Water Systems Specialist - CIP & RO Systems
Valley Queen Cheese Factory
JOB DESCRIPTION Position Summary
The Water Specialist ensures all product contact water (city water and plant generated potable water) used in the facility meets regulatory FDA Grade 'A' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) requirements and internal food safety and quality standards. This role oversees water treatment systems, monitors water quality, supports compliance with FDA/FSMA, and ensure all water used in manufacturing, sanitation, ingredient preparation and CIP systems is compliant with internal, customer, and regulatory expectations. Essential Functions Water Quality Monitoring & Control
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will provide guidance and direction to plant staff. Work Environment
This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday. This position may require some work on weekends and holidays. Travel
Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications
Minimum age requirement is 18. Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.
The Water Specialist ensures all product contact water (city water and plant generated potable water) used in the facility meets regulatory FDA Grade 'A' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) requirements and internal food safety and quality standards. This role oversees water treatment systems, monitors water quality, supports compliance with FDA/FSMA, and ensure all water used in manufacturing, sanitation, ingredient preparation and CIP systems is compliant with internal, customer, and regulatory expectations. Essential Functions Water Quality Monitoring & Control
- Conduct routine sampling/testing following PMO Chapter 7 and company requirements.
- Maintain and calibrate water analysis equipment (e.g. chlorine meters, turbidity meters...).
- Maintain accurate logs for raw, treated, and post-treatment water.
- Conduct trend analysis to identify areas with continuous improvement opportunity.
- Monitor and maintain water treatment, filtration, RO, UV and/or chemical dosing systems.
- Manage water inventory through planning and predicting production of potable water and purchase of city water.
- Ensure proper functioning of backflow preventers, piping, storage tanks and distribution systems.
- Participate in maintenance planning and troubleshooting of water system components.
- Maintain sanitary design and hygienic standards for all water contact infrastructure, including:
- CIP rinse and final rinse water.
- Direct-contact water used in equipment, valves, and product pathways.
- Auxiliary systems (condensate of whey/evaporator water reuse, RO water, softened water).
- Ensure proper function and sanitation of water filtration, reverse osmosis/polishers, chemical treatment (chlorination, chlorine dioxide generation...), UV systems, and CIP integrated water routes.
- Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot water heaters, boilers, supply lines, and backflow preventers.
- Ensure water quality meets PMO Chapter 7 requirements, FDA/FSMA Preventive Controls, and state dairy regulations.
- Maintain complete water system records for FDA/state inspections, IMS audits, and third-party audits.
- Support hazard analyses (HACCP/PC) with specific focus on water as an ingredient and indirect-contact risk factor.
- Lead water-related corrective action investigations and preventive action documentation.
- Maintain water sampling schedules, test results, calibration records, and system maintenance documentation.
- Update and manage SOPs and SSOPs for dairy water systems, CIP water use, and water testing protocols.
- Provide monthly reports to Quality/Food Safety leadership summarizing trends, deviations, and system performance.
- Identify opportunities to optimize water usage, reduce chemical consumption, and improve microbial control.
- Train CIP operators, production, and sanitation teams on proper water quality expectations and testing procedures.
- Support Engineering during new equipment installations or modifications to ensure water contact areas meet sanitary design.
- Serve as the dairy plant's subject matter expert during customer visits, SQF/BRC audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Integrity
- Dependable
- Strong Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Innovative
- Computer Skills
- Time Management/Initiative
- Attentive to detail
- Continuous Learning
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will provide guidance and direction to plant staff. Work Environment
This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday. This position may require some work on weekends and holidays. Travel
Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or related field-or equivalent experience.
- 2+ years in dairy manufacturing, water treatment, or environmental monitoring.
- Understanding of CIP systems, dairy sanitation, and hygienic design principles.
- Familiarity with PMO Chapter 7, FSMA, and state dairy regulatory requirements.
- Experience with microbial testing, water analysis equipment, and trend evaluation.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish.
