Water Plant Operator Trainee (Night Shift, Full-Time)

Water Control Operator (Trainee)/Relief Operator (WTP)

Public Utilities Department

Salary Range: $20.16 - $33.26 Hourly / $41,932.80 - $69,180.80 Annually

FLSA Position Class: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: 8 hour / 5-day schedule (various shifts) until certified,

then 8PM - 8AM (2-2-3 “Pitman" schedule)

Job Type: Full-Time

Posting Closing Date: December 15, 2025

Job Overview

This position is responsible for learning all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the city’s water treatment facilities; responsible for assisting certified water control operators with duties and maintenance of the plant after successfully completing orientation and trainee instruction. This position is designed and set up for the progressive movement into a Certified Shift Operator position.

NOTE: Employee may be required to respond to a disaster, either natural or man-made, to serve the citizens of Statesville and meet the needs of the organization, which may result in the assignment of other duties and take precedence over duties described in this job description. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Learns to properly operate and maintain all aspects of the water treatment facility under the instruction and oversight of a certified operator.
• Learns the fundamentals of proper water treatment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks and through classes, correspondence courses, and general reading.
• Learns to make necessary adjustments to the treatment process to ensure compliance with all rules, regulations, and the facility's standard operating procedures.
• Learns to perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on plant equipment and structures; assists the maintenance staff as necessary with major or unusual maintenance tasks.
• Takes readings and measurements concerning unit processes, collects samples, records measurements, and helps maintain accurate records of plant operational and maintenance functions.
• Learns to perform basic physical and chemical analysis to monitor treatment efficiency.
• Informs the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator of any observed or suspected problems, then proceeds with corrective or preventative action, as instructed.
• Learns and demonstrates appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks.
• Assists in grounds and building maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education And/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
  
  

Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, or any valid driver’s license with ability to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.
• Must live within 45 minutes of the City of Statesville for Emergency Response time.
• Possession of a valid Grade C-Surface Water Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire date. A certified Grade C-Surface Water Plant operator is required to demonstrate the basics of water treatment operations and process control lab work with the minimal number of errors.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics, maintenance requirements, tools, and equipment required of water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of chemical and bacterial principles, techniques, equipment, and techniques used in water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the state and federal water and water treatment quality regulations.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions for this work.
• Ability to monitor the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment in the treatment process, detect flaws, and make repairs.
• Ability to learn and implement proper operation and maintenance procedures for potable water treatment systems to meet or exceed permit requirements and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand the function and mechanics of pumps, valves, compressors, motors, and other plant equipment.
• Ability to conduct routine water quality tests, read meters and charts accurately, and then correctly record results.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, supervisors, and the public.