Environmental Manager I

Perdue Foods aims to be the most trusted name in premium proteins, creating products for consumers and retail/foodservice customers worldwide while advancing humane animal‑raising practices. As part of the fourth‑generation, family‑owned Perdue Farms, the company’s culture is built on teamwork, integrity, respect, and an inclusive environment where every voice matters.

About the role

The Environmental Manager I drives environmental compliance and sustainability efforts that support safe, responsible operations across a processing facility. This role oversees environmental programs, ensures regulatory compliance, leads initiatives in air and water quality, waste management, and environmental reporting, and partners with cross‑functional teams to maintain operational excellence while championing waste reduction and resource conservation.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe work environment by eliminating unsafe acts and conditions and adhering to all company safety policies.
• Observe safety requirements, actively preventing and reporting unsafe acts for programs such as PPE, LOTO, confined‑space entry, process safety management, and machine guarding.
• Ensure compliance with wastewater operations, air quality, biosolids, hazardous waste, recycling, solid waste, potable water, and oil‑handling programs.
• Supervise and manage general associates—including hiring, training, and development—to meet production, regulatory, and sustainability goals cost‑effectively.
• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate reports to internal and external customers (safety, production, HR, administration, regulatory).
• Lead public education and community‑relations efforts related to environmental programs.
• Order parts, supplies, chemicals, and monitor all activities related to environmental programs, including the wastewater department.
• Control costs and assets to stay within established goals.
• Report notifications of activities, spill releases, and non‑compliances promptly.
• Conduct environmental audits of other facilities as part of the internal audit program.
• Attend and hold regular meetings to communicate department and plant activities and safety items.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Director of Environmental Operations or VP of Environmental Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biological Science, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience managing and operating environmental and sustainability programs (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Strong reading, math, writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and effective verbal and written communication.
• Wastewater license sufficient to operate the largest wastewater treatment facility within the area of responsibility (multiple licenses may apply).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Ability to travel to remote facilities or offices for meetings.
• Experience managing sustainability initiatives related to energy, water, and waste reduction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Must meet requirements of the company safety handbook.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a natural science.

Physical requirements and environmental factors

• Ability to work in all weather conditions and walk for extended periods.
• Capability to move light equipment or supplies as needed.
• Willingness to travel and possess a valid driver’s license for extended distances.
• Primary work activity in an office setting, with effective work in processing plant, hatchery, and feed‑mill environments.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.