What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Technician (Degreaser System & Wastewater Treatment Operator) position at Focus?
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S)
Location: Eclectic, AL
Pay: $20-$25/hr
Position Summary
A premier industrial manufacturing facility in the Eclectic, AL area is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Environmental Technician (Degreaser System & Wastewater Treatment Operator). This role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of automated industrial cleaning/degreasing equipment and the on-site industrial wastewater treatment (WWT) system.
The technician will maintain process chemistry, conduct routine sampling and laboratory testing, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure all wastewater discharges remain fully compliant with local, state, and federal environmental permits.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDegreaser System Operation
- Operate automated degreasing systems to clean metal parts according to strict quality and production standards.
- Monitor and record tank temperatures, system pressures, liquid levels, and chemical pump rates.
- Perform and document titration testing to verify chemical bath concentrations remain within target parameters.
- Adjust chemical feed rates, pumps, and bath chemistry based on analytical test results.
- Inspect, clean, and maintain system spray nozzles, risers, screens, flow meters, and level sensors.
- Conduct routine walk-through inspections inside the degreaser housing to identify 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/grease separation, and sludge dewatering.
- Monitor wastewater storage tanks, transfer pumps, piping networks, mixers, and filtration units.
- Perform routine analytical testing (pH, jar testing, and process control measurements) to calculate optimal chemical dosages.
- Collect compliance samples, prepare sample kits with proper chain-of-custody documentation, and coordinate transport to certified third-party laboratories.
- Operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on plate-and-frame sludge filter presses.
- Manage sludge generation, handling, staging, and disposal coordination.
- Safely receive, offload, stage, and inventory bulk and packaged process chemicals (totes, drums, carboys).
- Track chemical usage rates and coordinate reorders to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure strict adherence to chemical transfer protocols.
- Calibrate pH probes, analytical meters, flow sensors, and instrumentation.
- Conduct preventive maintenance on metering pumps, valves, and feed lines; replace wear items including pump tubing, diaphragms, and check valves.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation issues; submit detailed work orders to plant maintenance when necessary.
- Maintain daily operational logs, inspection checklists, chemical inventories, and discharge records.
- Immediately escalate permit deviations, equipment failures, leaks, or chemical releases to the Environmental Manager.
- Participate in facility spill prevention, emergency response, and storm-water management activities.
- Adhere to all OSHA, HAZCOM, and company safety rules, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Required: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Required: 1–3 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or processing environment.
- Preferred: Direct experience operating industrial wastewater treatment systems, plate-and-frame filter presses, or aqueous parts-washing/metal-finishing systems.
- Preferred: Vocational training or coursework in wastewater treatment, chemistry, environmental science, or industrial maintenance.
- Fundamental understanding of basic chemistry, pH neutralization, and precipitation reactions.
- Proficiency in conducting wet titrations, analytical bench testing, and instrument calibration.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot pumps, piping, and chemical feed systems.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills; comfortable completing regulatory logs and shift handovers.
- Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and digital logbooks).
- High degree of self-direction, reliability, and attention to detail.
- Valid Forklift / Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification.
- OSHA Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) or 24-/40-Hour HAZWOPER training.
- Ability to stand, walk, and inspect equipment throughout an industrial plant for 8 to 12 hours per shift.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver items weighing up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Comfortable working in ambient manufacturing conditions (hot, cold, wet, humid, and noisy environments).
- Ability to climb ladders, stairs, elevated catwalks, and work in tight or enclosed spaces around industrial machinery.
- Physical capability to wear specialized PPE, including chemical aprons, face shields, safety glasses, respirators (if required), and chemical-resistant gloves/boots.
- Ability to move chemical drums and totes using drum dollies, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
Salary : $20 - $25