Wastewater Specialist - Dairy Farmers of America : Job Details

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners.

We are proud to provide families with fresh delicious dairy products. By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!

2pm to 10pm Tuesday - Saturday

Provide safety and environmental health support. Ensure that the wastewater treatment facility is operating effectively and efficiently in full compliance with the facility's wastewater permit by conducting required environmental tests, analysis, and observations, and maintaining a positive working relationship with regulatory agencies. Ensure the facility complies with applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations. Provide operation and maintenance supervision and support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations.

• Supervise wastewater plant operations by ensuring proper adjustment of plant processes; coordinate sampling operations to assure proper balance of treatment steps and meet all local and state permit requirements.
• Implement programs for wastewater management, including but not limited to collect wastewater compliance samples, COD, BOD, TSS, ammonia, total phosphorus, total residual chlorine, temperature and total dissolved.
• solids and data recording and analysis
• Complete corrective actions in a timely manner; interact with state and local regulators as needed regarding regulation changes, on-site regulatory inspections, and permit renewals/modifications.
• Work collaboratively with the maintenance team to maintain standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance schedules for wastewater treatment activities; work with vendors to align with best practices.
• Respond to emergency situations at the plant and provide input and guidance on wastewater treatment
• Troubleshoot and solve treatment issues.
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools.
• Request maintenance repair work appropriate system/process and ensure scheduled maintenance is accomplished in a timely fashion.

EHS Job Duties

• Provide safety training to all employees, including but not limited to accident investigation, best practices, OSHA policies, Forklift training, LOTO, emergency response, first aid, etc.
• Utilize resources effectively to complete safety plant inspections.
• Participate in the EHS committee meetings. Be a champion of EHS culture for the site.
• Develop corrective action plans and work with all departments to complete actions in a timely manner.
• Execute and coordinate safety programs and policies including:
  • Administer safety programs; conduct and/or coordinate required annual refresher training, drills, program audits, and updates
  • Develop and implement effective programs for the identification, prevention, and control of occupational injuries such as health and safety education and training programs.
  • Champion an EHS culture of zero-injury by encouraging regular employee participation in EHS activities.
  • Maintain up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS), effective identification of all chemicals, chemical inventory, and related training and education programs.
  • Review operational areas (manufacturing, support, depot, warehouse) to assure ongoing safety; assist the management team and line organization in identifying hazards, developing job hazard analyses (JHA's) and safe operating procedures for all tasks.
  • Assist in implementing audit programs to review and assure compliance with applicable health and safety standards.
  • Assist management in investigating workplace incidents, determining root cause, and developing corrective actions.
  • Assist in creating incident review safety KPI's
• Complete accurate monthly environmental reports and submit on time
• Maintain facility records as required by the DFA Environmental, Health and Safety Records Management system, including waste disposal, inspections, permits, audits, and correspondence.
• Ensure that all documentation is completed correctly, accurately, and promptly.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

• Undergraduate degree in related field (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 1 to 3 years of wastewater related experience with a DAF wastewater system desired but not required.
• 1 to 3 years of plant operations/manufacturing experience coupled with the knowledge of and/or aptitude to perform safety and environmental health duties.
• Experience in light duty electrical power systems and instrumentation calibration and use
• Working knowledge of state and federal air emissions regulations preferred
• Experience in supervisory or lead operations role
• Certification and/or License – Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 12 months, to the extent required by state regulations.

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems
• General chemistry knowledge and skills
• Function as the location liaison with corporate offices on environmental and legal concerns
• General maintenance skills
• Coordinate training for environmental programs for employees.
• Working knowledge using mechanical or electrical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, and motors
• Knowledge of pneumatics, solenoid valves, and air cylinders desired but not mandatory.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Able to follow process control computer variables, schematics, and diagnose system
• Able to perform minor projects from planning to installation (e.g., non-sanitary piping, drain lines, vacuum lines)
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this
• Able to operate and maintain handheld analytical instruments related to this position (DO, pH, temperature, ammonia, etc.)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and
• Able to multi-task and organize own work
• Must be able to read, write and speak
• Ability to meet tight deadlines

An Equal Opportunity Employer