Wastewater Operator - 2nd Shift

Perdue Farms; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods is seeking a Wastewater Operator to protect the environment while ensuring reliable plant operations. You will monitor and operate wastewater treatment systems, perform inspections, and support regulatory compliance.

The role suits hands-on technicians who value problem solving and safety. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, paperwork discipline, and adherence to PPE and LOTO procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong reading, writing, math, and analytical skills.
• 1 year of prior related experience.
• High School or equivalent beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain operations of wastewater system equipment during shift.
• Perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Perform repairs on equipment as necessary.
• Maintain paperwork daily and ensure documentation compliance.
• Adhere to safety protocols including PPE, Lockout-Tagout, and Process Safety Management.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Math

Analytical skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Industrial shop equipment

Welder/cutting torch

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Play a vital role in protecting our environment and keeping operations running responsibly. As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, efficient performance and compliance with industrial wastewater permit requirements. You will perform inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on wastewater equipment while helping support environmental standards and regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in hands-on technical work, problem solving, and making a meaningful impact on operational and environmental safety.

• Maintain operations of system equipment during shift.
• Perform Preventative Maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Perform repairs on equipment as necessary.
• Maintain paperwork daily.
• Adhere to all safety including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Strong reading, writing, math, and analytical skills.
• 1 year of prior related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• The longest time in a single interval is <1 hour with 1-3 repetitions per minute.
• The temperature exposure varies from <32 degrees to >75 degrees.
• The dampness exposure is ambient, walking/standing surface is wet and greasy.
• Chemical exposure is chlorinated water, caustic detergent cleaners, and lubricating oils.
• Noise exposure is 90 - 94.9 DB, and lighting is 50-75 ft. candles.
• Tools used are knives, scissors, clippers, sharpening steel, shovel, mechanical hand tools, and hand scoops.
• Equipment that will be operated are a welder, cutting torch, grinder, industrial shop equipment, power jack, forklift, and truck/tractor.
• Personal protection equipment/devices needed are hearing protection, vision protection, rubber gloves, cotton gloves, hardhat, apron, lab coat, and face shield.
• The longest interval of time walking is >8 hours, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum distance is >100ft., and the walking surface is moist greasy, and rough.
• 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time standing, and mobility is walking.
• There is occasional sitting, position is variable.
• Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per minute.
• The Maximum angle-forward is <45 degrees, maximum angle-backward is <2 degrees, and the maximum angle-side is >10 degrees.
• There is occasional twisting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and the maximum angle from forward is <30 degrees.
• 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum weight lifted is 40-60 lbs, and 1-3 repetitions per minute.
• The starting position height of lift is floor level, and the final position height of lift is 2’-3’.
• Extension reach during lift is 6”-12”, and the body position during lift is walking 10’-20’.
• There is occasional lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and a forward distance of 0-6”.
• There is occasional grasping, 1-3 repetitions per minute using both hands.
• Objects grasped are hand tools, equipment handles, and the percentage of time interval grasping is <25%.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.