Wastewater Operator

When you join Smithfield, you become part of a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in gratitude, communication, respect and accountability, and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

About the role

Join our team as a Wastewater Operator, where you will play an important role in maintaining and operating the equipment that ensures our wastewater is effectively treated. In this role, you will operate critical wastewater treatment equipment, monitor and interpret process control data from charts, flow meters, and gauges, and swiftly address issues that arise. Your hands-on work will involve collecting samples and performing minor repairs, making you an integral part of our commitment to clean and safe water.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Tend to pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment essential for decontaminating wastewater through settling, aeration, and sludge digestion. Monitor charts, flow meters, and gauges to detect and address any equipment malfunctions.
• Sample Collection, Analysis and Reporting: Collect samples, conduct laboratory work, and create process reports for wastewater treatment.
• Support our site's Environmental and Water goals to ensure safe and compliant daily operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Class I Wastewater License (or able to acquire within 3 years of employment).
• Class I Water License (or able to acquire within 2 years of employment).
• Accustomed to working long hours, weekends, and remaining in an on-call status when required.
• Experienced at handling multiple assignments simultaneously, setting goals, and completing commitments on schedule.
• Occasional travel involved to collaborate with others.

Skills

• Basic understanding of wastewater chemistry (BOD, solids, pH, metals).
• Ability to perform math required for wastewater calculations (basic functions and simple algebraic equations, parts per million conversions to pounds).
• Demonstrated computer skills, particularly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and company software packages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and have strong organizational skills.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Fundamental mathematical skills for managing Key Performance Indicators.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; use stairs, some ladder climbing, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
• Work alternate shifts and some weekends.
• Ability to deliver information to diverse audiences.

Relocation package available.