$34 - Wastewater Tech

Wastewater Tech
Lubbock, Texas

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Wastewater Tech to support the wastewater function from the ground up. The Wastewater Tech is responsible for operation, monitoring and troubleshooting treatment facility and its processes. Work involves responsibility for the technical aspect of plant operations, in compliance with State, Federal and Local regulations. Work is reviewed through actions, reports and results.

Leprino Foods broke ground on the $1 billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plant will become operational in 2025 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026 with Phase 2!

This position pays $34 per hour. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am.

 Job Duties:    

       NOTE:  The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed.

• Perform all aspects of sampling, lab analysis, monitoring and recording information in compliance with State, Federal and Local regulations, pertaining to the wastewater treatment process and discharge of effluent.
• Assist in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repair of all plant equipment.
• Perform unsupervised work on weekends on a rotating basis.
• During the Waste Water Senior Supervisors absence, act as the Department’s representative to the factory.
• On call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at wastewater treatment plant and pump stations.
• Perform all work in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Maintain open communications with Waste Water Senior Supervisor regarding process and operations of wastewater treatment plant, as well as make recommendations for repairs and improvement to these systems.
• Operate treatment processes to achieve the required degree of wastewater treatment with minimal supervision.
• Divert spills and log excessive water usage coming from the plant.
• Implement and maintain 5S standards including maintaining facility cleanliness.
• Work in accordance with safe work practices at all times

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):    

• Basic familiarity with all aspects of operating a biological wastewater treatment plant.
• Internal candidates that do not possess the above experience but have demonstrated work history with Leprino foods, knowledge of operation and maintenance of complex manufacturing processes, and have an interest in wastewater treatment may be considered.
• Must be able to perform and document various test and analysis as required by Operations, State, Federal and Local agencies.
• Have the ability to work independent of direct supervision, and make routine decisions based on current information at hand.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions and may be exposed to unpleasant odors and conditions.
• Perform daily checks of the wastewater treatment process and record all flow meter numbers on a consistent and timely basis.
• Have a working knowledge of the operations and laboratory methods and procedures of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Have a working knowledge of equipment (pumps, clarifiers, etc.) for the wastewater treatment plant, with the ability to recognize and diagnose and correct equipment malfunctions.
• Have the ability to perform basic equipment preventative maintenance and repair.
• Have the ability to learn basic knowledge of State, Federal and Local agencies regulations, in conjunction with OSHA safety regulations.

We Hope You Have (Preferred Qualifications)

• Two year degree in related field or prior experience in a similar wastewater treatment technician role
• Forklift/Scissor Lift certification preferred
• Applicants having a 4-year college degree in environmental science and/or biology seeking an entry-level environmental position will be considered in lieu of the minimum requirements outlined (except for age)
• Strong familiarity with environmental laboratory procedures; basic knowledge of utility equipment, process equipment, and general parts information; dairy/food manufacturing experience; experience operating heavy equipment (e.g. water pumps, forklift)
• Knowledge of government and industrial regulations (e.g. EPA, TCEQ, PSM, OSHA and USDA)
• Strong skills in data entry and management, email, internet, Microsoft Office software, and computerized management systems (e.g. SAP)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be 18 years old
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
• Must have the ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments or corrective action as necessary
• Ability to access elevated work areas such as climbing ladders/stairs
• Basic math skills to be able to perform mathematical functions
• Ability to understand and apply standard operating procedures
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all applicable safety practices and problem solving
• Ability to maintain a clean work area according to good manufacturing processes
• Applied and continuous learning
• Work standards
• Initiating action
• Quality orientation
• Safety awareness
• Working effectively with others
• Communication
• Professional presence

Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment

• The Wastewater Treatment Operator position is physically demanding and requires being on the feet the entire shift which includes standing and walking, kneeling for extended periods of time, working in wet/dry/cold/hot environments, working in tight spaces, climbing steps and ladders, working at extreme heights, making pipe connections, using hand tools, physically transporting parts and tools, and lifting equipment parts which can weigh up to 70 Lbs.

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, nine paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more about Leprino Foods and our new Lubbock plant: