Environmental Technician (Degreaser System & Wastewater Treatment Operator)

Focus; Eclectic (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus in Eclectic, AL is seeking a skilled Environmental Technician to operate degreaser systems and on-site wastewater treatment, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. The role involves chemical management, routine testing, preventive maintenance, and strict adherence to permits.

The position requires 1–3 years in an industrial setting, with strong chemistry knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and faultfinding abilities. OSHA/HAZWOPER awareness and PPE use are essential for daily duties.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Required: 1-3 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or processing environment.
• Preferred: Experience operating wastewater treatment systems, plate‑and‑frame filter presses, or aqueous parts‑washing/metal-finishing systems.
• Preferred: Vocational training in wastewater treatment, chemistry, environmental science, or industrial maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated degreasing systems to clean metal parts per quality standards.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, liquid levels, and chemical pump rates.
• Perform and document titration testing to verify chemical concentrations.
• Adjust chemical feed rates and bath chemistry based on test results.
• Inspect and maintain degreaser components and sensors.
• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes and collect samples.
• Maintain daily logs, inventories, and permit compliance records.

Skills

Chemistry understanding

Analytical testing

Mechanical aptitude

Documentation & logs

PC literacy

Clear communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1-3 years industrial experience

Tools

Plate-and-frame filter presses

Wastewater treatment systems

Pumps & instrumentation

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S)

Location: Eclectic, AL

Pay: $20-$25/hr

Position Summary

A premier industrial manufacturing facility in the Eclectic, AL area is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Environmental Technician (Degreaser System & Wastewater Treatment Operator). This role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of automated industrial cleaning/degreasing equipment and the on-site industrial wastewater treatment (WWT) system.

The technician will maintain process chemistry, conduct routine sampling and laboratory testing, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure all wastewater discharges remain fully compliant with local, state, and federal environmental permits.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Degreaser System Operation

• Operate automated degreasing systems to clean metal parts according to strict quality and production standards.
• Monitor and record tank temperatures, system pressures, liquid levels, and chemical pump rates.
• Perform and document titration testing to verify chemical bath concentrations remain within target parameters.
• Adjust chemical feed rates, pumps, and bath chemistry based on analytical test results.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain system spray nozzles, risers, screens, flow meters, and level sensors.
• Conduct routine walk‑through inspections inside the degreaser housing to identify fallen parts, damaged components, or clogged nozzles.
• Assist with planned tank dumps, system cleanouts, and chemical replenishments.

Wastewater Treatment (WWT) Operations

• Operate and monitor continuous and batch wastewater treatment processes, including chemical precipitation, pH adjustment, oil/grease separation, and sludge dewatering.
• Monitor wastewater storage tanks, transfer pumps, piping networks, mixers, and filtration units.
• Perform routine analytical testing (pH, jar testing, and process control measurements) to calculate optimal chemical dosages.
• Collect compliance samples, prepare sample kits with proper chain‑of‑custody documentation, and coordinate transport to certified third‑party laboratories.
• Operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on plate‑and‑frame sludge filter presses.
• Manage sludge generation, handling, staging, and disposal coordination.

Chemical Management & Maintenance

• Safely receive, offload, stage, and inventory bulk and packaged process chemicals (totes, drums, carboys).
• Track chemical usage rates and coordinate reorders to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure strict adherence to chemical transfer protocols.
• Calibrate pH probes, analytical meters, flow sensors, and instrumentation.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on metering pumps, valves, and feed lines; replace wear items including pump tubing, diaphragms, and check valves.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation issues; submit detailed work orders to plant maintenance when necessary.

Compliance, Documentation & Safety

• Maintain daily operational logs, inspection checklists, chemical inventories, and discharge records.
• Immediately elevate permit deviations, equipment failures, leaks, or chemical releases to the Environmental Manager.
• Participate in facility spill prevention, emergency response, and storm‑water management activities.
• Adhere to all OSHA, HAZCOM, and company safety rules, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Required: 1-3 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or processing environment.
• Preferred: Direct experience operating industrial wastewater treatment systems, plate‑and‑frame filter presses, or aqueous parts‑washing/metal‑finishing systems.
• Preferred: Vocational training or coursework in wastewater treatment, chemistry, environmental science, or industrial maintenance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Fundamental understanding of basic chemistry, pH neutralization, and precipitation reactions.
• Proficiency in conducting wet titrations, analytical bench testing, and instrument calibration.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot pumps, piping, and chemical feed systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; comfortable completing regulatory logs and shift handovers.
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and digital logbooks).
• High degree of self‑direction, reliability, and attention to detail.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Valid Forklift / Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification.
• OSHA Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) or 24-/40-Hour HAZWOPER training.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, and inspect equipment throughout an industrial plant for 8 to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver items weighing up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Comfortable working in ambient manufacturing conditions (hot, cold, wet, humid, and noisy environments).
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, elevated catwalks, and work in tight or enclosed spaces around industrial machinery.
• Physical capability to wear specialized PPE, including chemical aprons, face shields, safety glasses, respirators (if required), and chemical‑resistant gloves/boots.
• Ability to move chemical drums and totes using drum dollies, pallet jacks, and forklifts.

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