Environmental Technician (Degreaser System & Wastewater Treatment Operator)

Focus•Eclectic, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A full-time Environmental Technician is responsible for the safe, efficient operation of automated industrial cleaning and degreasing equipment and the on-site industrial wastewater treatment system at a manufacturing facility in Eclectic, Alabama. The role includes maintaining process chemistry, conducting routine sampling and laboratory testing, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring wastewater discharges comply with applicable environmental permits. The technician operates degreasing systems and continuous or batch wastewater treatment processes; monitors equipment and process conditions; performs chemical testing and adjusts chemical feeds; manages process chemicals and sludge; and maintains operational, inspection, inventory, and discharge records. The position also supports spill prevention, emergency response, and storm-water management and follows OSHA, HAZCOM, company safety requirements, and PPE practices. The position requires work throughout an industrial plant, including potentially hot, cold, wet, humid, and noisy conditions, and may involve climbing, confined or tight spaces, and handling equipment and chemicals. Pay is $20–$25 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
1–3 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or processing environment.
Fundamental understanding of basic chemistry, pH neutralization, and precipitation reactions.
Proficiency in wet titrations, analytical bench testing, and instrument calibration.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot pumps, piping, and chemical feed systems.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to complete regulatory logs and shift handovers.
Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and digital logbooks.
Self-direction, reliability, and attention to detail.
Ability to stand, walk, and inspect equipment throughout an industrial plant for 8 to 12 hours per shift.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, and maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, humid, and noisy manufacturing conditions; climb ladders, stairs, and elevated catwalks; and work in tight or enclosed spaces around industrial machinery.
Ability to wear specialized PPE, including chemical aprons, face shields, safety glasses, respirators if required, and chemical-resistant gloves and boots.
Ability to move chemical drums and totes using drum dollies, pallet jacks, and forklifts.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience operating industrial wastewater treatment systems, plate-and-frame filter presses, or aqueous parts-washing or metal-finishing systems.
Vocational training or coursework in wastewater treatment, chemistry, environmental science, or industrial maintenance.
Valid Forklift / Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification.
OSHA Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) or 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

Responsibilities

Operate automated degreasing systems to clean metal parts to quality and production standards.
Monitor and record tank temperatures, system pressures, liquid levels, and chemical pump rates.
Perform and document titration testing; adjust chemical feed rates, pumps, and bath chemistry based on test results.
Inspect, clean, and maintain degreaser nozzles, risers, screens, flow meters, and level sensors; inspect the degreaser housing for fallen parts, damaged components, or clogged nozzles.
Assist with planned tank dumps, system cleanouts, and chemical replenishments.
Operate and monitor continuous and batch wastewater treatment processes, including chemical precipitation, pH adjustment, oil and grease separation, and sludge dewatering.
Monitor wastewater tanks, transfer pumps, piping, mixers, and filtration equipment.
Perform pH, jar, and process-control testing to determine chemical dosages.
Collect compliance samples, prepare sample kits and chain-of-custody documents, and coordinate delivery to certified third-party laboratories.
Operate, clean, and maintain plate-and-frame sludge filter presses; manage sludge handling, staging, and disposal coordination.
Receive, offload, stage, inventory, and track usage of process chemicals; coordinate reorders.
Review Safety Data Sheets and follow chemical transfer protocols.
Calibrate pH probes, analytical meters, flow sensors, and other instrumentation.
Perform preventive maintenance on metering pumps, valves, and feed lines, including replacing tubing, diaphragms, and check valves.
Troubleshoot mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation issues and submit detailed work orders to plant maintenance when needed.
Maintain operational logs, inspection checklists, chemical inventories, and discharge records.
Immediately escalate permit deviations, equipment failures, leaks, and chemical releases to the Environmental Manager.
Participate in spill prevention, emergency response, and storm-water management activities.
Follow OSHA, HAZCOM, and company safety rules, including wearing appropriate PPE.