Waste Water Technician Weekends

Purpose Statement

The Wastewater Technician is responsible for the safe compliant and efficient operation of the wastewater pretreatment system at the Niles plant. This role ensures environmental compliance supports water conservation efforts and maintains critical wastewater and facility systems during assigned shifts. The Wastewater Technician operates independently while collaborating closely with Maintenance Production and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure uninterrupted plant operations and regulatory adherence.

About the Niles Plant & Rich Products:
Our Niles IL facility has proudly served as a cornerstone of Richs for over 30 years specializing in Toppings Creams and Culinary Solutions (TCCS). Though compact at just 2 acres this 24/7 365-day operation punches well above its weightdriving innovation and consistency across our frozen non-dairy portfolio. With five rotating shifts and a non-union workforce our plant thrives on ownership agility and cross-functional excellence.

Rich Products is a family-owned global food company with over 80 years of legacy and leadership. Founded on the revolutionary idea of the non-dairy whipped topping that same spirit of innovation fuels everything we dofrom the plant floor to the boardroom. With operations in 100 countries and a portfolio spanning foodservice in-store bakery and retail Richs is more than a food companywere a people-first organization committed to doing whats right the Rich Way.

4th Shift 5:00am 6:30pm Fri/Sat/Sun 13-hour shift

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Operate monitor and maintain the wastewater pretreatment system ensuring compliance with all local state and federal environmental regulations.
• Perform daily inspections sampling testing and documentation of wastewater systems including flow rates chemical levels and discharge quality.
• Maintain and operate Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) systems sludge tanks and associated equipment.
• Conduct basic chemical testing and titrations to assess system performance and adjust treatment processes as required.
• Accurately document operational data maintenance activities and compliance records in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on wastewater equipment and related systems.
• Safely handle treatment chemicals and consistently follow PPE and safety protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to water conservation environmental sustainability and system efficiency.
• Communicate system status abnormalities and maintenance needs to Maintenance Production and leadership teams.
• Provide limited general building and grounds maintenance support as needed without compromising wastewater compliance priorities.
• Maintain housekeeping and organization standards within wastewater and utility areas

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to perform physical job requirements including lifting up to 55 lbs standing walking climbing reaching stooping pushing pulling and working in industrial environments.
• Working knowledge of environmental safety practices and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to accurately follow procedures maintain detailed records and respond to system alarms or process deviations.
• Strong communication organization and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced 24/7 operation.
• Comfort working independently during assigned shifts and responding to off-hour system needs.

Preferred:

• Technical training or coursework in wastewater treatment environmental science or industrial utilities.
• 1 to 2 years of experience in industrial or manufacturing wastewater operations or willingness to complete training and certification.
• Experience with DAF systems sludge handling and chemical treatment processes.
• Familiarity with computerized systems data logging and reporting tools.
• Possession of a Class K wastewater license or ability to obtain one within a defined timeframe.