Technician- Wastewater/Recycling II USA (1st Shift)
First Solar · South Carolina, United States · Yesterday
EngineeringFull-time
About the role
Operate Recycling and Wastewater/UPW processes as per work instructions. Assist in the installation and qualification of process equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day process/equipment issues, and identify or implement system improvements that contribute to improved safety, process efficiency, and performance goals.
Responsibilities
- Develop a complete operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment.
- Ensure recycling, wastewater treatment, and ultra-pure water generation processes are running on target as per the process plan.
- Collect data relating to process control parameters and make adjustments as necessary.
- Analyze process data on a regular basis and implement basic and advanced course correction as needed throughout the shift.
- Respond to process control alarms by evaluating immediate and previous process trends.
- Troubleshoot and solve day-to-day recycling and water treatment process and equipment problems; escalate process upsets to engineer and supervisor.
- Participate in planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report experimental results.
- Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water systems.
- Participate in internal documentation review including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
- Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
- Perform maintenance and repairs including troubleshooting and replacement of pumps; escalate major repairs to maintenance department.
- Transition new systems and processes through start-up, commissioning, and qualification.
- Calibrate instrumentation per ISO work instructions.
- Perform analysis of samples using laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate records using databases, spreadsheets, and other computer-based programs.
- Properly collect, label, and store hazardous waste within the manufacturing plant and assist with shipment of hazardous waste per documented work instructions.
- Respond to accidental hazardous material spills by containing and cleaning spills through HAZMAT standards.
- Provide training to production associates.
- Maintain effective communication with area associates and engineers.
- Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
- Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work environment following the 5S standard guidelines.
- Use powered industrial equipment (e.g., fork trucks) for moving various materials and chemicals.
- Responsible for verbal and written shift pass-down communications and some work instruction development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED with at least 1 year experience as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I or 3 years First Solar technical experience or 6 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; OR
- Associate’s degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I or 2 years First Solar technical experience or at least 3 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting.
- Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting preferred.
- Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience preferred.
Skills
- Safety-first mindset.
- Proficiency in understanding wet chemical processes and chemical compatibilities.
- Proficiency in recognizing and responding to process control alarms to bring processes back in control.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting and problem-solving in process control.
- Proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
- Ability to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
- Good written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to handle administrative as well as technical tasks.
- Industrial liquid chemical handling experience (strong acids, strong bases, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide) preferred.
- Solid mechanical aptitude with emphasis on hands-on experience.
- Forklift experience preferred.
- Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to operate computerized (PLC controlled) and mechanical equipment.
- Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Assist with training associates as needed.
- Responsible for ensuring safe operations and escalating issues as needed.
- Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Valid driver’s license.
Pay
Estimated hourly range: $23.03 - $32.21 (USD).
Physical Requirements
- Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
- Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
- Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, and up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
- Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis, and up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
- Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects on a frequent basis.
- 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green, and peripheral vision >70 degrees.
- May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
- May stoop, kneel, or bend on an occasional basis.
- Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment (including steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons, arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, and respirators) as a condition of employment (requires little or no facial hair).