DemKota Beef denies former lab tech's claim of discrimination

Head of wastewater lab says he was replaced by younger person who lacked credentials

An Aberdeen beef processing plant is rejecting allegations brought by its former wastewater lab technician that it pushed him out of his job after hiring a younger replacement who didn’t have the education and certification required for the post.

Donald Foster alleges that DemKota Ranch Beef brought in a new wastewater technician 35 years younger than him. At the time DemKota hired Dana Wooledge, Foster was nearing retirement age.

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Foster’s complaint says DemKota’s job description for the lab technician required a four-year college degree in chemistry, biology, environmental sciences or water and sewer plant operations. It also required that the technician have a Class I Operator Certification through the state.

Foster, who was hired by DemKota in 2015, met the certifications, having earned degrees in biology and medical technology from Northern State University. He also had current certification through the state.

The job of the lab technician was to collect and analyze water and wastewater samples. The lab was overseen by a wastewater supervisor and wastewater manager. Below the lab technician in the company hierarchy were up to 11 operators.

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