GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs skilled operational functions in the operations of the water treatment plant.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational, maintenance, laboratory, or other duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial water and wastewater. The employee serves as back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC). Work is performed on an assigned or rotating shift and includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical or electronic readings and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. The employee may serve as lead worker or lead operator, especially when changes in the plant's biological and/or chemical processes are needed to meet the plant's permitted limits and performs special projects and research. Work also includes substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Workers may be required to wear respirators when changing chlorine tanks. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood-borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves in the absence of higher-level supervision; inspects records, laboratory results, and identifies necessary changes in chemical, biological, or mechanical plant processes and functions to meet permitted discharge limits; serves as back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC).

• Leads and participates in the repair and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and some electronic equipment and component parts at a water or wastewater plant; helps establish preventive maintenance schedules.

• Makes regular tours of plant and checks bar screens, engines, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, chlorinators, and other equipment for proper functioning; records data from various meters and gauges; logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities; regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.

• May serve as operator of belt press de-watering process.

• Researches and establishes standard methods for various laboratory analyses; trains other workers in laboratory procedures; performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests.

• Orders parts and supplies using the requisition system.

• Trains new staff; provides technical guidance to other staff members; cross-trains with other water and wastewater treatment plant personnel to substitute in their absence.

• 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 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.

• 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a water treatment plant 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

• Assumes supervisory responsibilities of Water Treatment Plant personnel in the absence of the WTP Supervisor/ORC.

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 B Certification.

HIRING RANGE

$47,627-71,440

DEADLINE TO APPLY

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