Wastewater Operator

About the role

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – 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 our Core Four values - 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment (pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, etc.), monitor process control data from charts, flow meters, and gauges, swiftly address issues, and perform minor repairs.
• Collect samples, conduct laboratory work, and create process reports for wastewater treatment.
• Support the site's Environmental and Water goals to ensure safe and compliant daily operations.

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.

Physical demands include working in wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and chemicals; moderate to loud noise; occasional lifting/moving up to 50 pounds; indoor and outdoor work; requiring close, distance, peripheral, depth perception and focus adjustment; frequent standing, walking, stair use, ladder climbing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and talking/hearing; ability to work alternate shifts and some weekends.

Skills

• Basic understanding of wastewater chemistry (BOD, solids, pH, metals).
• Ability to perform math required for wastewater calculations (basic functions, 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 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.