PM Shift)

First Solar (US)•New Iberia, LA

About The Position

The Technician- Wastewater/Recycling II operates recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water (UPW) processes according to work instructions. The role develops an operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment, monitors and adjusts processes, responds to alarms, performs testing and sample analysis, and troubleshoots day-to-day process and equipment issues. The technician also supports equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification; performs instrumentation calibration and routine maintenance; and helps identify or implement improvements in safety, efficiency, and performance. The position involves handling and documenting hazardous waste, responding to hazardous-material spills in accordance with HAZMAT standards, maintaining accurate records, communicating shift pass-downs, and training production associates. The technician works with associates, engineers, suppliers, and maintenance personnel, escalating process upsets and major repairs as needed. The position reports to the Supervisor – Recycling & Wastewater and has no direct reports. No travel is required. The role requires compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and 5S guidelines. Production-floor associates may need to wear a respirator, and the ability to do so is a condition of employment and continued employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED plus one year as a First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I, or three years of First Solar technical experience, or six years in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; alternatively, an associate degree in a technical discipline plus one year as a First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I, two years of First Solar technical experience, or three years in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and 0–2 years of experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting.
Safety-first mindset and ability to comply with safety standards and procedures.
Demonstrated understanding of wet chemical processes and chemical compatibilities.
Ability to recognize and respond to process control alarms and restore processes to control.
Proficiency in process-control troubleshooting and problem solving.
Demonstrated proficiency with electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
Ability to apply statistical tools to analyze data and draw conclusions.
Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Ability to handle administrative and technical tasks.
Solid mechanical aptitude, particularly hands-on experience.
Self-directed approach and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to operate computerized, PLC-controlled, and mechanical equipment.
Basic computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to provide verbal and written shift pass-down communications.
Ability to meet stated physical requirements, use required personal protective equipment, and wear a respirator when required; respirator use requires little or no facial hair.
Ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green and meet the stated 20/40 vision requirement in each eye, with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting.
Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience.
Industrial liquid chemical handling experience, including strong acids, strong bases, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
Forklift experience.

Responsibilities

Operate recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water processes according to work instructions and process plans.
Develop a complete operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment.
Monitor process control parameters, collect data, analyze trends, and make adjustments or course corrections as needed.
Respond to process control alarms by evaluating current and prior process trends.
Troubleshoot day-to-day process and equipment issues and escalate process upsets to the engineer and supervisor.
Participate in planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report results.
Perform standard tests to verify proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water systems.
Participate in internal reviews of drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
Coordinate with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
Perform maintenance and repairs, including troubleshooting and replacing pumps; coordinate escalation of major repairs to the maintenance department through the supervisor and engineer.
Support new systems and processes through startup, commissioning, and qualification.
Calibrate instrumentation according to ISO work instructions.
Analyze samples using laboratory equipment.
Maintain accurate records in databases, spreadsheets, and other computer programs.
Collect, label, and store hazardous waste and assist with its shipment according to documented instructions.
Contain and clean accidental hazardous-material spills according to HAZMAT standards.
Provide training to production associates and assist with training associates as needed.
Maintain effective communication with area associates and engineers, including verbal and written shift pass-downs and some work-instruction development.
Follow safety procedures and housekeeping standards; ensure waste is placed in designated containers and maintain a clean, orderly work area according to 5S guidelines.
Use powered industrial equipment, such as fork trucks, to move materials and chemicals.
Perform other duties as assigned.