Environmental Manager I

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive environmental compliance and sustainability efforts that support safe, responsible operations across the facility. As an Environmental Manager I, you will oversee and support environmental programs at a processing site and associated operations, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and environmental permits. You will lead initiatives across areas such as air and water quality, waste management, and environmental reporting while partnering with cross functional teams to maintain operational excellence. In this role, you will also champion sustainability efforts focused on waste reduction, resource conservation, and continuous improvement. This position is ideal for a knowledgeable and proactive professional who is passionate about environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and making a meaningful impact on sustainable operations.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide a safe work environment for all associates by eliminating unsafe acts and conditions while adhering to all company safety policies.
• Observe all safety requirements actively preventing and reporting unsafe acts & conditions for all safety programs including but not limited to personal protective equipment (PPE), Lockout Tag Out (LOTO) procedures, confined space entry, process safety management, machine guarding, etc.
• Ensure compliance with wastewater operation, air quality compliance, bio solids program, hazardous waste, recycling, solid waste, potable water and oil handling programs for the designated plant operations.
• May supervise and manage general associates including hiring, training, and developing associates to ensure production requirements, environmental regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals are met cost effectively.
• Provide timely, accurate and consistent reports to internal and external customers. These may include safety, production, human resources, administration and the regulatory community.
• Expected to lead public education and community relations efforts pertaining to our environmental programs.
• Order all parts, supplies, chemicals etc. required by the department and monitor all activities related to the environmental programs including the wastewater department.
• Control cost and assets to manage within established goals.
• Share dotted-line responsibility to the Director of Operations at the assigned location and outlying Facility Managers.
• Provide notification of activities, spill releases and non-compliances in a timely manner.
• May conduct environmental audits of other facilities as part of our internal audit program.
• Attend and hold regular meetings to communicate and inform subordinates and management on department and plant activities and safety items.
• Additional Duties as directed by Director of Environmental Operations or VP of Environmental Operations.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or Biological Science.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in the management and operation of environmental and sustainability programs.
• Alternatively, a combination of relevant education and experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in environmental management may be considered.
• Requires strong reading, math, writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate in other verbal and written forms.
• Possess a Wastewater license to the degree required to operate the largest wastewater treatment facility within the areas of responsibility.
• Multiple License requirements may apply.
• Must meet requirements of the Company safety handbook.
• Must have knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Requires travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings.
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.
• Management of sustainability program initiatives related to energy, water, and waste reduction efforts.
• Working knowledge of computer programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or Natural Science.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Must be able to fulfill responsibilities in all weather conditions and able to walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move light equipment or supplies as needed.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive extended distances.
• Work activity is primarily in an office setting but must be able to effectively work in processing plant, hatchery and feed mill settings.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.