Technician, Wastewater

Join The California Dairies, Inc. Team

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Our state-of-the-art Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic Ultra High Temperature (UHT) dairy bottling facility, Valley Natural Beverages, produces premium beverages in various formats, and these shelf-stable products are shipped globally. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

Our commitment to CDI employees:

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The Wastewater Technician is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the facility's digester wastewater system, while also supporting daily security and traffic-control activities in the guard shack. This dual-function role is essential in maintaining environmental compliance, supporting plant operations, and ensuring a safe, secure, and well-managed facility for employees, drivers, contractors, and visitors.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience with wastewater treatment systems, including both anaerobic and aerobic digesters.
• Working knowledge of biogas operations, including the proper monitoring and operation of gas scrubbers and flares.
• Strong understanding of key wastewater parameters such as BOD, COD, TSS, and TDS, including how these values impact system performance, compliance, and operational decision-making.
• Experience working with chemicals, acids, and bases, with a solid understanding of pH balance, chemical handling, and chemical safety protocols.
• Proficient in the operation of DAF systems, including the use of coagulants, flocculants, and polymers to achieve optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate daily chemical inventories, verify that chemical pumps are functioning correctly, and ensure all equipment remains free of chemical buildup or residue.
• Manage Equalization (EQ) tank levels to ensure appropriate flow control and guarantee all discharged water meets city, state, and permit compliance requirements.
• Perform daily cleaning and inspection of strainer filters and ensure they remain in proper working condition.
• Conduct daily cleaning and operational checks of the DAF system, and promptly communicate when sludge tanks approach capacity.
• Maintain digester temperatures within the required range of 98102F, including performing clean-in-place (CIP) procedures on the heat exchanger when necessary.
• Collaborate closely with plant leadership to support continuous improvement initiatives, system upgrades, and the resolution of recurring operational issues.
• Identify, document, and report repair needs throughout the shift; complete all required work orders and accurately record parts and materials used.
• Work independently and collaboratively with team members to complete repairs and assigned tasks in a safe, timely, and professional manner.
• Understand and follow all plant safety rules, including safe lifting techniques, appropriate PPE use, and safe machine operation.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems using schematics, technical drawings, and testing equipment.
• Perform daily tasks associated with the Plant Safety Program, Plant Quality Program, CIL (Clean-Inspect-Lube) Program, Autonomous Maintenance, Equipment Center-Lining, Defect Identification, and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Complete all required documentation accurately to meet regulatory requirements and comply with all plant SOPs.
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. "Food Safety and Quality" are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities Wastewater System

• Perform full operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the digester wastewater system.
• Understand all wastewater streams generated throughout the plant and how each stream is processed, separated, and managed.
• Conduct routine and specialized wastewater testing, including:
• Daily COD testing
• Hourly pH and EC readings for both high-strength and low-strength wastewater
• Daily checks and cleaning of the composite sampler
• Manage tank levels and temperatures to ensure safe and compliant operations.
• Ensure sludge tanks do not overflow; coordinate weekly sludge pickups.
• Discharge wastewater to the city daily and ensure all permit requirements are met.
• Maintain strict compliance with all environmental regulations, permit limits, and company standards.
• Responsible for daily cleaning of the DAF system, all wastewater filters, and maintaining cleanliness throughout all working areas.
• Pull and prepare samples required by the city or regulatory agencies.
• Ensure the wastewater area remains clean, organized, free from spills, and "tour-ready" at all times.
• Verify that all probes are properly cleaned, calibrated, and functioning before recording any test results.
• Maintain EQ tank levels below 75% at all times.
• Monitor all wastewater chemical pumps to ensure correct dosing and confirm that no chemical leaks or spills are present.
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all routine wastewater tasks and processes.
• Use root cause analysis to troubleshoot system issues and assist with corrective and preventive action plans.

Job Responsibilities - Security Entrance

• • Check in and check out all milk tankers, shipping trucks, and visitors.
  • Verify driver paperwork and direct traffic to the correct area.
  • Answer questions and provide basic assistance to drivers and visitors.
  • Monitor the front gate and ensure only authorized personnel enter the facility.
  • Report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to management immediately.
  • Keep the guard shack clean, organized, and presentable at all times.
  • Follow all company safety, security, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain and follow the master sanitation schedule for the guard shack.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Preferred: Proven experience working with wastewater systems specifically AFBD/ MBBR digesters.
• Experience with using data collection systems, to correlate trends and optimize improvement.

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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

N/A

Driving Requirements

N/A

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.