Wastewater Engineer

About the role

The Wastewater Engineer operates and improves wastewater treatment processes so that the plant runs stably, meets discharge requirements and manages effluent and sludge responsibly. The role covers day-to-day operation of the factory's wastewater treatment plant, coordination with Production, Maintenance and HSE teams, and ensuring compliance with Iraqi environmental requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the wastewater treatment plant, from inlet flow and equalization through screening, pH adjustment, biological treatment, clarification and sludge handling.
• Monitor parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, COD, BOD, TSS and sludge settling, and coordinate routine sampling and laboratory testing.
• Handle wastewater from potato washing, peeling, slicing, frying and production-area cleaning, controlling starch, oil, grease and suspended solids.
• Adjust aeration, chemical dosing, sludge return and sludge wasting within authorised limits to keep treatment efficient.
• Watch pre-treatment equipment such as screens and grease separators to keep production waste out of the treatment plant.
• Spot abnormal loads, foaming, excessive sludge and odour, and coordinate corrective action with Production, Maintenance and HSE.
• Keep records of flow, treatment performance, lab results, chemical use, energy use, sludge generation and discharge.
• Ensure treated water meets Iraqi environmental requirements and the factory's approved discharge limits, escalating any compliance risks.
• Coordinate sludge collection, storage and disposal, and evaluate water reuse where technically and legally possible.
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely, using PPE, isolation and confined-space procedures.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 2-3 years of water treatment experience; direct wastewater treatment experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of wastewater chemistry, biological treatment, sludge handling and COD/BOD/TSS indicators.
• Soft skills: attention to detail, teamwork, clear communication, problem solving and disciplined adherence to procedures.

Required skills

• Sampling and interpretation of laboratory results
• Process balancing and dosing calculations
• Fault investigation