Wastewater OIT Operator I/II

Job Title: Wastewater Operator in Training/ Operator I

Location: Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Department: Water Resources

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Wastewater Supervisor/ORC

General Statement Of Duties

The Wastewater Operator is responsible for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations set by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ).

Key duties include collecting and analyzing samples, adjusting treatment processes, maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment, keeping accurate operational records, and responding to system alarms or equipment malfunctions. The operator ensures that the treatment plant operates efficiently and effectively to protect public health and the environment.

This role requires knowledge of activated sludge processes, chemical dosing, solids handling, and permit requirements. Operators must be able to work independently, follow standard operating procedures, and meet the certification requirements.

Essential Duties And Tasks

Wastewater Operator in Training

• Ability to: - learn the wastewater treatment plant process - understand the nomenclature of the equipment - be trained on routine tasks within the scope of plant operations - attend North Carolina Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification School - pass the North Carolina Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification exam
  
  

Wastewater Operator I

• Working with an entry level of proficiency, monitoring conditions and making required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant performance.
• Monitor conditions and suggest to Chief Operator required system changes to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance.
• Working with a level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.
• Working with a level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good working order and minimizing downtime in operations.
• Evaluates changing conditions and initiates suggestions to the Chief Operator treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations.
• Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations.
• Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisory team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, and onsite contractors.
• North Carolina Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification, with aptitude to work towards higher level certifications.
• If certified, ability to serve as an on-call operator.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/ internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• On-the-job training is available to a successful candidate who does not have wastewater treatment plant operations experience.
  
  

Special Requirements

• North Carolina Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification preferred, required within 18 months of hire date
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License with the ability to meet the City’s Motor Vehicle Driver Eligibility Policy
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Analyze problems and identify possible solutions.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Establish cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Set priorities for competing projects
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication, typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and perform required tasks.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• The work includes sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• The work area can involve a working environment indoors, as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud
  
  

noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, bloodborne pathogens and various chemicals. Safety is of the utmost importance. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. Within a 12-hour time-period, must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, wearing and using appropriate safety equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  
  

Hiring Range

$19.00 – $24.25 Hourly

$40,359.00 – $50,449.00 Annually

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, NC Local Government Retirement System (LGERS), paid time off, and training opportunities