Infiltrator Water Technologies jobs - 8 jobs

Headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT, Infiltrator Water Technologies is the leading provider of engineered plastic chambers, synthetic aggregates, tanks, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and accessories for the onsite/decentralized wastewater and storm water management industries. The majority of Infiltrator products are manufactured from recycled plastic. Founded in 1987, we operate throughout the US and Canada with 8 manufacturing plants in the US, dedicated sales, and corporate team members. Infiltrator is a pioneer in innovative plastic technologies for underground water management. Infiltrator components are used in most onsite septic systems installed in the United States and Canada. Infiltrator is a proud Corporate Partner of Habitat for Humanity and each year donates components for 50 septic systems serving Habitat homes in North America. Infiltrator is committed to advancing the state of the art in all fronts, including product design, manufacturing, materials, wastewater science, marketing, management, and employee development. In other words, we strive to be the best we can be. Responsibilities Company Description: Orenco Systems, Inc. (subsidiary of Infiltrator Water Technologies) is a manufacturer of innovative onsite and decentralized wastewater collection and treatment technologies. Solutions include community collection systems, advanced secondary treatment systems, watertight fiberglass tanks, and in-tank pumping and filtration systems. Orenco also manufactures high-quality standard, custom, and OEM controls, along with state-of-the-art fiberglass buildings, tanks, and enclosures. Infiltrator Water Technologies is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. We sell our products through wholesale distribution across the United States and Canada for use on properties with onsite wastewater treatment systems. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: This is an advanced-level position that provides post sales project management and wastewater treatment process technical support for AdvanTex and MBBR (moving bed biofilm reactor) treatment processes. Work will generally be focused on existing wastewater treatment systems that require data collection, monitoring and troubleshooting. The Post Sales Engineer will regularly interact with internal Orenco staff, operators, designers/engineers, our business partners (a.k.a. distributors, dealers, and suppliers), service providers, and regulators regarding existing systems that utilize Orenco wastewater equipment. The Post Sales Engineer will be responsible for collecting wastewater influent and effluent data, reviewing existing designs, recommending process changes and troubleshooting existing wastewater processes. The Post Sales Engineer will also work closely with R&D (research and development) to communicate customer feedback, observations, and to develop design change recommendations. > Safety/Culture Continuously maintains Orenco management's safety, cultural, and professional standards. Promotes, encourages, and reinforces a positive safety culture, safe practices, and a safe work environment to all employees. Conducts all work in a safe manner and promotes safe work practices to all associates and clients. > Selling Increases sales and improves the overall customer experience by providing value-add product recommendations to stakeholders that utilize Orenco wastewater infrastructure. Educates external stakeholders. Learns and demonstrates effective use of Integrity Selling. Coordinates with other company staff to accomplish the work required to address problems with existing wastewater systems. Actively pursues to speak at conferences or author papers that promote Orenco technologies. Works with marketing to write and create case studies that summarize pertinent observations and data from existing Orenco systems. > Leading Demonstrates leadership within the Systems Engineering Department and within the organization daily. Mentors and helps train staff within the systems engineering department. Provides process training to systems engineers, sales staff, and external clients. Participates in meetings and contributes ideas and opinions. Improves methods for internal and customer-facing processes. Volunteers and participates in team, department, and organizational initiatives. Coordinates with various departments within Orenco regarding team initiatives and objectives. Sets and strives to complete annual personal development goals. > Planning Improves methods for internal and customer-facing processes. Volunteers and participates in team, department, and organizational initiatives. Coordinates with various departments within Orenco regarding team initiatives and objectives. Sets and strives to complete annual personal development goals. > Systems Engineering Support Assists with the project management of commercial and municipal collection and/or treatment opportunities by providing observations, data, and feedback from existing systems. Leads research projects. Supports in the commissioning of commercial and municipal collection and/or treatment systems. > Post-Sales Support Assists the post sales group with troubleshooting existing treatment processes. Creates protocol and solicits operating data from existing wastewater treatment processes. Makes recommendations to Systems Engineering and R&R (renewal and replacement) regarding design revisions. Travels to existing treatment systems as necessary to troubleshoot, solicit feedback and/or collect data. Evaluated operating protocols and optimizes Orenco O&M (operation and maintenance) requirements. > Reporting Thoroughly documents all tasks and customer interactions in CRM (Customer Relations Management). Inputs, updates, and ensures accuracy of customer contact information in CRM. Maintains an accurate, up-to-date, CRM opportunity database. Submits and distributes timely activity and trip reports. Summarizes and provides information to the R&D group regarding existing designs. EDUCATION: A Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree or higher is required. PE registration is a plus. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years' experience in wastewater process design or manufacturing. Graduate level education can be substituted for experience. MBBR and/or attached growth wastewater process experience preferred. Above average organizational skills are required. Ability to communicate in a professional, courteous, customer service-oriented manner. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to give technical presentations to a large audience. Ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and extreme variations in educational levels. Competent ability with applications such as word-processing, spreadsheets, and email. Must be willing and able to travel a minimum of 10% of the work time. This requirement will fluctuate depending on the region assignments, market maturity, other regional resources, territory size, business needs and other objectives. Travel requirement includes meeting current travel requirements with airlines as well as in final destinations. Ability to be flexible and change priorities with little notice and to remain calm during confrontational or high-pressure situations. Ability to use sound judgement and follow through in problem solving and decision-making processes. Must have satisfactory driving record, maintain valid driver's license, and current insurance on personal vehicle if used for business. Must meet company insurability requirements. Company Benefits: Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs. Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection. *100% paid by ADS. EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE). The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator's recycling operation is among the country's top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents. Responsibilities NOW HIRING!! Come join this dynamic team! We offer a competitive benefits package. Work schedule is a 2-2-3 schedule 7pm - 7am 12-hour shifts. JOB DESCRIPTION Perform continual testing of polymers to include the molding of the specimens and testing the specimens according to detailed test protocols. Function independently providing real-time support to the Molding Operations and Material Processing Operations. Specifically performing SIMs creep testing and the support of wide spec resin use in Storm Water products. Test an average of 15 polymer samples in each 8-hour shift on multiple characteristics in addition to supporting Storm Water product testing. Support trials and testing requests with requested testing results. Provide reports and recommendations along with the testing results. QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma Algebra Previous Polymer lab testing experience Previous Metrology lab experience Ability to read and write reports well Computer literate at intermediate level (email, spreadsheet, word processing, databases, ERP server software applications) Ability to be standing and walking for 12 hours continuously Ability to move around the facility without assistance. Must be able to climb stairs Must be able to lift 50 pounds Ability to wear and operate safety equipment (earplugs, safety glasses, footwear) Company Benefits: Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs. Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection. *100% paid by ADS. EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE). The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator's recycling operation is among the country's top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents. Responsibilities NOW HIRING CDL Drivers to join our transportation team! Work schedule is Sunday-Thursday 10:30pm - 7:00am RESPONSIBILITIES: Transport finished goods products or materials to/from shipping lots or buidling to building via flat bed, box trainer, or tanker. Load/unload trailers, stage product, and transfer product in the E1 system as required. Maintain good housekeeping standards and a safe work environment. Support material handling and inventory by operating a fork truck and basic computing. Other assignments deemed necessary by the Shipping Manager or Supervisor. Fill in for Material Processing drivers as required. Complete all daily inspection paperwork on trucks and trailers. QUALIFICATIONS (must have): Valid CDL Class A certification required 1 plus years driving experience required H.S. Diploma or equivalent Safe driving history Ability to follow written and oral instructions Must have a good attitude, willingness to learn and strongly oriented to teamwork Satisfactory work performance and attendance Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather Company Benefits: Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs. Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection. *100% paid by ADS. EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE). The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator's recycling operation is among the country's top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents. Responsibilities NOW HIRING a Tooling Engineer to join our team in Winchester, KY. POSITION OVERVIEW: We seek a self-driven, highly motivated engineer with a strong background in mold design and other plastic forming technologies. This candidate will manage mold development, procurement and validation and ensure that we are taking advantage of the best and most innovative technologies available to design, produce and maintain molds. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop, refine and implement tooling strategies to support the most efficient way to achieve production goals. Manage all new tools and rev level updates construction projects. Collaborate with product engineering to assure new and existing product and tool designs are moldable, sustainable for mass production and suggest design changes or alternative processes. Assure tooling design, and overall tool system implementation will provide long term production reliability. Coordinate the design and the development of new tooling, fixtures, and gages to support production activities. Provide technical assistance with the mold repair department. Responsible for monitoring tooling performance, identifying, and documenting areas for improvement and making recommendations. Creating and maintaining documentation for all tooling and processes. Collaborating with suppliers to ensure quality, reliability and cost effectiveness of tooling. Research technologies for enhanced mold repair, maintenance and construction of new and existing molds and ensure improved performance. Proactively seek opportunities for Continuous Improvement by researching new technologies for improvements to product, molds, materials, and manufacturing. Assist manufacturing with tooling related process improvements. QUALIFICATIONS (must have): A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. 10+ years' experience in the Injection molding industry with a focus on tool design. Strong project management skills. Direct hands-on experience in mold design and construction. Must be able to view, interpret and review 3D mold designs. Ability to read and interpret Moldflow analyses. Background in working with various mold material and metal types. Advanced experience in both cold runner and hot runner manifold systems. Strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills. Experience collaborating with teams of engineers and technicians. Excellent written/verbal communication skills, and superior interpersonal skills for interaction with all levels of personnel and contacts within and outside IWT. Proficient in presentations, technical reports, and situational analysis. Good working knowledge of plastics manufacturing processes. Background in working with various polymers. Mist be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Travel is a critical part of this role and can be every week depending on the situation. Company Benefits: A Comprehensive Benefits Package Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs and generous paid time off. Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, health savings account (with employer contribution), flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection. *100% paid by IWT. EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE). The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator's recycling operation is among the country's top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents. Responsibilities Great opportunity to join our team as an Extrusion Shift Supervisor! We have an opening on night shift. Work schedule is a 2-2-3 12-hour shift working 7pm-7am. POSITION OVERVIEW: Responsible for direct supervision of Material Processing night shift Extrusion, Transfer, and Receiving operations. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct Supervision of Night Shift Extrusion and Extrusion personnel. Direct Supervision of Night Shift Transfer and Transfer personnel. Direct Supervision of Night Shift Distribution and Receiving personnel. Promote safety of personnel and facilities. Inventory accuracy. Employee training. Employee development and retention. Employee performance evaluations and corrective action. Maintain housekeeping standards inside and outside of all facilities. Maintain a safe work environment in all facilities. Oversee loading of raw materials to be shipped to other facilities. Set up silo transfer operations and oversee transfer of material into blend silos and onto tankers. Communicate with other departments as needed to discuss material requirements or issues. Direct CDL Truck Drivers as to loads to move. Perform other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS (must have): Must have a good attitude and willingness to learn. Good attendance. Demonstrated leadership ability. Team oriented with good problem solving skills. Ability to work in non-climate controlled facilities. Previous experience working in extrusion is a plus EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT, Infiltrator Water Technologies is the leading provider of engineered plastic chambers, synthetic aggregates, tanks, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and accessories for the onsite/decentralized wastewater and storm water management industries. The majority of Infiltrator products are manufactured from recycled plastic. Founded in 1987, we operate throughout the US and Canada with 8 manufacturing plants in the US, dedicated sales, and corporate team members. Infiltrator is a pioneer in innovative plastic technologies for underground water management. Infiltrator components are used in most onsite septic systems installed in the United States and Canada. Infiltrator is a proud Corporate Partner of Habitat for Humanity and each year donates components for 50 septic systems serving Habitat homes in North America. Infiltrator is committed to advancing the state of the art in all fronts, including product design, manufacturing, materials, wastewater science, marketing, management, and employee development. In other words, we strive to be the best we can be. Responsibilities Infiltrator Water Technologies is seeking a self-driven, initiative-taking, hands-on, recycled polymer expert with a background in polypropylene and polyethylene. The purchased recycled material is used in blending to specific properties. The blended material is used to injection mold large products. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of the relationship between the incoming properties of the recycled polymers and the properties of the blended polymers related to the finished part properties. The Material Engineer is responsible for reviewing the blends for optimal performance while considering material availability, costs, and material age. The Material Engineer will be fluent in polymer testing and analyzing the data and interpreting the results. Previous experience working with recycled polymers is required. This new position will accelerate and support growth initiatives. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Support the evaluation of purchased recycled materials Recommend recycled materials to purchase based upon properties and costs Support the daily blending of recycled and virgin materials for the Materials Processing Department Support the daily decision-making of the blended materials and recommend where they should be used Support the optimal blend of wide virgin resin usage with prime materials in the products Maximize the material cost savings while ensuring the final product material specifications are being met Partner with Materials Processing to interpret the test results and recommend the best course of action Work with the Materials group to establish process controls for materials and processing Correlation of polymer blend/formulation with observed properties Identify equipment needs for effective controls Work with in-house ISO/IEC 17025 accredited polymer lab Control and recommend enhancements to the Blendsheet software application Provide technical recycled expertise Available during evenings / weekends for issues that would hold up production. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATIONAL, AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: At least 10 years' experience in recycled PP and PE Prefer degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field Laboratory research experience with ASTM specimen molding and testing using FTIR, DSC, TGA, plastometer, tensile, flexural, and notched Izod is required A strong team player with a positive and professional attitude, and a strong bias for solving problems In-depth knowledge of the latest technologies on recycled material testing and processing Demonstrated work experience in plastic injection molding Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Good verbal and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Effective written and oral communication skills Demonstrated ability to lead and influence peers Must be willing to work in the Lexington, KY area EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE). The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator's recycling operation is among the country's top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents. Responsibilities NOW HIRING CDL Drivers to join our transportation team! Work schedule is a 12-hour shift on a 2-2-3 schedule (7pm-7am) Local Route / Regular schedule where you are home nightly. Job Responsibilities: Transport finished goods via flat bed Support material handling and inventory by operating a fork truck Maintain good housekeeping standards and a safe work environment Other assignments deemed necessary by the Distribution Manager Requirements: Valid CDL Class A certification required, Tanker Endorsement preferred 3 plus years driving experience required H.S. Diploma or equivalent Safe driving history Ability to operate a stick shift Ability to operate a fork truck Ability to follow written and oral instructions Must have a good attitude, willingness to learn and strongly oriented to teamwork Satisfactory work performance and attendance Dry bulk tanker experience preferred EEO Statement ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.