Environmental Manager Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

Niman Ranch supports a community of more than 600 independent farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef, and lamb traditionally, humanely, and sustainably to deliver the finest tasting meat. It is part of Perdue Farm, 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

Lead environmental excellence and sustainability initiatives that make a real impact across our operations and communities. As an Environmental Manager, you will oversee and advance environmental programs for a processing site and supporting facilities, ensuring full compliance with permits and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement in air quality, water treatment, waste management, and environmental risk programs. You will champion sustainability efforts including energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation, and waste diversion, while partnering with site leadership to strengthen environmental performance, audit readiness, and compliance culture. This role is ideal for a proactive leader who is passionate about environmental stewardship, thrives on cross-functional collaboration, and is motivated to build safe, sustainable, and responsible 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.
• 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.
• Perform 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.
• 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.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MS 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.