2nd Shift Wastewater DAF Technician in Manteno, Illinois at GFF Inc - Plochman Inc

The Wastewater DAF Technician operates, monitors, and maintains the wastewater Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system and related wastewater treatment equipment to ensure the compliant and efficient removal of solids, oils, and contaminants from industrial wastewater streams.

The Wastewater DAF Technician is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system used to clarify wastewater by removing suspended solids, oils, and grease. The role supports environmental compliance, plant efficiency, and safe discharge by performing sampling, chemical dosing, equipment inspections, and routine system maintenance. This position works within the broader Maintenance team and supports the inspection and maintenance of process drains, CIP effluent tanks, the EQ tank, chemical feed systems, and sludge-handling processes.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in DAF system operation, data analytics, sample testing, process automation, and knowledge of wastewater parameters such as BOD, COD, TSS, FOG, and pH. The position also requires the ability to maintain detailed records and follow regulatory compliance requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

· Operate and monitor DAF systems to ensure the efficient separation of solids, oils, and grease.

· Conduct routine inspections of DAF units, pumps, valves, screens, and related machinery.

· Follow the Master Schedule to perform daily cleaning and operational checks of the DAF system, including skimmers, sludge tanks, and filters.

· Adjust and maintain chemical feed systems, including coagulants, flocculants, and polymers, to optimize DAF performance.

· Monitor EQ tank levels, flow rates, and system pressures to maintain stable operations.

· Collect wastewater samples, including influent, effluent, and sludge samples, and perform laboratory tests such as pH, DO, turbidity, TSS, ammonia, and BOD/CBOD.

· Maintain and calibrate instrumentation, including pH meters, DO probes, turbidity meters, and flow meters.

· Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues and escalate complex problems to Maintenance leadership or supervisors as appropriate.

· Coordinate sludge removal, ensuring tanks do not overflow and pickups occur according to schedule.

· Maintain accurate operating logs, chemical inventories, and compliance documentation.

· Ensure all wastewater discharged meets applicable city, state, and permit requirements.

· Perform other DAF system analytical, process, and operational duties as assigned.

· Monitor, log, and report the quality of plant drain discharge flows and report incidents of excessive debris resulting from improper sanitation practices and/or other cleaning processes.

· Complete all preventive and predictive maintenance activities on wastewater systems.

· Follow all company policies and procedures, particularly safety requirements applicable to the position, including PPE, LOTO, Arc Flash, and other applicable safety requirements

· Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to inspect, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on pumps, valves, and rotating equipment.

· Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment principles and the ability to learn DAF operation, chemical dosing, and solids-separation processes.

· Ability to perform laboratory testing and interpret results for process control.

· Familiarity with or the ability to learn PLC/HMI systems used for monitoring and process adjustments.

· Understanding of wastewater parameters such as BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, pH, and EC.

· Ability to maintain detailed records and follow regulatory and environmental compliance requirements.

· Ability to complete required safety training, including confined space entry, HAZWOPER, OSHA, LOTO, and other applicable facility-specific safety training.

Education & Experience

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Previous experience in wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, or DAF systems.

· State wastewater operator certification, where applicable, is preferred or may be required to be obtained within a designated timeframe based on facility or regulatory requirements.

Working Conditions

· Work involves indoor and outdoor environments, exposure to chemicals, wastewater treatment processes, and varying weather conditions.

· Requires standing, walking, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing, and confined-space work depending on facility needs.

· Rotating shifts and/or on-call duties may be required, consistent with wastewater treatment operational needs.