Water/Effluent Technician

Role Overview

This position sits within a manufacturing operation where process water quality and responsible effluent handling are critical to both production continuity and environmental compliance. Day to day, you will run the treatment systems that make raw water fit for industrial use, check and adjust chemical dosing, verify discharge quality, and keep precise records that support audits and regulatory reporting. Your vigilance helps prevent downtime, protect equipment, and keep the facility aligned with environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor water purification, clarification, and effluent disposal systems to maintain consistent process performance throughout each shift.
• Dose treatment chemicals — including alum, soda ash, and chlorine — according to established procedures and adjust dosages based on real-time water quality conditions.
• Conduct routine inspections of pumps, filters, tanks, and treatment equipment, paying close attention to meters, gauges, control panels, and flow rates to detect irregularities early.
• Collect water and effluent samples for on-site testing and for dispatch to external laboratories, then interpret results to inform process adjustments.
• Maintain accurate logs of operational data, chemical usage, meter readings, and treatment outcomes, ensuring records are complete and easy to trace.
• Perform scheduled cleaning and upkeep of tanks, filter beds, screens, and work areas to prevent blockages and extend equipment life.
• Identify malfunctions, unusual readings, or process deviations and escalate them promptly to supervisors while taking initial corrective action where safe.
• Follow environmental and safety protocols rigorously, including proper handling of chemicals and safe operation of machinery.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Water Engineering or a directly related field.
• At least two years of hands-on experience working in a manufacturing or industrial processing environment.
• Solid understanding of water treatment and effluent treatment principles, including chemical dosing, sedimentation, filtration, and pH control.
• Working knowledge of effluent treatment standards and discharge limits relevant to industrial facilities.
• Practical proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel or similar tools for logging and reporting data.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, plus the ability to communicate clearly with operators, supervisors, and maintenance staff.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability to troubleshoot process upsets quickly and safely.
• High attention to detail for accurate sampling, testing, and record-keeping.
• Good planning and organisational skills to manage routine tasks alongside unexpected operational issues.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends, as required by production schedules.
• A valid driving licence and an ability to drive are considered an added advantage.