- HACCP and/or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certification.
- Experience with RO systems, evaporator condensate reuse (COW), and dairy utility systems.
- Knowledge of SSOP development, CIP troubleshooting, and environmental microbiology.
Minimum age requirement is 18. Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.
Vacancy posted 5 hours ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Water Systems Specialist - CIP & RO Systems in Milbank, SD vacancy
- ...DESCRIPTION Position Summary The Water Specialist ensures all product contact... ...oversees water treatment systems, monitors water quality,... ..., ingredient preparation and CIP systems is compliant with internal... ...water treatment, filtration, RO, UV and/or chemical dosing...WaterFull timeWork at officeMonday to FridayWeekend work
Valley Queen Cheese Factory
Milbank, SD59 minutes ago - ...Description Position Summary The Water Systems Technician supports the daily... ...Manufacturing Water Systems Specialist and the Water Treatment... ...monitoring filtration units, RO systems, softeners, UV systems... ...points of water use, including CIP and sanitation systems....WaterFull timeWork at officeShift workRotating shiftDay shift
Valley Queen
Milbank, SD28 days ago - ...fabrication preferred Familiarity with diamond tooling and blade retipping techniques Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks Basic computer skills for inventory and reporting systems #hc221974Suggested
Dakota Granite
Milbank, SD1 day ago - ...residents and staff. Assist residents by providing snacks and supplements, encouraging water intake, and assisting with feeding as trained and as needed. Answer pendant system/call lights promptly to determine and assist with residents' needs. Coordinates with...WaterNight shift
Peaceful Pines Senior Living - Milbank
Milbank, SD2 days ago - .... Verify contract employees adhere to company safety and quality policies. Deliver of salt and chemical for water treatment of plant water circuit systems. Assist with the maintenance of cooling towers and condensers. Perform maintenance on department and office...WaterFull timeContract workFor contractorsWork at officeMonday to FridayShift work
Valley Queen
Milbank, SD3 days ago - ...devices Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds Knowledge of latex water-based paint preferred Key Responsibilities: Understand and... ...per specifications Work efficiently within the painting system to complete projects in a timely manner Ensure completed sheds...WaterRelocationMonday to FridayDay shift
Dakota Storage
Milbank, SD12 days ago $31.58 - $40 per hour
...tasks throughout the day which includes interfacing with the SCADA system, running analytical tests, and performing the inspection, repair... ...and control equipment including recorders, flowmeter and other water quality monitoring equipment Collect samples for testing and...WaterHourly payFull timeLocal areaMonday to FridayShift workDay shift- ...through phone, video, and email communication Workflow Documentation: Build and document onboarding workflows in our project management system Team Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with Account Managers to ensure consistency and quality...Full timeFlexible hours
$32.5 - $48.5 per hour
...for dialysis treatments. Provides oversight and delegation to department staff Understands and ensures compliance related to water room equipment operation and function. Complies with established departmental policies and procedures, scope of care, performance...WaterWork experience placementReliefShift workWeekend workAfternoon shift- ...Administer vaccinations, medications, and other health treatments as directed. Ensure pigs have access to adequate feed, air and water. Monitor feed intake and adjust feeding programs as necessary. Identify and report signs of illness or injury, following proper...WaterFlexible hours
Pipestone
Big Stone City, SD1 day ago - ...throughout the year. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation, it’s easy to enjoy a balanced lifestyle both on and off the water. Together, Ortonville and Milbank offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, career opportunity, and close-knit community living...Water16 hoursFull timeTemporary workLocal areaMonday to FridayFlexible hours
$130k
Live Your Best Life at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice! Join Lap of Love as an In-Home, Associate Veterinarian in Sterling Heights, MI and surrounding areas. Imagine a veterinary role that honors your time, supports your well-being, and reconnects you with the heart...Full timePart timeFlexible hours2 days per week
Do you want to receive more vacancies?
Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Water Systems Specialist - CIP & RO Systems. Be the first to apply!
