Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, 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 98–102°F, 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.
- Monitor daily chemical consumption, maintain adequate chemical inventory, and ensure chemicals are stacked, handled, and dose according to established procedures.
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.
ADA/FEHA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Physical Demands
The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.
Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks, and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.
Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at
[email protected]. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.
