Wastewater & Recycling Technician

First Solar, Inc.; Walbridge (OH); On-site; USD 26,174 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is hiring for a position in Walbridge, Ohio, focused on operating recycling and wastewater treatment systems. The role requires troubleshooting abilities and a commitment to safety. Candidates should have at least a high school diploma and relevant technical experience.

Responsibilities include ensuring processes are efficient, responding to control alarms, and performing maintenance tasks. First Solar values a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Qualifications

• One or more years of FS technical experience or similar.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting preferred.
• Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure recycling and wastewater treatment processes run on target.
• Respond to process control alarms and correct as necessary.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on water treatment systems.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Wet chemical processes knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Forklift experience

Computer skills (Word, Excel)

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree in a technical discipline

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
  • Associate 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 when 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.
• 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 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.
• Escalate major repairs to maintenance department through coordination with supervisor and engineer.
• 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.
• 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

• $19.00 – $23.00

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 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.