Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan

HPC Industrial, powered by Clean Harbors, is looking for a Field Water Treatment Technician III to join their safety conscious team! This Technician is responsible for the full operational lifecycle of high purity water treatment equipment, including mobile reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) systems. This is a highly mobile, field-based role requiring extensive travel (90% or more) to client and project sites. The technician serves as the subject matter expert for system planning, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and repair, while also contributing to organizational knowledge through training and best practice development. Transitioning Military, this is a great opportunity to leverage your skills and training as you return to civilian life.  

 Why work for HPC-Industrial?  

• Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5! 
• Competitive wages  
• Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment  
• Group 401K with company matching component 
• Own part of Clean Harbors with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (U.S. Only) 
• Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement 
• Positive and safe work environments 
• Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, installation & commissioning

• Lead site assessments and develop installation plans for mobile RO and DI equipment
• Execute equipment installation in accordance with project specifications and engineering drawings
• Commission systems and verify performance against target water quality parameters prior to handoff
• Coordinate with project managers, site contacts, and logistics teams to ensure on-schedule deployment

System operation & monitoring

• Operate high purity water treatment systems during assigned project periods
• Monitor water chemistry parameters including resistivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, conductivity, and flow rates
• Adjust system controls and chemical dosing to maintain product water quality within specified limits
• Identify and respond promptly to process deviations or alarm conditions

Troubleshooting & field repair

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and process-related system failures in a field setting
• Execute repairs and component replacements using available tools and spare parts
• Escalate issues beyond field repair capability to engineering or OEM support with detailed documentation
• Minimize system downtime through rapid, methodical fault isolation

Preventive maintenance

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks according to manufacturer guidelines and internal PM schedules
• Document all maintenance activities, parts used, and findings in the maintenance management system
• Track equipment service intervals and proactively flag upcoming maintenance needs
• Maintain cleanliness and serviceability of all equipment in the field

Data collection & reporting

• Record operational data including system performance metrics and water chemistry results at defined intervals
• Maintain accurate, legible field logs and submit reports to operations management on a regular cadence
• Flag out-of-specification conditions and document corrective actions taken

Training & knowledge transfer

• Train site personnel, client operators, and junior technicians in high purity water treatment operations
• Develop and deliver practical, hands-on instruction covering system operation, water chemistry, and safety procedures
• Assess trainee competency and provide constructive feedback
• Create or update training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed

Best practices & continuous improvement

• Contribute to the development and refinement of operational best practices based on field experience and performance data
• Participate in periodic technical reviews and recommend process improvements
• Share lessons learned across the field team to raise overall operational standards

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of hands-on experience operating or maintaining water treatment systems (RO, DI, or similar)
• Working knowledge of water chemistry principles and high purity water quality standards
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical and process systems in a field environment
• Strong documentation habits and attention to data accuracy
• Ability and willingness to travel 90% or more, including extended deployments

What does it take to work for HPC-Industrial?  

• Specific vocational preparation including classroom safety training, on-the-job training & essential experience gained in other jobs. 
• Language proficiency: understands English at a level to comprehend safety training & respond to instructions in emergency situations. 
• Valid driver’s license and other requirements of company’s driving policy required when driving company vehicle or using personal vehicle on company business. 
• Must be knowledgeable in the operation of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers. 

About HPC-Industrial: 

HPC-Industrial, powered by Clean Harbors, is the premier industrial cleaning and environmental services company in North America supporting the upstream, downstream, and utility sectors. HPC-Industrial offers an exceptional three-pronged safety system, innovative career development platform, committed customer service, deep industry expertise, and advanced technology and automation. We are committed to safety, people, growth, service, and performance. We provide the safest, most efficient operational experience for our customers and the most comprehensive training and career development for our employees. 

40-years of sustainability in action. At Clean Harbors, our mission is to create a safer, cleaner environment through the treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous materials. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology – come be part of the solution with us.  

Join our safety focused team today!  To learn more about our company, and to apply online for this exciting opportunity, visit us at https://careers.cleanharbors.com/.  

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.  

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.  

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.  

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.  

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. 

*HPC