Wastewater Treatment System; WWTS) Operator

Wastewater Treatment System (WWTS) Operator

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Department: Environmental Health & Safety / Operations

Reports To: EH&S Manager / Operations Management

Employment Type: Full-Time

Hammon Plating is seeking a Wastewater Treatment System (WWTS) Operator to manage the day-to-day operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system at our Palo Alto metal finishing facility.

This is a hands‑on position responsible for safely treating wastewater generated from plating and manufacturing operations, maintaining compliance with applicable environmental requirements, operating treatment equipment, managing waste streams, maintaining accurate records, and keeping the wastewater treatment area organized and operational.

The WWTS Operator will work closely with EH&S, Chemistry, Maintenance, and Production to ensure wastewater is treated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Hammon Plating procedures and regulatory requirements.

As the operator develops in the position, they will also be expected to help strengthen the overall wastewater program through improved procedures, documentation, training, waste reduction, and process improvements.

• Operate and monitor the facility's wastewater treatment system.
• Perform daily startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown activities.
• Monitor treatment conditions and make appropriate chemical additions and process adjustments.
• Perform pH adjustments and other treatment activities according to established procedures.
• Operate wastewater treatment equipment, including pumps, tanks, filtration equipment, and filter press systems.
• Monitor sludge generation and coordinate proper handling and disposal.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and notify EH&S or management when corrective action is required.
• Maintain the wastewater treatment area in a safe and operational condition.
• Coordinate with Production and Chemistry regarding wastewater streams generated by plating operations.

• Properly identify, segregate, label, store, and manage waste generated from wastewater treatment operations.
• Evaluate waste streams currently being sent to outside treatment or disposal vendors.
• Identify opportunities for waste to be safely and legally treated in-house when appropriate.
• Work with EH&S and management to evaluate potential treatment methods before implementation.
• Help reduce unnecessary off‑site disposal costs while maintaining environmental and safety compliance.
• Assist with waste pickups, manifests, containers, and vendor coordination as needed.

• Follow all applicable wastewater discharge permits, environmental requirements, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate wastewater operating logs and treatment records.
• Complete required inspections and documentation.
• Promptly report spills, treatment problems, equipment failures, abnormal discharge conditions, or potential compliance concerns.
• Assist EH&S and management during environmental inspections and audits.
• Support sampling, testing, recordkeeping, and other compliance activities as required.
• Recommend improvements that reduce environmental risk and improve wastewater control.

• Develop and maintain written wastewater treatment procedures.
• Document daily startup and shutdown requirements.
• Document normal treatment operations, chemical additions, pH adjustments, sludge handling, filter press operation, equipment inspections, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Develop emergency shutdown and spill‑response procedures in coordination with EH&S.
• Update procedures as equipment, processes,…