Wastewater Operator

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Crete (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Wastewater Operator to operate critical treatment equipment and monitor process data to ensure compliant, efficient water treatment.

You will collect samples, perform analyses, and help prepare reports that support our environmental goals. The role requires a High School diploma or GED with 2+ years of relevant experience, plus Class I Wastewater and Class I Water licenses (or ability to obtain within designated timelines).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Class I Wastewater License (or able to acquire within 3 years).
• Class I Water License (or able to acquire within 2 years).
• Accustomed to long hours, weekends, and on‑call status.

Responsibilities

• Operate wastewater treatment equipment and monitor process data.
• Collect samples, perform lab work, and generate process reports.

Skills

Math skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

On-call readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

2+ years relevant experience

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

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.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING

Join our team as a Wastewater Operator, where you will play an important role in maintaining and operating the equipment that ensure 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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance: You will tend to pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment essential for decontaminating wastewater through settling, aeration, and sludge digestion, while also monitoring charts, flow meters, and gauges to detect and address any equipment malfunctions.
• Sample Collection, Analysis and Reporting: You will be responsible for collecting samples, conducting laboratory work, and creating process reports for wastewater treatment.
• Other Tasks: Support our site’s Environmental and Water goals to ensure safe and compliant daily operations.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 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.

• 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.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• 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.

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. Fundamental mathematical skills for managing Key Performance Indicators. Embody respect, approachability, and a team‑oriented demeanor for fostering robust working relationships and cultivating a positive work environment. Thrive in collaborating in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757‑357‑1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out‑of‑pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods,Inc.is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high‑quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.