Wastewater Pretreatment Manager

Daisy Brand; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Daisy Brand is seeking a Pretreatment Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the Pretreatment Facility in Ames, IA, with responsibilities for both water and wastewater pretreatment, data analysis, and staff supervision. The role reports to Plant Engineering Manager and supports 24/7 plant operations.

The candidate will train technicians toward Class III Operator certification and manage a team including technicians and maintenance staff, with contractors as needed to support preventive

Qualifications

• Wastewater Operator Certification IV or in progress.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering or related field preferred – or 6 years’ related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee efficient operation, maintenance, and inspection of the pretreatment facility.
• Interpret analytical data and control RO and wastewater pretreatment processes.
• Collect samples and perform lab tests and process control checks.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and major repairs with Maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with potability, wastewater, and stormwater permits.

Skills

Process control

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Wastewater Operator Certification IV

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Environmental Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

The Pretreatment Manager is responsible for managing, strategic planning and directing the day-to-day operation of the Pretreatment Facility. This includes the incoming water pretreatment prior to delivery to the main production facility, wastewater pretreatment prior to discharge to the City of Boone, the general upkeep of the pretreatment building, and management of the technical staff operating the facility. This role will also provide technical support and troubleshooting as needed for the 24/7 plant operations.

Position Summary

The Pretreatment Manager is responsible for managing, strategic planning and directing the day-to-day operation of the Pretreatment Facility. This includes the incoming water pretreatment prior to delivery to the main production facility, wastewater pretreatment prior to discharge to the City of Boone, the general upkeep of the pretreatment building, and management of the technical staff operating the facility. This role will also provide technical support and troubleshooting as needed for the 24/7 plant operations. This position reports directly to the Plant Engineering Manager and works in tandem with the Maintenance and Utility Managers and supporting staff to ensure the reliability and performance of the pretreatment system. The Pretreatment Manager will be responsible for training of technicians with the goal of developing a Class III Operator. This role will directly manage the Pretreatment Technicians that are stationed in the pretreatment facility. In addition, the Pretreatment Manager will have dedicated Pretreatment Maintenance technicians at their disposal. Also, if the Pretreatment Manager deems it necessary, contractors will be utilized to support operations and the preventative maintenance plans and repairs of the pretreatment facility.

Location and Travel Requirements

The position is currently located at a temporary office in Ames, IA. Expected in 2028, upon completion of construction, the position will be moving to be onsite at our new manufacturing plant in Boone, IA.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for ensuring efficient operation, maintenance, and inspection of the pretreatment facility.
• Interprets analytical data and controls the various plant water pretreatment processes – including but not limited to – Reverse Osmosis (recovery rate, turbidity, differential pressure, backwash, Clean in Place (CIP), membrane health, etc.), chemical feed rates, water pumping and storage, maintenance and anything related to process control.
• Interprets analytical data and controls the various plant wastewater pretreatment processes - including but not limited to - sludge pumping, hauling, chemical receiving, aeration rates, chemical feed rates, tank levels, maintenance and anything related to process control.
• Collects samples and performs laboratory and process control tests.
• Interprets Production Schedules to predict water and wastewater loading.
• Performs basic calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment.
• Uses plant computer systems to monitor and adjust plant processes.
• Coordinates Preventative Maintenance and major repairs with the Maintenance Department.
• Responsible for completing all records and reports as required.
• Remains compliant with water potability, wastewater permits and stormwater permits.
• Supports the Plant Engineering Manager with generating and maintaining all environmental compliance responsibilities (see below).
• Ensures accuracy of data and test results.
• Communicates information effectively, accurately, and timely.
• Demonstrates compliance with Daisy Brand’s safety rules and regulatory compliance agencies.
• Actively works to maintain a safe physical environment for self and coworkers.
• Utilizes appropriate protective equipment and devices as needed.
• Utilization of the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to document, analyze, and manage the equipment preventative maintenance process.
• Proactively address issues concerning pretreatment operation, effectiveness, and reliability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversite and development of all Pretreatment Technicians.
  • Responsible for performance reviews.
  • Provides training for Pretreat Technicians and support staff with the goal of training to a Class III level.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) coverage plan for technicians.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Processing & Plant Leadership in steering priorities through planning meetings.
• Strategic planning and budgeting for the operation.
• Maintain a safe work environment.

