Technician- Wastewater/Recycling I USA (B Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 26,022 - 36,423; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Gaffney, South Carolina, is hiring for a position focused on operating recycling and wastewater processes. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, along with skills in troubleshooting and basic mechanical knowledge.

The role involves ensuring safety protocols, analyzing process data, and maintaining systems for optimal operation. The company promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides necessary training for new employees.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Traditional technical experience or associates degree preferred.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational understanding of recycling and water treatment systems.
• Troubleshoot and solve process and equipment problems.
• Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation of systems.
• Maintain accurate records using databases and spreadsheets.
• Provide training to production associates.

Skills

Safety‑first mindset

General understanding of wet chemical processes

General understanding of chemical compatibilities

General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge

Self‑directed ability to work with minimal supervision

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Good written and oral communications skills in English

Industrial liquid chemical handling experience

Solid mechanical aptitude

Forklift experience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associates degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Computerized (PLC controlled) equipment

Laboratory equipment

Basic computer skills (Word, Excel)

Job description

Job Description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions

Operate Recycling and Wastewater/UPW processes as per the work instructions. Assist in the installation and qualification of process equipment, troubleshoot day‑to‑day process/equipment issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to improved safety, process efficiency, and performance goals.

Education / Experience

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
• One or more years FS technical experience.
• One or more years' experience in an industrial/commercial operation or a technical setting.
• Associates degree in a technical discipline.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting will be preferred.
• Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience will be preferred.

Required Skills / Competencies

• Safety‑first mindset.
• General understanding of wet chemical processes is essential.
• General understanding of chemical compatibilities is essential.
• General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.
• Self‑directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Able to troubleshoot and solve problems within the process.
• Good written and oral communications skills in English.
• Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Industrial liquid chemical handling experience preferred (strong acids, strong bases, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide).
• Solid mechanical aptitude with emphasis on hands‑on experience.
• Forklift experience is preferred.
• Ability to operate computerized (PLC controlled) and mechanical equipment.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel).
• Responsible for ensuring safe operations and escalating up if needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop a complete operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment.
• Ensure recycling, wastewater treatment and ultra‑pure water generation processes are running on target as per the process plan.
• Respond to process control alarms through basic course correction and escalation through communication.
• Collect data relating to process control parameters and make adjustments as necessary.
• Analyze process data on a regular basis and implement course correction as needed throughout the shift.
• Respond to process control alarms by evaluating immediate and previous process trends.
• Troubleshoot and solve day‑to‑day recycling and water treatment process and equipment problems and elevate the process upsets to engineer and supervisor.
• Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra‑pure water systems.
• Perform minor maintenance and repairs including troubleshooting and replacement of pumps.
• Escalate major repairs to the maintenance department through coordination with supervisor and engineer.
• Calibrate instrumentation per ISO work instructions.
• Perform routine analysis on samples using laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate records using databases, spreadsheets, and other computer‑based programs.
• Properly collect, label, and store hazardous waste within the manufacturing plant and assist with shipment of hazardous waste from the plant per documented hazardous waste work instructions.
• Respond to accidental hazardous material spills by containing and cleaning of the spills through HAZMAT standards.
• Provide training to production associates.
• Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• Maintain effective communication with area associates and engineers.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly work environment following the 5S standard guidelines.
• Use powered industrial equipment (fork trucks, e.g.) for moving various materials and chemicals.
• Responsible for verbal and written shift pass‑down communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• This position will report to the Supervisor – Recycling & Wastewater.
• This position will have no direct reports.

Travel

• No travel is required.
• If hired during plant start‑up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Hourly Range

• 18.89 - 26.44, hourly

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel‑toed shoes, cut‑resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.