Position Details: Deink Process (DIP) / Wastewater Treatment Operator
Description:
Job Title: Deink Process (DIP) / Wastewater Treatment Operator
Reports to: Process Area Leader
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Position Summary
The Deink Process (DIP) / Wastewater Treatment Operator plays a critical role in supporting Barnwell Tissue Solutions’ recycled paper processing and wastewater treatment operations. This position works as part of a team to safely and efficiently convert recycled paper into wet fiber suitable for tissue manufacturing while ensuring compliance with site and regulatory environmental standards. The operator also supports the maintenance and operation of the on-site wastewater treatment system.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Duties
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment by supporting housekeeping, safety, and plant operational initiatives.
- Operate and monitor the Distributed Control System (DCS) to control DIP processes, including tank levels, pumps, agitators, and valves.
- Make process adjustments as needed to optimize production, product quality, and equipment performance.
- Lead shift-level decision-making to support daily production goals.
- Understand and manage key operational metrics such as wastepaper usage, chemical consumption, yield, cost efficiency, and reliability.
- Assist the Process Engineer in identifying and resolving process issues through root cause analysis.
- Serve as a mentor and trainer to other operators engaged in cross-training or career advancement.
- Collaborate with tissue machine Team Leads to coordinate quality and production requirements.
Secondary Duties
- Collect and test samples of in-process and finished materials; perform lab analyses and adjust operations based on results.
- Engage professionally with team members, supervision, vendors, and visitors; contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
- Support maintenance tasks during planned outages or as needed, including volunteer opportunities.
- Identify and correct abnormal process conditions or safety issues when trained, or notify the appropriate personnel.
- Work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with overtime as required.
- Demonstrate initiative in learning new skills and expanding capabilities.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Process Area Leader.
- Operate powered industrial trucks (PITs) as required.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in DIP operations or wastewater treatment preferred.
- Willingness and ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.
- Availability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to follow procedures.
- Two years of relevant industrial experience or completion of college-level math/science coursework preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Environmental Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to:
- Wet, slippery floors and confined workspaces
- Hazardous machinery and energized equipment
- Electrical hazards and height-related risks
- Dust, fumes, gases, and chemical mists
- Exposure to thermal and chemical burns
- Magnetic fields (a concern for individuals with pacemakers)
- Hot, humid, or cold conditions; some outdoor work required
Physical Requirements
- Frequently: Stand, walk, climb stairs, monitor systems, use a keyboard, talk on a phone or two-way radio
- Occasionally: Lift 20–50 pounds, bend, crouch, reach overhead or below waist, shovel, rake, clean with water hoses
- Periodically: Climb ladders, operate forklifts or powered equipment to move materials
Equal Opportunity Employer
Barnwell Tissue Solutions, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
