2nd Shift Wastewater DAF Technician

HACO Culinary•Manteno, IL

12d

About The Position

The Wastewater DAF Technician operates, monitors, and maintains the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system and related wastewater treatment equipment to support compliant, efficient removal of solids, oils, grease, and other contaminants from industrial wastewater. The role supports environmental compliance, plant efficiency, and safe discharge through sampling, chemical dosing, equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and accurate recordkeeping. It is part of the broader Maintenance team and supports inspection and maintenance of process drains, CIP effluent tanks, the EQ tank, chemical feed systems, and sludge-handling processes. The position requires mechanical aptitude and hands-on wastewater operations, including DAF system monitoring, sample testing, process data analysis, and use or learning of process automation systems. The technician maintains instrumentation and operating records, follows regulatory requirements, completes preventive and predictive maintenance, and complies with applicable safety procedures. Work may take place indoors and outdoors, involve exposure to chemicals and wastewater processes, and include varying weather conditions. Standing, walking, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing, and confined-space work may be required. Rotating shifts and/or on-call duties may be required.

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to inspect, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on pumps, valves, and rotating equipment.
Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment principles and ability to learn DAF operation, chemical dosing, and solids-separation processes.
Ability to perform laboratory testing and interpret results for process control.
Familiarity with or ability to learn PLC/HMI systems used for monitoring and process adjustments.
Understanding of wastewater parameters such as BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, pH, and EC.
Ability to maintain detailed records and follow regulatory and environmental compliance requirements.
Ability to complete required safety training, including confined space entry, HAZWOPER, OSHA, LOTO, and other applicable facility-specific training.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous experience in wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, or DAF systems.

Nice To Haves

State wastewater operator certification, where applicable; certification may be required within a designated timeframe based on facility or regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor DAF systems to efficiently separate solids, oils, and grease.
Inspect DAF units, pumps, valves, screens, and related machinery.
Follow the Master Schedule for daily cleaning and operational checks, including checks of skimmers, sludge tanks, and filters.
Adjust and maintain chemical feed systems, including coagulants, flocculants, and polymers.
Monitor EQ tank levels, flow rates, and system pressures.
Collect influent, effluent, and sludge samples and conduct laboratory tests, including pH, DO, turbidity, TSS, ammonia, and BOD/CBOD.
Maintain and calibrate instrumentation, including pH meters, DO probes, turbidity meters, and flow meters.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues and escalate complex problems to Maintenance leadership or supervisors as appropriate.
Coordinate sludge removal, prevent tank overflows, and ensure pickups occur on schedule.
Maintain operating logs, chemical inventories, and compliance documentation.
Ensure wastewater discharge meets applicable city, state, and permit requirements.
Perform other assigned DAF system analytical, process, and operational duties.
Monitor, log, and report plant drain discharge quality and report excessive debris resulting from improper sanitation or other cleaning processes.
Complete preventive and predictive maintenance activities on wastewater systems.
Follow company policies and procedures, particularly applicable safety requirements, including PPE, LOTO, and Arc Flash requirements.