Environmental Compliance Responsibilities

• Discharge Permit Requirements
• Air Permitting
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
• Spill Control Plan
• Slug Control Plan
• Form R Reporting
• Tier II Reporting
• Pollution Prevention Program (P2P)
• Emergency Response Plan
• CVI – Chemical Terrorism Vulnerability
• Maintain File History of each
  • Permits
  • Correspondence
  • Notice of Violations
  • State, Federal, and City Contacts

This person will work inside & outside of the plant to effectively manage equipment performance, building upkeep, building climate, effluent discharges to the municipal treatment plant and ensure industrial discharge compliance. They will follow all necessary procedures to ensure compliance within our Industrial Use Permit and OSHA and EPA guidelines.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Requirements

Education and Experience

• Wastewater Operator Certification IV (or in progress of obtaining).
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering or related field from a four-year College or university is preferred – OR - Work experience in Wastewater Management, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field, equivalent to 6 years.
• Familiarity with dairy/food plant operations, preferred.
• Experience Installation and Commissioning of waste treatment and Equipment, preferred.
• Experience with 480 Volt distribution and motor controls, preferred.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drive set up, preferred.
• Experience with a wide variety of control and instrumentation set up and calibration, preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of microbiological organisms in aerobic and anaerobic waste treatment systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of modern water pollution control, odor mitigation and water treatment systems, principles and operating practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory procedures, operation, and regulation within a Wastewater Pretreatment Facility.
• Knowledge of large-scale Reverse Osmosis operations
• Knowledge of proper chemical handling and dosing procedures
• Knowledge of equipment, proper operation, and familiarity with the manufacturer’s Preventative Maintenance requirements for the equipment.
• Strong analytical & applied problem-solving skills.
• Passion and aptitude as it relates to continuous improvement and process control.
• Proven record of working with teams and providing organizational influence and direction.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical & applied problem-solving skills.
• Experience with setting up and developing standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Preventative Maintenance (PM) practices for associated waste treatment and building facilities systems.

Additional Requirements

• Bending, lifting and twisting.
• Periods of walking and standing.
• Working in a variety of manufacturing conditions including noise requiring hearing protection and varying temperatures.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb occasionally.

Company Overview

Daisy Brand is the market leader in two billion-dollar categories – sour cream and cottage cheese. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, we’ve earned the trust of Americans through consistency and quality across five generations as a family-owned company. Our success has been guided by a simple belief: good food, much like good work, starts with integrity. That mindset continues to shape how we make our products, run our business, and support the people behind the brand.

At Daisy Brand, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We invest thoughtfully in advancements that strengthen our products and operations, supporting responsible, long-term growth. In 2025, we broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Boone, Iowa, further strengthening our supply chain alongside our established plants in Garland, Texas; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Wooster, Ohio. Looking ahead, our state-of-the-art Innovation Center, opening in 2026, will bring together research, food science, culinary, and technology teams to shape the future of our products. Recent work from these teams includes the development of the squeeze pouch and new line of dips, reflecting an intentional approach to modernization while staying true to the quality our consumers expect.

At the heart of Daisy Brand is its people. The company is intentionally structured to be collaborative and accessible, with an entrepreneurial mindset encouraged at every level. We hire with the goal of building long-term careers and provide an environment where employees are trusted to think critically, take initiative, and continue learning. Growth here isn’t accidental; it’s actively supported and shared.

To support our employees and their families, Daisy Brand offers a people‑first benefits package that includes:

• A no deductible, $0 premium option for employee only medical coverage
• Access to virtual healthcare and wellness programs
• A 401(k) program with company match, plus weekly safe harbor and annual profit‑sharing contributions
• Company paid short and long‑term disability coverage and 2x annual salary in life and AD&D insurance
• Four weeks of paid time off, plus 20 hours of floating holidays in your first full year of employment
• Annual rollover and payout options for any unused paid time off
• Paid time for volunteering and community involvement
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Fitness and wellness incentives
• And more.

Daisy Brand is a nicotine-free company. Daisy Brand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and disabled encouraged to apply.