Pay Range: $103,550 - $129,425 per year
The Wastewater Manager is responsible for the overall management, operation, and regulatory compliance of the facility’s wastewater treatment systems supporting poultry processing operations. This role ensures wastewater discharge meets all federal, state, and local environmental regulations while maintaining efficient plant operations and minimizing environmental impact. The Wastewater Manager oversees treatment processes, manages personnel, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Wastewater Treatment Operations
- Manage the daily operation of the facility’s wastewater treatment systems, including screening, dissolved air flotation (DAF), biological treatment, sludge management, and discharge systems.
- Ensure optimal performance of treatment processes to meet or exceed discharge permit requirements.
- Monitor influent and effluent parameters including BOD, TKN, TSS, pH, ammonia, phosphorus, fats, oils, and grease (FOG).
- Coordinate preventative maintenance and repairs for pumps, aeration systems, clarifiers, centrifuges, dewatering systems and related equipment.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations including permits issued under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applicable state and local agencies.
- Maintain compliance with Clean Water Act requirements and facility discharge permits.
- Prepare and submit required environmental reports, monitoring data, and documentation.
- Serve as the primary contact during environmental inspections and audits.
Environmental Monitoring & Reporting
- Oversee wastewater sampling, laboratory testing, and data analysis.
- Maintain accurate records for compliance reporting and internal metrics.
- Investigate and resolve any permit deviations or treatment upsets.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, train, and develop wastewater operators and technicians.
- Ensure staff are properly trained on environmental compliance, safety procedures, and operational standards.
- Schedule staffing to ensure 24/7 coverage where required.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to reduce water usage and improve treatment efficiency.
- Lead projects focused on cost reduction, waste minimization, and sustainability.
- Collaborate with production teams to reduce waste loading to the wastewater system.
Safety & Environmental Stewardship
- Ensure compliance with company safety policies and environmental standards.
- Promote a culture of environmental responsibility and operational excellence.
- Manage chemical handling and storage in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience managing or operating industrial wastewater treatment systems.
- Experience in food processing or poultry processing environments strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with biological wastewater treatment systems and DAF operations.
Certifications
- State Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification (required or ability to obtain).
- Knowledge of NPDES permitting and environmental compliance.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and reporting requirements.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with environmental monitoring systems and data analysis.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in an industrial processing environment.
- Ability to climb ladders, walk treatment facilities, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Availability to respond to operational emergencies outside normal working hours.
Work Environment
This position operates in both office and industrial wastewater treatment environments within a poultry processing facility. Exposure to outdoor conditions, treatment chemicals, and processing plant environments should be expected
