Technician- Wastewater/Recycling II USA (Crew C / AM Shift)

First Solar, Inc.; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. in the United States seeks a Wastewater & Recycling Technician I to operate and troubleshoot recycling and wastewater processes. You will assist in equipment installation, qualify systems, and drive improvements for safety and efficiency.

Requirements include a high school diploma or technical experience; associates or bachelor’s degrees are valued. Experience with wet chemistry, chemical compatibility, alarms, and basic data analysis is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ year experience in related role or 3 years technical experience; or
• Associates degree with 1+ year experience or 2 years technical experience; or
• Bachelors degree with 0-2 years experience in industrial/technical setting

Responsibilities

• Develop operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems.
• Ensure processes run on target per process plan.
• Collect data on process control parameters and adjust as needed.
• Analyze data and implement course corrections.
• Respond to process alarms by evaluating trends.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day process and equipment problems and escalate when needed.
• Participate in process experiments and report results.
• Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation.
• Document procedures and process specifications.
• Interface with internal teams and suppliers to complete projects.
• Maintain pumps and related equipment; assist with repairs.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Wet chemical processes

Chemical compatibilities

Process alarms handling

Troubleshooting

Electrical/electronic and mechanical

Data analysis (statistics)

English communication

Administrative tasks

Industrial chemical handling

Forklift experience

Self-directed work

PLC operation

Hazardous waste handling

5S housekeeping

Pumps maintenance

Training others

Start-up/commissioning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates degree in a technical discipline

Bachelors degree in a technical discipline

Tools

PLC controlled equipment

Job description

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 with at least 1 year experience as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I or 3 years First Solar technical experience or 6 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR;

• Associates degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR;

• Bachelors degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting

• Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting will be preferred.

• Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience will be preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety-first mindset.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the understanding of wet chemical processes is required.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the understanding of chemical compatibilities is required.

• Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing and responding to process control alarms to bring processes back in control.

• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving in process control.

• Demonstrated proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.

• Able to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.

• 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.

• Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Ability to operate computerized (PLC controlled) and mechanical equipment.

• Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Assist with training associates as needed.

• Responsible for ensuring safe operations and elevate up if needed.

• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• 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.
• Collect data relating to process control parameters and make adjustments as necessary.
• Analyze process data on a regular basis and implement basic and advanced 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.

• Participation in planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results.

• Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water systems.

• Participate in internal documentation review including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.

• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.

• Perform maintenance and repairs including troubleshooting and replacement of pumps.

• Escalate major repairs to maintenance department through coordination with supervisor and engineer.
• Transition new systems and processes through start-up, commissioning, and qualification.

• Calibrate instrumentation per ISO work instructions.

• Perform analysis of 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.

• 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 and some work instruction development.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Supervisor - Recycling & Wastewater.

• This position will have no direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $23.37 - $32.69

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift up to 51 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 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow and green 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 be able to 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, hearing protection).

• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is 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 band 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.