ETP Operator

Job Title

ETP Machine Operator – Chemical Industry

Department

Utilities / EHS (Environment, Health & Safety)

Reporting To

ETP Supervisor / Utilities Manager / EHS Manager

Job Summary

The ETP Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the Effluent Treatment Plant in a chemical manufacturing facility to ensure safe treatment of high-strength and hazardous effluents. The role ensures compliance with statutory environmental regulations, safe handling of chemicals, and consistent plant performance as per approved operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• ETP Operations (Chemical Industry Specific)Operate and monitor ETP systems handling acidic, alkaline, solvent-bearing, and high-COD/BOD chemical effluents.
• Manage primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes including neutralization, coagulation–flocculation, biological treatment, filtration, and advanced treatment (RO/MEE, if applicable).
• Control and optimize chemical dosing (lime, acid, coagulants, flocculants, nutrients, antifoam, oxidants, etc.).
• Monitor critical process parameters such as pH, ORP, COD, BOD, TDS, TSS, MLSS, DO, ammonia, and oil & grease.
• Sampling, Testing & Process ControlCollect and preserve effluent samples as per SOP and statutory requirements.
• Perform in-process tests and jar tests to optimize treatment efficiency.
• Coordinate with laboratory and EHS teams for analysis and corrective actions.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Carry out routine checks of pumps, agitators, blowers, dosing systems, pipelines, valves, and instruments.

• Identify abnormalities such as toxic shock to biological systems, foaming, sludge bulking, or equipment malfunctions.
• Assist mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams during preventive and breakdown maintenance.
• Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)Strictly follow chemical handling, MSDS, and PPE requirements.
• Ensure safe storage, transfer, and usage of treatment chemicals.
• Respond to spills, leakages, or emergencies as per onsite emergency plans.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and hazard control in the ETP area.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure treated effluent meets Pollution Control Board (PCB) discharge or reuse norms.

• Maintain statutory records, logbooks, online monitoring data, and chemical consumption reports.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reporting (CTO, CTE, ISO 14001, etc.).
• Sludge & Waste HandlingManage sludge dewatering systems (filter press, centrifuge, sludge drying beds).
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous sludge as per regulations.
• Coordinate with authorized waste handlers.

Educational Qualifications

• ITI / Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline
• Formal training in ETP operations and hazardous chemical handling preferred
• Experience2–6 years of experience operating ETPs in a chemical manufacturing environment
• Exposure to high-strength effluent, hazardous waste, and biological treatment systems is highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of chemical effluent characteristics and treatment logic
• Ability to handle toxic and shock loads safely
• Knowledge of environmental laws and PCB norms
• Basic laboratory testing and data interpretation skills
• Good troubleshooting and communication abilities
• Willingness to work in shifts and emergency conditions
• Working ConditionsExposure to chemicals, fumes, noise, and wastewater
• Mandatory use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols
• Shift-based operation including night shifts