Wastewater/Maintenance Technician (5th Shift)

•

*SUMITOMO BIORATIONAL FORMALLY KNOWN AS VALENT BIOSCIENCES*

Wastewater/Maintenance Technician- 5th Shift

About Us:

Sumitomo Biorational is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Sumitomo Biorational Company operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit. The Sumitomo Biorational manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Sumitomo Biorational's broad portfolio of fermentation products.

Description of Job:

As a Maintenance/Wastewater Technician at Sumitomo Biorational, you will perform duties related to the operation, maintenance, and control of the Wastewater Pretreatment Plant (WWPTP). You will monitor equipment, gauges and charts; records data related to water quality to ensure water is properly treated before releasing it to the municipal wastewater facility. You will keep management apprised of unique situations and problems encountered and identify and report safety, environmental and other work requirements for resolution. You will also perform as off shift lead maintenance technician and central utility building equipment technician.

5th Shift Position Hours: Friday and Saturday 6:00 pm – 6:30 am + one weekday

The Wastewater/Maintenance Technician operates and maintains the Wastewater Pretreatment Plant (WWTP), monitoring equipment, gauges, charts, and water-quality data to ensure wastewater is properly treated before release to the municipal wastewater facility. The role also provides off-shift maintenance support for plant equipment and responds to Central Utilities Building needs, including boilers, chillers, air compressors, and purified-water systems. The position requires safe handling of treatment chemicals, attention to environmental and safety requirements, and flexibility to support plant operations across shifts. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the Wastewater Pretreatment Plant (WWTP), including electric motors, pumps, valves, clarifiers, aeration basins, and dewatering equipment that regulate process-waste flow and directly affect treatment performance.
• Monitor equipment, gauges, charts, water-quality data, and chemical-testing results to ensure wastewater is properly treated before release to the municipal facility; handle and control water and industrial wastewater treatment processes that use hazardous chemicals.
• Respond to maintenance calls throughout the main facility; troubleshoot pumps, seals, electric motors, and other process equipment, and perform preventive maintenance on wastewater equipment and selected main-facility equipment.
• Monitor and respond to issues in the Central Utilities Building (CUB), including boilers, chillers, air compressors, and purified-water systems.
• Respond to and clean up hazardous spills as required; follow health, safety, and environmental procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
• Operate a forklift as needed and perform work at varying elevations and in extreme temperatures; walk throughout the facility, climb stairs, and perform other physical tasks required by plant operations.
• Complete required training and remain available to work other shifts as directed, including weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.
• Support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives by completing required Lean training, participating in structured problem-solving activities, and helping identify, analyze, and resolve operational issues.
• Work toward achieving assigned individual, departmental, and company goals, including applicable safety and performance objectives and scorecard expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain a Grade 4 water and wastewater operator license.
• One year of water or wastewater operator experience and three years of mechanical maintenance experience preferred.
• Experience operating, chemically testing, maintaining, and repairing water or wastewater distribution, collection, treatment, and utility plumbing systems, including use of technical manuals, bulletins, and manufacturer specifications, preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic mathematics and chemistry and the ability to apply them to wastewater treatment and water-quality monitoring.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with a variety of hand and power tools and the ability to operate a forklift safely.

Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Work involves frequent standing and walking; use of hands for operating tools, equipment, pumps, valves, and controls; and bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and grasping. Work may require climbing stairs and ladders, working at varying elevations, kneeling, crouching, and working in various positions to operate, inspect, maintain, and repair equipment. Requires lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in wastewater treatment, utility, and industrial manufacturing environments and involves working on or around pumps, motors, valves, boilers, chillers, compressors, wastewater treatment equipment, forklifts, and other process equipment. Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, wastewater, hazardous spills, elevated work areas, noise, and other conditions associated with wastewater treatment, utilities, maintenance, and manufacturing operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required based on the work being performed.
• Frequency Definitions: Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

What We Offer:

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated base hourly rate for this position ranges from: $24.86 to $29.81 per hour + an additional $2.00/hour shift premium for 2nd shift or an additional $5.00/hour shift premium for 5th shift. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future At Sumitomo Biorational, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

Sumitomo Biorational is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

To apply visit:

Careers | Sumitomo Biorational