Waste Water Operator 3rd

About the Company

John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.

Job Summary

The Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for performing skilled and semi-skilled technical work involving the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment systems and related equipment. This position ensures wastewater treatment operations comply with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations while maintaining safe, efficient, and effective plant operations. The Wastewater Treatment Operator monitors treatment processes, performs laboratory testing and analysis, maintains operational records, troubleshoots equipment issues, and supports continuous improvement efforts within the wastewater treatment facility. This role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in industrial and environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the performance of all wastewater treatment equipment, gauges, pumps, charts, and control systems
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair wastewater treatment systems and related equipment
• Inspect pumps, filters, valves, flowmeters, generators, instrumentation, and other treatment equipment to ensure proper operation
• Maintain, modify, and repair instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, flowmeters, and monitoring systems
• Monitor plant operations to ensure compliance with required environmental and operational standards
• Record statistical and operational data concerning plant performance and treatment activities
• Assist with preventive maintenance activities and equipment reliability initiatives
• Mix and prepare treatment chemicals and polymers in accordance with operational requirements and safety procedures
• Maintain organized, clean, and safe work areas within the wastewater treatment facility
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to wastewater treatment efficiency, environmental compliance, and operational reliability
• Collect wastewater samples and conduct laboratory testing in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements
• Analyze wastewater samples to identify chemical, biological, and physical characteristics
• Gather and test wastewater samples for plant efficiency reports and regulatory reporting purposes
• Perform quality control testing on laboratory equipment and analytical procedures
• Chart and maintain laboratory test results for trend analysis and operational monitoring
• Maintain accurate records of laboratory analyses, operational logs, and compliance documentation
• Evaluate testing procedures and results for accuracy and determine appropriate corrective actions when needed
• Assist in ensuring the wastewater treatment plant operates within all environmental compliance standards
• May assist with training other operators on laboratory procedures, testing methods, and operational best practices
• Follow all company safety policies, environmental regulations, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and food safety requirements
• Utilize required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, slip-resistant boots, and other protective equipment
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or environmental concerns immediately
• Use high-pressure hoses and cleaning equipment to maintain sanitation and cleanliness of plant equipment and work areas
• Support emergency response activities and operational troubleshooting when necessary

Note: The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the company.

Qualifications

• Class III or higher Wastewater Operator License required
• Minimum four years of experience in a wastewater utility or industrial wastewater treatment environment required
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, environmental regulations, and laboratory procedures
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand laboratory analyses and operational reports
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond effectively in a fast-paced industrial environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical training or coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or related fields preferred
• Experience operating industrial wastewater treatment systems in a food manufacturing environment preferred
• Knowledge of pumps, generators, instrumentation systems, gauges, flowmeters, and control systems preferred
• Experience performing laboratory analyses and wastewater compliance testing preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Required Skills & Abilities

Communication: Ability to actively listen and communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, contractors, and regulatory personnel. Ability to speak, read, and write English clearly and professionally. Ability to accurately communicate operational information and environmental concerns. Ability to understand and interpret laboratory results, technical instructions, and operational procedures.

Decision Making: Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely operational decisions. Ability to assess equipment issues, process abnormalities, and operational needs effectively. Ability to evaluate alternatives and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Quality of Work: Ability to produce accurate, high-quality work and maintain regulatory compliance. Ability to identify errors, inconsistencies, or operational issues and take corrective action. Strong organizational skills and commitment to maintaining clean and orderly work areas.

Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, laboratory testing procedures, and environmental compliance standards. Ability to operate and maintain pumps, generators, gauges, meters, laboratory instruments, and related equipment. Ability to perform operational calculations and interpret treatment process data.

Work Environment

• Combination of industrial plant, laboratory, and outdoor environments
• Routinely exposed to varying environmental conditions and wastewater treatment operations
• Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, and outdoor conditions
• Regular exposure to dust, odors, oils, fumes, chemicals, and loud noise levels
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical equipment and industrial machinery
• Required use of PPE and compliance with all safety procedures
• Work may involve confined spaces, elevated platforms, ladders, and wastewater treatment systems

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods during shifts
• Frequent squatting, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and climbing ladders up to 20 feet
• Ability to lift and move bags of chemicals weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to move 50-gallon drums using hand trucks and other equipment
• Occasional lifting and moving of objects up to 100 pounds
• Use of high-pressure hoses and cleaning equipment for sanitation and maintenance tasks
• Ability to work safely around chemicals, wastewater systems, and industrial equipment
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus

Benefits

• Vacation / Sick days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• Telemedicine
• Onsite Clinic
• Free annual health screening
• 401(k) with company match
• STD and LTD
• Life insurance & other voluntary benefits
• Career Development: We support professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

Normal Work Schedule: Schedule may vary based on operational needs, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call responsibilities as required.