Wastewater Supervisor

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Kentucky is seeking a Wastewater Supervisor to oversee the plant’s wastewater treatment, ensure compliance with discharge permits, and lead a team of operators and technicians.

You will coordinate with municipal utilities, monitor performance, manage materials and waste, and drive continuous improvements across operations. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 2+ years of experience, and relevant certifications, with on-call duties and occasional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, health and safety or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience; lead experience preferred.
• Grade 4 Wastewater certification (or able to acquire within 18 months).
• Class I Water License (or able to acquire within 2 years).
• Ability to work long hours and on-call status; occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee wastewater operations to ensure high-quality effluent and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate tasks among operators and technicians; communicate with utilities.
• Perform sampling and EMS documentation; manage lab procedures.
• Lead and develop wastewater team.

Skills

Wastewater Operations

Regulatory Compliance

Leadership

Team Coaching

Data Analysis

EMS Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety or related field

Grade 4 Wastewater certification

Class I Water License

Tools

MS Office

Laboratory LIMS

Job description

Have a seat at our table. 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:

As the Wastewater Supervisor, you will ensure the smooth operation of our wastewater treatment facility and maintain compliance with the facility’s wastewater discharge permit. As the supervisor, you will make key operational decisions and coordinate tasks among skilled operators and technicians. Your role will involve close collaboration with wastewater professionals, managers, and local regulatory staff to ensure the facility runs efficiently and meets all regulatory standards. 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.

Wastewater Operations:

You will oversee and manage all wastewater operations to ensure the highest quality of final effluent and full compliance with regulatory permits and plan requirements. Your role includes minimizing system upsets through regular monitoring, reducing operating costs for electricity, mechanics, and chemicals and ensuring all equipment is well-maintained. You will maintain effective communication with municipal utilities staff, manage inventory and waste to prevent spills, and monitor sludge land application processes and contractor performance.

Laboratory Analysis and Sampling:

You will be responsible for ensuring all required sampling and testing are conducted as assigned and properly documented according to the facility’s Environmental Management System (EMS). This includes performing daily sampling and on-site analysis, collecting and packaging samples and ensuring accurate Chain of Custody documentation and lab invoice approvals.

Management:

You will collaborate with facility management and wastewater operations to ensure all duties are completing in a timely manner. You will also be accountable for a team of wastewater operations and technicians.

Leadership:

Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

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. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the environmental, health and safety or related field and 2+ years relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project. Grade 4 Wastewater certification (or able to acquire within 18 months of employment) Class I Water License (or able to acquire within 2 years of employment) Experienced at handling multiple assignments simultaneously, setting goals, and completing commitments on schedule. Accustomed to working long hours, weekends, and remaining in an on-call status when required. Occasional travel involved to collaborate with others.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Prior experience operating Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) units, anaerobic lagoons, activated sludge, and clarifiers, preferred
• Ability to troubleshoot wastewater operations, both chemical and physical, and make recommendations for improvement
• 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.
• Basic math skills to manage Key Performance Indicators.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for drafting reports, business correspondence, and procedures in English.
• Effective presentation skills and ability to responds to questions from a diverse audience
• 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, 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.

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 ste