Wastewater Operator

Smithfield Foods; Tar Heel (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major food production company in Tar Heel, NC is seeking a Wastewater Operator to oversee the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. This role requires 2+ years of experience and the ability to acquire necessary licenses within specified timeframes. Candidates should have a solid understanding of wastewater chemistry and demonstrated problem-solving skills. Join us to make a significant difference in our commitment to clean water and environmental safety.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in wastewater management.
• Must acquire Class I Wastewater License within 3 years.
• Must acquire Class I Water License within 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment.
• Monitor process control data and address malfunctions.
• Collect samples and conduct laboratory analyses.

Skills

Basic understanding of wastewater chemistry

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work independently

Math skills for calculations

Strong organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class I Wastewater License

Class I Water License

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

A great job-and a great future‑awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

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 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.

If you are motivated to drive excellence within our organization, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact!

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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 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.

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 AvailableNo

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.