Environmental Technician- 1st Shift

About the Role

This position oversees wastewater treatment, hazardous waste management, and environmental compliance for the facility. The role ensures all activities meet EPA, DOT, OSHA, and local regulatory requirements while supporting sustainability initiatives and training associates.

Responsibilities

• Monitor incoming wastewater, perform treatment analysis, and apply chemicals to meet permit requirements; discharge treated water to the city sewage plant and monitor discharge.
• Maintain chemical inventory, order supplies, and repair pumps and treatment equipment.
• Inspect hazardous waste storage areas for EPA compliance, correct violations, and ensure proper container labeling and closure.
• Coordinate and oversee shipments of hazardous and special waste (e.g., solvents, used oil, coolants, batteries, electronics) in compliance with EPA and DOT regulations.
• Determine non-waste hazardous materials per DOT definitions and arrange proper shipping.
• Oversee in-house recycling programs (paper, plastics, metals), address leadership concerns, and supervise recycled goods shipments.
• Prepare monthly wastewater reports for the City of Statesville and management review.
• Verify proper preparation and manifesting of medical waste for off-site disposal.
• Conduct hazardous waste sampling as required by EPA.
• Support Eco Vision 2035 and ISO 14001 initiatives by performing dumpster audits, tracking landfill-bound waste, and assisting in waste-reduction efforts.
• Train associates on environmental procedures at department and team levels.
• Host EPA, state, and city inspectors (2–4 times/year) and respond to chemical spills by containing, neutralizing, and disposing of materials.

Requirements

• State of North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (preferred).
• OSHA 40-hour training, DOT Hazardous Materials Shipping certification, IATA air shipping certification, and RCRA hazardous waste training.
• Completed DOT hazardous materials shipping, IATA Dangerous Goods shipping, OSHA 40-hour, and annual hazardous waste refresher training.
• Wastewater pretreatment and/or Grade IV operator certifications.
• 2+ years of environmental experience.
• Ability to perform technical tasks: chemical sampling, wastewater bench testing, chemical handling safety, and hazardous waste identification/management.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, chemistry, and mechanical maintenance (pumps, valves, hydraulics).
• Environmental or science associate degree (helpful but not required).
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with coworkers, internal/external customers, and regulatory agencies.

Work Environment

Internal contacts include associates at all levels (Safety & Health, production supervisors, engineers, Facilities Maintenance, contractors). External contacts include EPA, State of North Carolina DEQ, City of Statesville, vendors, chemical suppliers, and professional organizations.