Wastewater Treatment Technician

Franke Plating Works, Inc. Position Title: Wastewater Treatment Technician Department: Environmental / Compliance Reports To: Waste Water Treatment Manager # Position Summary Operates and maintains the facility's wastewater pretreatment system to ensure plating process effluent meets local, state, and federal discharge standards before release to the sanitary sewer or for reuse/recycling. This role also supports the facility's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance efforts by monitoring and controlling regulated substances used in plating processes. # Key Responsibilities ## Wastewater Treatment Operate and monitor wastewater treatment equipment (clarifiers, filter presses, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, chemical feed systems, etc.) Perform chemical treatment processes such as pH neutralization, metals precipitation, and chelation breaking for plating/finishing rinse waters Collect and test water samples for pH, metals concentration (e.g., chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium), and other regulated parameters Maintain accurate logs of chemical usage, flow rates, and lab results for regulatory compliance (EPA, local POTW permits) Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on pumps, valves, tanks, and dosing systems Manage handling, storage, and proper disposal of hazardous waste sludge (filter cake) in accordance with RCRA requirements Order and manage inventory of treatment chemicals Troubleshoot process upsets and adjust treatment parameters as needed ## RoHS Compliance Support Monitor use of RoHS-restricted substances in plating baths and processes, including lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, and certain brominated flame retardants/phthalates where applicable Track substitution of restricted materials with RoHS-compliant alternatives (e.g., trivalent chromium in place of hexavalent chromium plating solutions) Maintain documentation and traceability records supporting customer RoHS compliance declarations and Certificates of Conformance Coordinate with quality/engineering teams on material composition testing (e.g., XRF screening) to verify plated parts meet RoHS threshold limits Assist in maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory records reflecting RoHS status of process chemicals Support internal and customer audits related to RoHS and REACH compliance Stay current on updates to RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU and amendments) and related restricted substance regulations ## General Compliance and Safety Assist in preparing reports for regulatory agencies (e.g., discharge monitoring reports) Follow all safety protocols when handling acids, caustics, and heavy metal-bearing solutions (PPE, spill response, SDS compliance) Support broader environmental compliance initiatives (RCRA, REACH, Prop 65 as applicable) Must be able to operate a forklift safely # Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, or related field preferred 1-3+ years of experience in industrial wastewater treatment, plating operations, or a related field preferred []{style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: "}