Wastewater Operator - PA

NES Fircroft; Village of Akron (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a Wastewater Operator to oversee the operation and maintenance of an industrial wastewater treatment plant. You will manage acid neutralization processes, hazardous waste handling, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with EHS for safety and permit reporting.

The role requires 3+ years on-site wastewater plant experience, basic data logging skills, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. DOT hazardous waste certification and PADEP license are highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of operating experience in an industrial wastewater plant.
• Basic computer skills (email, data logging).
• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 pounds and work overtime including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment in the treatment plant to control flow and processing of discharged material.
• Monitor system controls; adjust valves to regulate effluent discharge.
• Observe readings and test results to manage influent water flow through treatment processes.
• Maintain operation logs with flow rates, pH, and discharge readings.
• Collect samples and perform routine tests to ensure compliance.
• Manage hazardous waste streams including handling, storage, and shipments.
• Coordinate with EHS for safety protocols and permit reporting.
• Oversee bulk material receiving and deliveries.
• Operate evaporation process for waste material and perform PM on equipment.
• Monitor and manage water, utilities, and DI bottle inventories.

Skills

Industrial wastewater operation

Safety compliance

Equipment maintenance

Data logging

Forklift operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

PADEP Wastewater Operator license (Class B+)

Job description

Job Posting: Wastewater Operator

Job Description Summary:

The Wastewater Operator will perform overall operation and maintenance of our industrial waste treatment plant, controlling the acid neutralization/chemical precipitation process in accordance with permit discharge parameters. In addition to treatment plant operations, this role will manage hazardous waste handling and shipments, oversee bulk material receiving, maintain wash and rinse tank preventative maintenance (PM) schedules, and coordinate directly with EHS personnel to ensure site safety, permit adherence, and regulatory compliance.

What you’ll do:

• Operate equipment in the treatment plant to control the flow and processing of discharged material.
• Monitor system controls and adjusting valves (manually or remotely) to regulate the flow of effluent discharge.
• Observe operating conditions, interpret control readings, and evaluate test results to manage influent water flow through filtering, flocculation, and clarification processes.
• Maintain comprehensive operation logs, recording flow rates, pH levels, and discharge readings.
• Collect samples and perform routine tests and analyses to ensure compliance.
• Manage hazardous waste streams, including proper handling, storage, and coordination of waste shipments.
• Coordinate with EHS personnel for safety protocols, permit reporting, and ongoing compliance.
• Oversee bulk material receiving and deliveries.
• Operate evaporation process for waste material
• Perform PM and cleanout on parts flusher and parts washer, maintain waste stream
• Manage daily water and utility usage readings
• Montior and maintain DI bottle inventory and coordinate exchanges on equipment
• Monitor waste acid storage tanks and raw acid storage tanks to ensure containment integrity and align processing with production needs.
• Monitor wastewater treatment chemical stock levels
• Carry out routine maintenance and housekeeping in the plant and waste treatment area.

What you’ll bring:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of operating experience in an industrial wastewater plant.
• Basic computer skills (email, data logging).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work overtime as required, including occasional weekend shifts.
• DOT certification or equivalent in hazardous waste transportation laws.
• Willingness to wear all required personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, earplugs, safety shoes, splash jacket, face shield, other as needed).
• Export Control: This role requires access to technical data subject to U.S. Government export restrictions. Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).

What will make you stand out:

• Completion of PADEP-recognized industrial wastewater training.
• PADEP Industrial Wastewater Operator license (Class B or higher preferred).
• Advanced RCRA hazardous waste training.
• Ability to run forklift
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a cross‑functional team.
• Proficiency in mechanical and electrical maintenance/troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated commitment to high ethical standards, safety, and regulatory integrity.