GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs skilled operational and maintenance functions in the operations of the Water Treatment Plan; assumes responsibility for all functions of the plant including response to water quality emergencies after hours.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs a full range of water treatment activities exercising independent judgement and a high degree of competence in operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe water quality. This classification also serves as the City’s designated Operator Responsible in Charge (ORC) with state and federal regulatory authorities. The employee receives general supervision from the Water Resources Director and may be assigned to provide direction and training to water treatment plant operators. Work is performed independently and on an assigned or rotating shift which may include weekends, holidays, overtime as required and availability during emergencies. Work includes operating specialized water equipment including safety equipment; accurately maintaining records; collecting water samples and performing laboratory tests; operating a personal computer and manipulating a programmable logic controller in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. The employee is responsible for planning and assigning work, inspecting operations of the plant through observation and analysis of laboratory results, ensuring proper preventative maintenance and repairs, and overseeing the operations of a state-certified laboratory. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to standards, instructions, and clear safety practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) ensuring the City meets its permitted discharge levels; reviews laboratory reports for operational performance of the plant and oversees changes in the chemical and biological processes of the plant; may serve as back-up ORC of additional facilities or programs as authorized by the state.
• Plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in plant operations, process control, laboratory analysis, and preventive maintenance and repair of plant equipment and facilities; supervises and schedules the work of plant personnel, gives instructions on general operative procedures.
• Motivates, coaches, and reviews the performance of employees; ensures proper training and certification of assigned personnel; recommends and participates in disciplinary actions; participates and recommends in the hiring process; plans, conducts, and oversees in-serve training of new employees and ongoing staff development.
• Makes educated process control decisions for efficient and compliant operation of the plant; serves as a technical resource for staff with regard to troubleshooting process control issues.
• Oversees compliance with all federal and state water regulations; prepare and submit various regulatory reports as required; researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
• Manages all outside water contractor work being performed at the treatment plant for the City.
• Ensures safe operating conditions are maintained at all times; coordinate safety programs and monitor compliance.
• Performs administrative functions such as entering purchase requisitions and preparation of the division payroll.
• Ensures state annual recertification; supervises contracted or in-house analysis of more complex properties and industrial samples.
• Participates with management in planning for current and future capital needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance.
• Requests necessary resources for plant operations as part of annual budget process; requisitions supplies, chemicals, equipment and other resources.
• Assists in monitoring permit compliance.
• Provides oversight to the Cross-Connection Program for the City.
• Ensures proper preventive maintenance is performed on plant equipment and facilities; participates in trouble-shooting equipment repair needs and recommends in-house repair measures of contracted repairs.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals, solutions, and other laboratory supplies; performs quality control program on equipment and supplies to assure reliable test results; maintains laboratory equipment in proper operating order; maintains state laboratory certification.
• Coordinates contracted laboratory analysis and reviews results; interprets laboratory tests and prepares required reports; consults with, informs, and advises plant personnel about controls to be used, defects found, or changes in treatment process; participates in problem-solving regarding process control; conducts methodology experiments to identify process control strategies.
• Conducts distribution system sampling at multiple sites monthly and packages samples for contract laboratory analysis.
• Participates in updating ordinances, policies, and practices related to program.
• Performs additional duties essential to the Water Treatment Plant and/or City needs, as needed and deemed necessary by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water treatment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and practices and recognition of hazards in water treatment; including but not limited to occupational hazards as they relate to health and safety of employees in Water Plant Operations.
• Knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in difficult chemical and biochemical analysis of water.
• Knowledge of remote telemetry systems, mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to water treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of running a water treatment plant including the physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties of a potable water system.
• Knowledge of the application of information technology to the management of the plant, computer applications and peripherals in laboratory work.
• Skill and ability to effectively and efficiently manage a water treatment plant including all related administrative and supervisory functions involving personnel and budget administration.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to analyze information, perform mathematical calculations and make effective decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, City employees, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to read and interpret technical federal and state guidelines on water treatment procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or a related field; bachelor’s degree highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in the management and supervision of water treatment plant operations as an ORC is required; an equivalent combination of education, training and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises all Water Treatment Plant personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions in which the employee is subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment creating fumes, odors, and dusts and atmospheric conditions with extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time. Employee is subject to a level of noise requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Work involves shift work including holidays and weekends and emergency call-back service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze laboratory results, data, and figures and to operate a microcomputer and perform visual inspection of measurement devices. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Strong sense of smell is required to perform duties.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.
• Possession of North Carolina Water Operator’s Grade A Certification.

HIRING RANGE

$70,720-91,178

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Open until filled. Apply by February 6, 2026, for first consideration.