Wastewater Technician

About the role

The Wastewater Treatment Technician operates, monitors, maintains, and optimizes wastewater treatment systems to ensure regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and efficient plant operations. This position supports the safe and reliable operation of wastewater treatment equipment within a food processing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems, including decanter centrifuges, VSEP membrane filtration systems, pumps, valves, and associated process equipment.
• Optimize centrifuge settings and polymer feed rates to maximize solids capture and dewatering efficiency.
• Maintain inventory levels of wastewater treatment chemicals, supplies, and operational materials.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, operational abnormalities, and treatment process upsets.
• Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance, cleaning, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures on wastewater treatment systems.
• Complete routine water sampling, testing, and analysis to verify compliance with operational and discharge specifications.
• Track system performance metrics and recommend process improvements that enhance treatment efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, water quality reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in a food processing facility and adhere to all Food Safety, Food Security, and Food Quality requirements.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Technical Skills: 2–5 years of wastewater treatment experience within a food processing, manufacturing, or industrial environment preferred. Experience operating decanter centrifuge dewatering equipment required. Experience with VSEP systems, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, or similar treatment technologies preferred. Strong mechanical aptitude required. Proficiency with PLC/SCADA control systems, wastewater instrumentation, pumps, valves, and process equipment preferred. Basic computer skills, including data entry, recordkeeping, and report generation required.
• Communication Skills: Good listening skills and habits are essential for this position. Excellent ability to resolve issues and solve problems through personal interaction. Above-average verbal and written communication skills are essential. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret operational data, maintenance records, and regulatory reports. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English. Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and basic process calculations. Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, thoroughness, and efficiency. Initiative And Ingenuity: Ability to apply sound judgment and initiative in identifying problems, determining solutions, and implementing corrective actions. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt to new responsibilities and technologies. Confidentiality And Integrity: Ability to treat information in a strictly confidential manner. Acts in the company's best interest throughout the day while maintaining professionalism and accountability.

Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and work on elevated platforms. Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental and weather conditions. Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators when necessary. Ability to work around wastewater treatment equipment, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and industrial processing environments.

Skills

• Preferred Certifications: State Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification (Grade I, II, or higher). OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Safety Training. Forklift Certification. Confined Space Entry Certification. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions at 60 Days
• Career Growth Opportunities and Professional Development