What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plan Operator I position at Franklin County (NC)?
Franklin County is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I to help ensure the efficient operation of our water treatment systems. In this essential role, you’ll monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, and support the safe processing of wastewater to protect our environment and community. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn valuable technical skills, and be part of a team that keeps Franklin County flowing, we invite you to apply and make a meaningful impact every day.
Franklin County offers a competitive benefit package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity. Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistant program.
An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste material. Work includes monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, taking readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds, and facility maintenance with substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees may be required to complete and submit reports to the state Department of Water Quality and/or the Federal EPA regarding the performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. 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 the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.
Makes regular tours of the plant and checks bar screens, engines, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, final clarifiers, digesters, and other equipment for proper operation.
Makes adjustments to plant equipment, records readings on meters, cleans various equipment, performs preventative maintenance, and regulates and adjusts equipment based on changing operational conditions.
Performs routine building and grounds maintenance, cleans drying beds and removes debris, as well as performs basic laboratory tests and collects samples.
Regular Lift Station checks.
Serves on-call and call-back duties on a weekly rotation.
Performs related duties as required.
Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principals pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.
Working knowledge of pumps, meter and flow charts.
Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial procedures.
Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to read meters, charts, technical manuals, and drawings accurately and to maintain records of operations.
Ability to operate light to medium equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, and supervisors.
High school diploma supplemented by coursework in chemistry or biology and wastewater treatment with related experience in a wastewater treatment plant.
Must be able to obtain Wastewater Operators Grade II certification from the State of North Carolina within 18 months of hire, Defensive Driving training within one year and possession of a North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
Salary : $43,057 - $45,210
