Wastewater Technician

WASTEWATER TECHNICIAN

General Purpose

Provide operation and maintenance support for the wastewater treatment plant, performing tasks in a safe manner and following safety and environmental regulations. Demonstrate working knowledge to perform a defined set of wastewater treatment processes and activities. Work within standard operating procedures, under a moderate degree of supervision.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions
• Maintain chemicals levels, adjustment, and disinfection of water and other liquids
• Record operational data, meter, and gauge readings on specified forms at specified frequencies
• Perform COD, TSS, Total Solids, and other analysis on daily samples; review results and make directed adjustments based on daily data collection
• Advise supervisor regarding potential areas of concern and then implement appropriate changes
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and lubrication of wastewater equipment using hand tools and power tools; record all parts used during preventive maintenance or repair
• Work with vendors to align with best practices. Ensure equipment is stored in ready state to allow placement directly from inventory to functioning in the plant
• Request maintenance repair work through appropriate system/process
• Monitor sludge dumpster levels (if appropriate) and call appropriate personal when an exchange is needed
• Communicate pertinent information at shift end to a shift supervisor
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, communicate to supervisor, and implement appropriate changes (Lean, Kaizen, 5S and Leader Standard Work)
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, GMP's, HAACP, SQF, Safety, etc.
• Follow all DFA GMP's and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical or college education or military preferred
• 1 to 3 years of plant operations/manufacturing experience coupled with the knowledge of and/or aptitude to perform wastewater duties
• 1 to 3 years of wastewater related experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - Water/Wastewater System Operator (specific for location requirements) or the ability to achieve any appropriate license(s) within 12 months, to the extent required by state regulations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems
• General microbiological and chemistry skills
• General maintenance skills
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to follow directions
• Able to multi-task and organize own work activities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Reporting to this Position

• None

backup support to position(s)

• N/A

Travel

No travel required

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)

25%-50% (up to 1 week per month)

50%-75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

75%-100% (3+ weeks per month)

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners.

By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!

Our facility in Schuylkill Haven is converting to a cheese plant producing cottage cheese and sour cream in 2026. We are looking for dedicated and qualified workers to be a part of our team.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS:

• Union pension plan
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards*
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Uniforms provided
• Work for dairy farm families

*varies by company and governing CBAs

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 2-3 years field related experience
• Must be able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background and criminal checks
• Minimum one year experience in a maintenance role within a manufacturing facility, preferably food and beverage industry
• Minimum one year experience with one or more technical experiences: Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer-controlled equipment, PLC and/or HVAC
• Minimum one year experience with a variety of equipment including lubricating, cleaning, material handling, motor control, relay control, process control and packaging equipment
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Must be able to handle basic hand tools
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel and bend required for virtually the entire shift; occasionally required to climb or balance
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to work in a cold, wet environment with moderate to high noise volume
• May experience some exposure to fumes airborne particles, chemicals or allergens
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays

An Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans