Waste Water Operator- (1st Shift)

American Trim; Wapakoneta (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

American Trim is seeking a plant operator to manage the wastewater treatment and metal precipitation processes. The role involves collecting samples, testing for zinc, monitoring pH/ORP, and ensuring compliance with EPA standards.

You will troubleshoot meters, adjust chemical dosages, and maintain equipment such as pumps, filters, and control panels. Responsibilities include updating daily logs, performing routine maintenance, and coordinating sludge handling and neutralization steps.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn Statistical Process Control.
• Math, basic wet chemistry and problem solving ability are helpful.
• Mechanical and plumbing aptitude definitely a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains treatment facility for neutralization, metal precipitation, complexed metals removal in the form of Zinc.
• Collects and tests 24 hour composite sample for metal concentrations and records results.
• Reads and records turbidity meter readings hourly; cleans turbidity meter daily.
• Checks reagent levels in tanks and maintains process control per EPA standards.
• Responds to imbalances in the WWT system; troubleshoots chemical metering pumps and probes.
• Performs nickel recovery tests and maintains chrome solution levels as needed.
• Fills out SPC charts and logs daily; records chemical usage and equipment status.
• Performs routine maintenance on pumps, motors, plumbing, and filtration equipment.

Skills

Statistical Process Control

Math

Wet chemistry

Problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Plumbing aptitude

Tools

Hot plate

Spectrophotometer

Moisture balance

Pumps

Mixers

Control panel

Filter press

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operates and maintains treatment facility for neutralization, metal precipitation, complexed metals removal in the form of Zinc. Collects, treats and dispose of sludge’s generated by these treatment processes.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Tests grab samples for Zinc every 2 hours.
• Performs an imhoff test every two hours.
• Checks levels of reagent tanks.
• Every hour, reads and records the turbidity meter readings in the daily log (PC 1 only). Cleans turbidity meter once a day.
• Collects readings for the high and low set points on the pH and ORP. (PC 1 only. Rack Repair in PC 3 performs this function.)
• Collects and tests 24 hour composite sample to check for metal concentrations.
• Makes any chemical changes and/or adjustments necessary to ensure compliance with EPA standards (or city’s standards -- whichever is greater).
• Cleans and calibrates probes once per shift.
• Performs assignments from the daily check list once per shift.
• Fills out Statistical Process Control Charts (SPC) as required.
• Checks bulk caustic and bulk sulfuric acid once a week.
• Responds to any imbalances in WWT system, including malfunction of chemical metering pumps, pH/ORP probes and changes in chemistry applications. Strong Troubleshooting skills needed.
• Recharges DI unit as needed (PC 3 only)
• Performs nickel recovery test; blow down sand filter three times per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Check the rectifier for the EP pots – power is set according to the number of pots in the system. On Tuesday – pots are pumped, cleaned and refilled with new solution. On Saturday – pots are pumped and refilled. Once a shift – check that rectifier is set correctly, pots are working OK and pots are filled with chrome solution to correct level – add chrome solution as needed.
• Test PPM (parts per million) and pH on both nickel rinse (r-l) and the product from the NRU once per shift.
• Makes up or requests nickel reagents for testing.
• Visually checks the sprays on the chrome rinses and adjusts metering valve to keep rinses clean.
• Test for iron once per week in the evaporator.
• Cleans and empties the filter press that separates and dries the sludge. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Distributing sludge evenly into the hopper for later removal.
• Replace filter press cloth when needed.
• Arranges for the removal of this sludge as needed.
• Check moisture balance each time filter press is cleaned.
• Acid clean filter press once per week - rotate shifts.
• 1st shift operator - send out a sample of sludge for analysis when the hopper is half-full.
• Routine general maintenance, minor repair and upkeep on the WWT system, including pumps, motors, plumbing, etc.
• Orders chemicals and supplies as needed (1st shift only).
• Checks emergency shower and hazardous waste areas once a week (1st shift only).
• In charge of UPS mailings and recording, weighing and logging of mailing slips (PC 1 only).
• Records daily activities and readings in assigned logs.
• Computer input of chemical usage (PC 3 only).
• Cleans up all chemical spills or hazardous waste immediately and cleans up all water on floors.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment at all times.
• Other job duties as assigned by the supervisor.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Statistical Process Control, on-the-job training with a test given at the end of the training period.

TYPICAL MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT INVOLVED

General lab equipment (i.e., hot plate, spectrophotometer, and moisture determination balance machine), pumps, mixers, monitor control panel, filter press and filter press auger (PC 1 only).

TOOLS AND GAGES

Mechanical tools, pH and ORP meters, barrel pumps, hand cart and lift table.

TYPICAL PRODUCTS INVOLVED

Nickel, chrome, acids, caustics, reducing agents and chemical waste sludge.

METHOD OF JOB ASSIGNMENT

Verbal and written.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to learn Statistical Process Control. Math, basic wet chemistry and problem solving ability are helpful. Mechanical and plumbing aptitude definitely a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do essential tasks including, but not limited to: Carrying, Cleaning, Climbing, Coordination (eye/hand), Hearing, Holding, Pulling and Pushing, Reading, Raking*, Reaching, Removing, Seeing, Speaking, Stooping, Standing, Turning Pages and Dials, Typing/Keyboard*, Walking and Writing.

Non-essential physical tasks may include the following: Bending, Collating, Coordination (hand/foot), Dialing, Driving (high lift), Filing, Folding and Unfolding, Inserting, Lifting, Locking and Unlocking, Maintaining, Opening and Closing, Pounding, Scheduling, Stretching, Sorting, Sweeping, Stapling, Threading, Turning, Twisting and Weighing.

• Note: Raking essential in PC 1 only. Typing is essential for computer input in PC 3.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Plant Water Treatment Room (area). Plant type environment with desk and lab combined. Subject to slight odor, dirt, chemicals and noise. Climbing required. Possible uncomfortable environmental temperatures at times.

HAZARDS

Minor scratches, bruises, burns and skin irritations due to oils and chemicals.