Wastewater Technician

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Job Summary

Responsible for the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the wastewater treatment system supporting dairy manufacturing operations. Ensures all wastewater treatment processes are operated safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements. Supports plant sustainability initiatives through effective wastewater management, process optimization, and environmental stewardship while maintaining accurate operational records and promoting a safe work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment including dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems, equalization tanks, pumps, mixers, chemical feed systems, sludge handling equipment, and associated utilities.
• Monitor wastewater treatment processes to ensure compliance with discharge permits, environmental regulations, and facility operating requirements.
• Adjust chemical feed systems and treatment parameters to optimize wastewater treatment performance and system efficiency.
• Collect wastewater samples and perform routine testing including pH, solids, COD, BOD, and other required process monitoring activities.
• Maintain accurate operational records, laboratory results, compliance documentation, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on pumps, blowers, mixers, valves, chemical systems, and wastewater treatment equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair activities with Engineering, Maintenance, and external service providers as needed.
• Operate sludge dewatering equipment and coordinate sludge handling, storage, and disposal activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor wastewater system performance, identify process variances, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Support water conservation, waste reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve environmental performance and operational efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable environmental regulations, permits, company policies, and wastewater operating procedures.
• Safely handle treatment chemicals and maintain proper chemical storage, inventory, and usage practices.
• Follow all safety requirements including Lockout/Tagout procedures, confined space requirements, personal protective equipment (PPE), and facility safety programs.
• Assist with environmental audits, inspections, permit renewals, and regulatory reporting activities.
• Maintain housekeeping and cleanliness standards within wastewater treatment and utility areas.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or technical training in Environmental Science, Wastewater Operations, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 1–3 years of wastewater treatment, industrial utilities, manufacturing, environmental operations, or related experience preferred.
• Experience operating wastewater treatment systems, DAF systems, chemical treatment processes, or industrial utility systems preferred.
• Experience working in food manufacturing, dairy processing, or regulated industrial environments preferred.
• Wastewater Operator Certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.

Skills

• Working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and environmental compliance requirements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to collect samples and perform basic laboratory testing and analysis.
• Ability to read gauges, meters, instrumentation, and process control data.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage assigned responsibilities.

Competencies

• Strong commitment to environmental compliance, safety, and operational excellence.
• Ability to identify operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and resource conservation.
• Strong accountability and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions (Physical Demands)

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally move heavier materials with assistance.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Exposure to wastewater treatment systems, treatment chemicals, industrial equipment, noise, moisture, and variable temperatures.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and around moving mechanical equipment as required.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety requirements.
• Ability to respond to operational issues outside normal working hours as needed.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage as operational needs require.

Pay:

$26.00-$33.00 per hour*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications.  The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.