Environmental Specialist

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

Job summary

WestRock Company is seeking an Environmental Specialist focused on wastewater sampling and analytical testing at our facility in the United States. The role offers growth into stormwater, waste handling, water distribution, and process troubleshooting.

The position involves collecting samples five days a week, performing tests for permit compliance, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting the water engineer with plant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering or science field required.
• Experience in environmental compliance is a plus.
• Excellent recordkeeping and reporting abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

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 wastewater treatment plant, including monitoring parameters and microbiology analysis.
• Learn how to operate gas chromatograph for methanol testing of condensate samples.
• Participate in the on-call duty rotation and weekend call duty when required.
• Growth in all areas of environmental compliance will be available.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

MS Office

Job description

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.).