Environmental Specialist

Smurfit Westrock; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks an Environmental Specialist to manage wastewater sampling, perform analyses for permit compliance, and support the wastewater treatment operations team. You’ll maintain lab equipment, order supplies, and assist with process optimization under the guidance of a water engineer.

The role includes quarterly gas chromatography duties, on-call rotation, and potential growth into stormwater, waste handling, and chemical recovery areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or other science degree.
• Experience in environmental compliance at a manufacturing facility or in a laboratory setting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Gather wastewater treatment plant samples Monday-Friday.
• Conduct tests on and send out samples for permit compliance.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and order supplies as needed.
• Support wastewater treatment operations with the water engineer; monitor parameters and provide input on adjustments.
• Learn to run gas chromatograph for methanol testing (quarterly).
• Growth opportunities in environmental compliance across departments.
• Participate in on-call duty rotation and weekend coverage.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

MS Office proficiency

Manual dexterity and safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/ Chemistry/ Engineering or other science

Experience in environmental compliance

Tools

Excel

Gas Chromatograph

Microsoft Word

Job description

Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Career Opportunity: Environmental Specialist
Position with primarily wastewater treatment plant sampling and analytical testing duties, with eventual technical support to the wastewater treatment operations group. Growth and advancement opportunities in stormwater, waste handling, water distribution, pulp processing, chemical recovery, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Gather wastewater treatment plant samples Monday-Friday.
• Conduct tests on and send out samples for permit compliance.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and order all supplies as needed.
• Work with the water engineer to support operations in the functioning of the wastewater treatment plant, including, but not limited to: monitoring operational parameters, performing microscopic analysis of system microbiology and providing input on system adjustments (nutrient feed, RAS and WAS). Wastewater treatment plant operator’s certification a plus but not required. Mill will reimburse training and licensing fees if employee is interested in pursuing licensure.
• Learn how to run gas chromatograph for methanol testing of foul condensate samples (quarterly and as needed).
• Other duties to be assigned will be based upon the changing needs of the Department and the interest and skills of the employee. Growth in all areas of environmental compliance will be made available.
• Participate in the on-call duty rotation. Approximately every five weeks, in rotation with other Environmental Department team members, participate in weekend call duty. When on call duty, check air regulatory alarms and CEMS calibrations, check wastewater treatment plant and deep well operating data, provide status reports to Mill personnel via email, and remain on call to respond to emergencies.
  

Required Qualifications/Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or other science degree. Experience in environmental compliance at a manufacturing facility or in a laboratory setting would be an added advantage.
• Excellent work ethic and attention to details concerning recordkeeping, reporting and records retention.
• Strong interpersonal skills and time management are a must.
• Good oral and written communication skills to accurately discuss items with sensitive legal implications and communicate those issues with regulatory and internal personnel.
• Proficient computer skills (including MS Office, most importantly Excel and Microsoft Word)
• Willing and able to walk and work in an industrial location indoors or outdoors, including walking up and down steps and ladders with all safety equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, steel-toed shoes, etc.).

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.