PCB | Environmental Technician

Westak Circuits; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Westak Circuits in Portland, OR is seeking an Environmental Technician to support environmental compliance programs and wastewater treatment systems. You will perform monitoring, sampling, and chemical processing to keep PCB fabrication lines in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and related regulations.

The role requires 1–3 years of hands-on lab or environmental experience, a High School diploma (Associate preferred), and 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years in lab/chemical/environmental tech roles.
• Certifications: 40-hour HAZWOPER; wastewater operator license a plus.
• Skills: basic lab math, chemical handling, Excel/data logging.

Responsibilities

• Wastewater treatment operation: monitor, dose chemicals, ensure discharge limits.
• Hazardous waste handling: collect, label, store, and prepare for off-site transport per RCRA.
• Sampling & laboratory testing: collect samples and log data with meters/instruments.
• Equipment maintenance: calibrate monitoring systems and dosing pumps.
• Compliance documentation: maintain logs and assist with agency reporting.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Chemical handling

Excel / data entry

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Chemistry/Environmental Science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Since 1972, Westak has been a trusted manufacturer of printed circuit boards, providing solutions from rapid prototypes to high-volume production through its domestic facilities and established global partnerships. The company is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality products while building lasting customer relationships founded on integrity, credibility, and trust. As an employee-owned organization, Westak invests in its people, technology, and facilities to maintain exceptional customer service and manufacturing excellence. By combining its wholly owned operations with strategic global alliances, Westak supports customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from development to full-scale production.

Reports To: Environmental Supervisor

Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour DOE

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Environmental Technician to support our facility’s environmental compliance programs and wastewater treatment systems. In this role, you will perform hands‑on monitoring, testing, and chemical processing to ensure our printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication lines operate in full compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA, RCRA, Clean Water Act). The ideal candidate possesses direct experience working around chemical processes or industrial wastewater systems and is eager to maintain high standards of safety and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

• Wastewater Treatment Operation: Perform daily monitoring, operation, and chemical dosing of the on‑site industrial wastewater treatment system. Monitor the neutralization of acidic rinse streams and the extraction of heavy metals (copper, nickel, lead) to meet public discharge parameters.
• Hazardous Waste Handling: Collect, log, label, segregate, and securely store hazardous chemical waste generated during PCB fabrication (spent etchants, solvents, plating baths, and sludges). Prepare waste containers for safe and legal off‑site transport under RCRA guidelines.
• Sampling & Laboratory Testing: Gather regular water, air, and process fluid samples from throughout the facility. Perform routine laboratory analysis using pH meters, spectrometers, and digital water quality instruments to log regulatory data.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, troubleshoot, and calibrate continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), automated digital monitoring probes, dosing pumps, and facility safety showers.
• Compliance Documentation: Maintain highly accurate, daily logs of chemical inventories, waste manifests, and wastewater treatment process metrics. Assist EHS management with compiling data for agency compliance reporting.
• Spill Response & Safety Support: Participate as an active member of the facility emergency response team. Respond to and clean up localized chemical spills using proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure safety data sheets (SDS) are kept up to date.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. An Associate degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years of hands‑on experience as a laboratory, chemical, or environmental technician. Experience within an electroplating, semiconductor, chemical processing, or PCB manufacturing facility is highly preferred.
• Technical Certifications:
• Active 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Possession of or progress toward a state‑issued Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License is a major plus.
• Skills: Comfort with basic laboratory math, chemical handling procedures, and digital logging/Microsoft Excel for data entry.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Must be comfortable working around hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, and industrial manufacturing machinery.
• Must be physically capable of wearing heavy PPE, including full‑face respirators, chemical suits, and aprons when handling hazards.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods across a manufacturing floor, climb platforms, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Due to ITAR regulations, this position is only open to US Persons. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Westak is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.