports.

Maintenance & Safety

• Coordinate with maintenance teams for preventive and breakdown maintenance of pumps, blowers, mixers, digesters, and other plant equipment.
• Implement safety protocols for handling chemicals, gases (biogas, H₂S), and confined space operations.
• Ensure calibration and proper functioning of online analysers, sensors, and SCADA/DCS systems.

Team Leadership

• Lead and guide ETP & AD operators and technicians.
• Conduct regular training on process control, safety, and environmental best practices.

Process Improvement & Sustainability

• Identify and implement process optimisation measures to improve treatment efficiency and reduce chemical or energy consumption.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Minimum GCSE (Pass) in Maths, Science, English; Further Education desired but not essential.
• Experience: 3 – 5 years of experience in ETP and Anaerobic Digestion plant operation in industrial setups (e.g., brewery, distillery, food, chemical, or pharmaceutical).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes (biological, chemical, physical).
• Hands-on experience with anaerobic digestion and biogas systems.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance procedures.
• Analytical and troubleshooting ability with process data interpretation.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, SCADA/DCS, and environmental reporting software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.