Wastewater Technician, Canada

Job Description
As a wastewater technician, you will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems to ensure environmental protection. In addition, you will also be responsible for processing our co-products from both the citric acid fermentation and wastewater treatment processes. These co-products are sold to local farmers as animal feed and an organic based fertilizer, supporting a circular economy and sustainable operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate the wastewater treatment facility according to all relevant SOPs for both Operations, Health and Safety and any other documented procedures as well as prevailing conditions of the treatment system.
• Operate and monitor computerized control systems, including pumps, valves, and chemical feed systems to ensure proper treatment of wastewater and processing of co-products.
• Operate and maintain co-product (solids) drying units and belt presses. Monitor feed rates and adjust variables (such as belt speed, pressure, steam, and polymer dosage) accordingly.
• Inspect gauges, meters, and recording instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and maintain optimal system performance.
• Collect and test wastewater and co-product samples and analyze results to make process adjustments.
• Adjust dosages of chemicals based on test data to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate and detailed logs of operations, maintenance activities, chemical usage, sampling data, and test results.
• Communicate key readings, trends, and test results to the citric acid production team lead, as wastewater quality and flow data provide valuable insight into upstream industrial processes and operational conditions.
• Receive and transfer bulk chemicals from delivery trucks to chemical tank farm.
• Load dried co-products onto outgoing trucks.
• Work a continental rotating shift schedule to support 24/7 plant operations, including weekends, nights, and holidays as required.
• Support plant-wide operations to your trained ability when called upon (operate a tractor to move solids, operate a forklift to move totes, offload chemicals in other departments) and perform general site upkeep to ensure a clean and safe workplace.
• Support continuous improvement activities.
• Participate in training and implement best practices on the job.
• Follow health and safety standards to prevent injury.
• Participate in the identification and correction of unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviours.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices within the areas of responsibility.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; post-secondary education in either Environmental, Chemical, Water/Wastewater Technology OR MECP Class 1 Wastewater Treatment Certificate.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in aerobic wastewater treatment including lab experience with the ability to interpret results and make effective changes to the wastewater treatment processes. DCS experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of relevant environmental and wastewater treatment related legislation and regulations.
• Experience operating solids drying systems including belt presses or other industrial machinery equivalent.
• Work experience in an industrial manufacturing setting is an asset.
• Mechanically inclined with strong troubleshooting and equipment handling skills is an asset.
• Knowledge of safe work practices including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and chemical handling and transfer. JHSC experience and TDG certification is an asset.
• Physical ability to lift (25 kgs), bend, and work in outdoor and industrial environments.
• Flexibility to support additional site tasks when required (e.g., groundskeeping, equipment operation).