Join UCC Environmental, a leader in sustainable technology solutions:

Are you looking for a rewarding career in a progressive and well-run company? Do you have a passion for customer relationships and environmental innovation? If so, you might be the perfect fit for UCC Environmental, a company that offers Utility specific sustainable technology solutions to clients across the globe. UCC Environmental has a strong presence in North America and is expanding its sales channels in EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented team and contribute to the company's growth and success. Read on to find out more about the role and how to apply.

This is a field-driven role: approximately 80% of the work is performed outdoors and in active operating areas (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow), with about 20% of time spent indoors on documentation, reporting, and coordination.

The focus of the position will be to play a key role in supporting UCC’s growing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Division by operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mechanical and process systems at customer sites.

This entry-level role provides the foundation for a long-term career in field operations. The Operator I will work closely with experienced operators, field service engineers, and site management to ensure plant systems run safely and efficiently. Typical assignments include wastewater treatment, dewatering, sludge handling, material conveyance, and mobile system operations during plant outages or upgrades.

Operators receive hands-on training through UCC’s Operator Development and Safety Programs and will gain exposure to mechanical systems, process instrumentation, and preventive maintenance procedures across multiple industrial sectors.

Operator – Field Operations and Maintenance

Newton, IL

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust water/wastewater treatment, dewatering, sludge handling, and material-handling systems per established standard operating procedures (SOPs)-30%
• Troubleshoot pumps, valves, piping, motors, sensors, and electrical/mechanical components to identify and resolve equipment issues-25%
• Perform routine preventive maintenance (PM), including lubrication, filter changes, belt/chain tensioning, minor mechanical adjustments, and housekeeping to support reliable operation-20%
• Support mobilization, demobilization, and hands-on equipment setup for field operations and temporary systems-5%
• Collect samples; record operational data; and complete log sheets, checklists, and work orders accurately and on time-10%
• participate in shift handoff and safety requirements (JSA, LOTO, confined space, and PPE); communicate status updates; and prepare basic reports for the Lead Operator/Program Manager-10%
• All other duties as assigned

Note: Work allocation is approximately 80% field/outdoors and 20% desk/admin

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational certificate preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in industrial, mechanical, or wastewater operations preferred (will train motivated candidates).
• Basic understanding of pumps, valves, and process systems.
• Prior experience in construction, manufacturing, or utility operations is a plus.

Characteristics and Skills

• Mechanically inclined with the ability to use hand and power tools safely.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn, follow direction, and work as part of a team.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Able and willing to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow) and in industrial environments.
• Basic computer literacy for recording data and completing reports.

Essential Physical Abilities:

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk using a computer 80% of the time
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical labor in industrial settings.
• Ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow).

Training and Advancement

UCC provides comprehensive on-the-job and classroom training in:

• Equipment operation and maintenance fundamentals
• Wastewater and solids handling systems
• Safety and compliance (OSHA, Confined Space, LOTO)
• Opportunities for advancement to Lead Operator, Field Service Engineer, or Technical Specialist

Core Values and Beliefs

Must be aligned with Core Values and Beliefs that drive UCC’s existing corporate culture.

• People – we trust and invest in our people, unlocking their full potential and they always come first
• Teamwork – we respect others and create a collaborative working environment of inclusion and inspiration
• Integrity – we are truthful and respectful to customers, employees, community and suppliers
• Customer Satisfaction – we keep existing customers by delivering exceptional customer service
• Innovative –we encourage resourceful problem solving in the face of adversity

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range:  $25-$35 hourly pay rate ($52,000 - $72,800 annual pay) based on skills and experience

Other Compensation:   Overtime Eligibility for 1 ½ times per hour worked over 40 hours in a week  

Benefits:             

• Insurance:   Medical, Dental, Life, Disability, Employee Assistance Programs and Voluntary Options such as Vision, HSA, FSA (Medical, Dental, Vision and Dependent Care), Accident, Identity Theft, Legal coverage
• Retirement:  401(k) with up to 4% company match, Pre-Tax and Roth Options, and discretionary Annual Profit-Sharing contribution
• Time Off:  10 days of Vacation, Vacation Purchase Plan up to 10 days purchased per year, 5 days of Sick and 10 Holidays, Parental Leave, FMLA
• Miscellaneous:    Student Debt Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Certification and License Reimbursement, Personalized Professional Development Plans and Career Path Options.

How to Apply:

If interested in this position, please apply online via our website at https://uccenvironmental.com/careers/ and select Explore Current Openings to apply for this position online.

UCC Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. If you have difficulty applying for this job online, by e-mail, or need accommodation, please call us at 847-473-5900 and ask for Human Resources.

Salary : $52,000 - $72,800