Wastewater Technician

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Pacific (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. seeks an Operations Technician to support the wastewater treatment plant, performing inspection, sampling, and process control tasks in a safe, compliant manner.

Responsibilities include monitoring equipment, recording data, performing analyses, and coordinating with supervisors for improvements. A high school diploma and 1–3 years of related experience are required, with licensing within 12 months preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of plant operations/manufacturing experience preferred.
• Certification or license for water/wastewater operator or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Knowledge of wastewater systems and basic chemistry.
• Strong reading, writing and math skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work with others.

Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Maintain chemical levels, adjustment, and disinfection of water and other liquids.
• Record operational data, meter, and gauge readings on specified forms at specified frequencies.
• Perform COD, TSS, Total Solids, and other analysis on daily samples; review results and make directed adjustments based on daily data collection.
• Advise supervisor regarding potential areas of concern and then implement appropriate changes.
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools; record all parts used during preventive maintenance or repair.
• Work with vendors to align with best practices. Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant.
• Request maintenance repair work through appropriate system/process.
• Monitor sludge dumpster levels (if appropriate) and call appropriate personal when an exchange is needed.
• Communicate pertinent information at shift end to a shift supervisor.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, communicate to supervisor, and implement appropriate changes (Lean, Kaizen, 5S and Leader Standard Work).
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, GMP's, HAACP, SQF, Safety, etc.
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Skills

Wastewater treatment

Chemistry knowledge

Maintenance skills

Microsoft Office

Written and verbal communication

Team player

English literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical or college education

Water/Wastewater Operator license or ability to obtain within 12 months

Tools

Job description

General Purpose

Provide operation and maintenance support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations. Demonstrate working knowledge to perform a defined set of wastewater treatment processes and activities. Work within standard operating procedures, under a moderate degree of supervision.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions
• Maintain chemicals levels, adjustment, and disinfection of water and other liquids
• Record operational data, meter, and gauge readings on specified forms at specified frequencies
• Perform COD, TSS, Total Solids, and other analysis on daily samples; review results and make directed adjustments based on daily data collection
• Advise supervisor regarding potential areas of concern and then implement appropriate changes
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools; record all parts used during preventive maintenance or repair
• Work with vendors to align with best practices. Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant
• Request maintenance repair work through appropriate system/process
• Monitor sludge dumpster levels (if appropriate) and call appropriate personal when an exchange is needed
• Communicate pertinent information at shift end to a shift supervisor
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, communicate to supervisor, and implement appropriate changes (Lean, Kaizen, 5S and Leader Standard Work)
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, GMP's, HAACP, SQF, Safety, etc.
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical or college education or military preferred
• 1 to 3 years of plant operations/manufacturing experience coupled with the knowledge of and/or aptitude to perform wastewater duties
• 1 to 3 years of wastewater related experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 12 months, to the extent required by state regulations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems
• General microbiological and chemistry skills
• General maintenance skills
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to follow directions
• Able to multi-task and organize own work activities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans