Operator 1, Field Operations and Maintenance (32190)

UCC Environmental; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

UCC Environmental in Gallatin, Tennessee seeks an Entry-Level Operator – Field Operations and Maintenance to support water treatment, dewatering, and wastewater workflows. The role is field-driven, outdoors 80% with on-site training and safety programs.

You will work with experienced staff to ensure safe, efficient plant operations, learn pumps, valves, and process systems, and advance toward Lead Operator roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• 0–2 years of related industrial/mechanical or wastewater operations experience; training provided.
• Basic understanding of pumps, valves, and process systems.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust water/wastewater treatment and material-handling systems per SOPs.
• Troubleshoot pumps, valves, piping, motors, sensors, and components to resolve issues.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and housekeeping to support reliable operation.
• Support mobilization/demobilization and equipment setup for field operations.
• Collect samples, record data, and complete logs and work orders on time.
• Participate in shift handoffs and safety requirements (JSA, LOTO, confined space, PPE).
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanically inclined

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Communication & documentation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational certificate

Tools

Basic computer literacy

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Gallatin - Gallatin, TN 37066

Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 Hourly

Join UCC Environmental, a leader in sustainable technology solutions:

Are you looking for a rewarding career in a progressive and well-run company? Do you have a passion for customer relationships and environmental innovation? If so, you might be the perfect fit for UCC Environmental, a company that offers Utility specific sustainable technology solutions to clients across the globe. UCC Environmental has a strong presence in North America and is expanding its sales channels in EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented team and contribute to the company's growth and success. Read on to find out more about the role and how to apply.

This is a field-driven role: approximately 80% of the work is performed outdoors and in active operating areas (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow), with about 20% of time spent indoors on documentation, reporting, and coordination.

The focus of the position will be to play a key role in supporting UCC’s growing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Division by operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mechanical and process systems at customer sites.

This entry-level role provides the foundation for a long-term career in field operations. The Operator I will work closely with experienced operators, field service engineers, and site management to ensure plant systems run safely and efficiently. Typical assignments include wastewater treatment, dewatering, sludge handling, material conveyance, and mobile system operations during plant outages or upgrades.

Operators receive hands-on training through UCC’s Operator Development and Safety Programs and will gain exposure to mechanical systems, process instrumentation, and preventive maintenance procedures across multiple industrial sectors.

Operator – Field Operations and Maintenance

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust water/wastewater treatment, dewatering, sludge handling, and material-handling systems per established standard operating procedures (SOPs)-30%
• Troubleshoot pumps, valves, piping, motors, sensors, and electrical/mechanical components to identify and resolve equipment issues-25%
• Perform routine preventive maintenance (PM), including lubrication, filter changes, belt/chain tensioning, minor mechanical adjustments, and housekeeping to support reliable operation-20%
• Support mobilization, demobilization, and hands-on equipment setup for field operations and temporary systems-5%
• Collect samples; record operational data; and complete log sheets, checklists, and work orders accurately and on time-10%
• Participate in shift handoff and safety requirements (JSA, LOTO, confined space, and PPE); communicate status updates; and prepare basic reports for the Lead Operator/Program Manager-10%
• All other duties as assigned

Note: Work allocation is approximately 80% field/outdoors and 20% desk/admin.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational certificate preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in industrial, mechanical, or wastewater operations preferred (will train motivated candidates).
• Basic understanding of pumps, valves, and process systems.
• Prior experience in construction, manufacturing, or utility operations is a plus.

Characteristics and Skills

• Mechanically inclined with the ability to use hand and power tools safely.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn, follow direction, and work as part of a team.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Able and willing to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow) and in industrial environments.
• Basic computer literacy for recording data and completing reports.

Essential Physical Abilities:

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk using a computer 80% of the time
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical labor in industrial settings.
• Ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow).

Training and Advancement

UCC provides comprehensive on-the-job and classroom training in:

• Equipment operation and maintenance fundamentals
• Wastewater and solids handling systems
• Safety and compliance (OSHA, Confined Space, LOTO)
• Opportunities for advancement to Lead Operator, Field Service Engineer, or Technical Specialist

Core Values and Beliefs

• People – we trust and invest in our people, unlocking their full potential and they always come first
• Teamwork – we respect others and create a collaborative working environment of inclusion and inspiration
• Integrity – we are truthful and respectful to customers, employees, community and suppliers
• Customer Satisfaction – we keep existing customers by delivering exceptional customer service
• Innovative –we encourage resourceful problem solving in the face of adversity

Compensation and Benefits:

Base Pay Range: $25-$35 hourly pay rate ($52,000 - $72,800 annual pay) based on skills and experience

Other Compensation:Overtime Eligibility for 1½ times per hour worked over 40 hours in a week

Benefits:

• Insurance:Medical, Dental, Life, Disability, Employee Assistance Programs and Voluntary Options such as Vision, HSA, FSA (Medical, Dental, Vision and Dependent Care), Accident, Identity Theft, Legal coverage
• Retirement:401(k) with up to 4% company match, Pre-Tax and Roth Options, and discretionary Annual Profit-Sharing contribution
• Time Off:10 days of Vacation, Vacation Purchase Plan up to 10 days purchased per year, 5 days of Sick and 10 Holidays, Parental Leave, FMLA
• Miscellaneous:Student Debt Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Certification and License Reimbursement, Personalized Professional Development Plans and Career Path Options.

UCC Environmental isan Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.