Wastewater Technician

Teasdale Latin Foods•Atwater, CA

1d•$32 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Wastewater Treatment Technician is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing wastewater treatment systems to ensure regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and efficient plant operations. This position supports the safe and reliable operation of wastewater treatment equipment, including decanter centrifuges, VSEP membrane filtration systems, pumps, flow meters, process valves, and related treatment infrastructure within a food processing environment.

Requirements

2–5 years of wastewater treatment experience within a food processing, manufacturing, or industrial environment preferred.
Experience operating decanter centrifuge dewatering equipment required.
Experience with VSEP systems, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, or similar treatment technologies preferred.
Strong mechanical aptitude required.
Proficiency with PLC/SCADA control systems, wastewater instrumentation, pumps, valves, and process equipment preferred.
Basic computer skills, including data entry, recordkeeping, and report generation required.
Good listening skills and habits are essential for this position.
Excellent ability to resolve issues and solve problems through personal interaction.
Above-average verbal and written communication skills are essential.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret operational data, maintenance records, and regulatory reports.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and basic process calculations.
Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, thoroughness, and efficiency.
Ability to apply sound judgment and initiative in identifying problems, determining solutions, and implementing corrective actions.
Demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt to new responsibilities and technologies.
Ability to treat information in a strictly confidential manner.
Acts in the company's best interest throughout the day while maintaining professionalism and accountability.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to interpret a wide variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule format.
Capable of troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues independently.
Possesses strong organizational skills and the ability to plan and prioritize work effectively.
Demonstrates a team-oriented attitude and willingness to work overtime when required to support plant operations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and work on elevated platforms.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental and weather conditions.
Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators when necessary.
Ability to work around wastewater treatment equipment, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and industrial processing environments.

Nice To Haves

State Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification (Grade I, II, or higher).
OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Safety Training.
Forklift Certification.
Confined Space Entry Certification.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems, including decanter centrifuges, VSEP membrane filtration systems, pumps, valves, and associated process equipment.
Optimize centrifuge settings and polymer feed rates to maximize solids capture and dewatering efficiency.
Monitor membrane filtration system performance, including transmembrane pressure, flow rates, recovery rates, and overall treatment efficiency.
Perform equipment startups, shutdowns, and emergency procedures in accordance with OEM and facility operating requirements.
Troubleshoot process issues related to membrane fouling, scaling, equipment malfunctions, and wastewater treatment performance.
Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance, cleaning, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures on wastewater treatment systems.
Perform routine water sampling, testing, and analysis to verify compliance with operational and discharge specifications, including pH, conductivity (EC), and other required parameters.
Complete routine wastewater monitoring inspections and maintain all required operational checklists and documentation.
Perform routine calibration of wastewater treatment instrumentation, sensors, and monitoring equipment.
Monitor sludge handling processes and ensure proper management and disposal practices.
Respond promptly to equipment alarms, operational abnormalities, and treatment process upsets.
Track system performance metrics and recommend process improvements that enhance treatment efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational effectiveness.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wastewater discharge regulations and environmental requirements.
Maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, water quality reports, and regulatory documentation.
Record and monitor decanter operational parameters, including hydraulic pressure, differential speed, bowl speed, vibration levels, bearing temperatures, influent and effluent flow rates, and solids capture performance.
Maintain inventory levels of wastewater treatment chemicals, supplies, and operational materials.
Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as required.
Properly handle treatment chemicals and consistently utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Perform housekeeping duties within wastewater treatment areas, including cleaning equipment, sweeping, painting, trash removal, and maintaining organized workspaces.
Coordinate with maintenance personnel and contractors to support equipment repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in a food processing facility and adhere to all Food Safety, Food Security, and Food Quality requirements.
Follow all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and standard operating procedures.