Wastewater Treatment Operator

Wastewater Treatment Operator

The Wastewater Treatment Operator performs plating operations and supports wastewater treatment activities within a metal finishing facility. This role sets up and runs plating lines to apply metallic coatings such as nickel, tin, and silver to busbar and power delivery components according to process specifications, while operating the wastewater treatment system to ensure all effluent meets applicable discharge requirements. The position emphasizes wastewater treatment experience, with training provided on plating operations and support to obtain the site-specific Class K certification required for wastewater treatment duties.

Responsibilities include:

• Operate and monitor the wastewater treatment system to ensure effluent complies with all permit and regulatory discharge limits.
• Perform pH adjustment, precipitation and coagulation, clarification, and filter press operation as part of the wastewater treatment process.
• Conduct pH and conductivity readings and regularly monitor pumps, systems, and water cleanliness to maintain proper system performance.
• Handle and apply flocculants and coagulants safely and effectively to achieve proper wastewater treatment results.
• Set up and operate plating line equipment, including racking and loading parts, sequencing tanks, and using rectifiers and timers to apply metallic coatings.
• Process raw copper and aluminum components through a series of chemical baths to apply protective coatings that prevent oxidation, improve electrical conductivity, and support high-voltage performance.
• Maintain and complete required process documentation, including travelers, plating recipes, wastewater discharge logs, 5S documentation, startup logs, and other production records.
• Perform manual production tasks such as part cleaning, racking and de-racking, rinsing, and material handling to support plating operations.
• Perform routine maintenance on plating and wastewater equipment in accordance with maintenance work instructions and schedules.
• Identify and report process deviations, equipment malfunctions, or non-conforming conditions promptly to supervision for corrective action.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and comply with all safety rules and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in training to obtain and maintain the site-specific Class K certification required for wastewater treatment operation and maintain it as a condition of performing those duties.
• Follow written work instructions, process paperwork, and safety procedures accurately and consistently.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding status of operations, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Perform basic measurements and record test results accurately to support process control and compliance documentation.

Essential skills include:

• Wastewater treatment experience, including pH balancing, operating filter presses, and using lab test kits to verify water cleanliness.
• Experience performing pH testing and pH/conductivity readings in a production or treatment environment.
• Familiarity with flocculants, coagulants, and general water treatment and cleanliness practices.
• Experience with plating operations or plating line operation, including racking, tank sequencing, and operating rectifiers and timers.
• Ability to perform pre-treatment and racking of metal parts for plating processes.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific Class K certification for wastewater treatment within the required timeframe.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions, process paperwork, and safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with supervisors and team members.
• Basic math skills sufficient to perform measurements and accurately record test results.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Additional skills and qualifications include:

• Experience with wastewater discharge compliance or working with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) requirements is a plus.
• Experience operating plating lines in a metal finishing or similar manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Prior experience with machine operation in an industrial or production setting is an advantage.
• Comfort working with chemical baths and metal finishing processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation and logs.
• Willingness to learn plating operations quickly while leveraging existing wastewater treatment experience.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Why work here?

This organization offers a stable, growth-oriented environment where employees contribute to products that support a wide range of everyday applications in transportation and industrial markets. Team members have access to opportunities for financial and career growth, supported by programs such as a referral program, profit sharing, and a generous 401(k) match up to 7%. The company provides a sign-on bonus upon becoming a permanent employee, hosts regular company outings and events, and offers catered lunches once a month to foster a strong sense of community. Employees enjoy 11 paid holidays and unique perks such as access to a suite for professional sports events, with participation based on performance. The culture emphasizes recognition, development, and shared success, reinforced by transparent communication about company history, values, and products.

Work environment:

The role operates on a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The facility is temperature controlled, clean, and well organized, providing a comfortable and structured work setting. Employees work around running equipment, resulting in slight ambient noise typical of a metal finishing and wastewater treatment environment. The work involves operating plating lines, wastewater treatment systems, pumps, filter presses, and related production and testing equipment, with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required in designated areas.

Job type and location:

This is a permanent position based out of Rolling Meadows, IL.

Pay and benefits:

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)