Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The mission of the Johnston County Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable, and friendly services of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water, stormwater management.

We are actively hiring for a Wastewater Plant Operator. This position is a 12:00 AM (midnight) to 12:00 PM (noon) shift. Must be available to work every other weekend and various holidays.

Employees in this job operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant at a residential facility, controlling the flow and processing of wastewater, and treating water from the plant before it enters rivers, or streams. The operator must be capable of identifying problems, and implementing solutions. Incumbent must also be able to exercise considerable independence of judgment while working alone on a shift. While much of the work may be routine in nature, the operator must be constantly alert to and aware of the running conditions of various equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical feeders, instruments, valves, etc. Experienced operators may be required to provide guidance and assist in training new operators during a period of familiarization and on-the-job training.

Pay is dependent upon experience and increases with certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs wastewater solids removal by scheduling processing according to seasonal variations.
• Analyzes water quality to include preparing and calibrating equipment; sampling water according to state guidelines; and performing chemical analyses.
• Screens in-coming waste for presence of hazardous waste/materials.
• Maintains equipment by conducting periodic inspections and making necessary adjustments and repairs.
• Applies water treatment chemicals, which includes formulating appropriate ratios and measure for disinfection; interpreting and applying state water treatment regulations; and adding chemicals to water treatment equipment.
• Prepares monthly and annual reports with state and federal agencies to include computing necessary data; completing appropriate forms; corresponding with agencies regarding irregularities; and making necessary adjustments

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the installations and maintenance of the components of wastewater lines and pump stations.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater chemistry.
• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of wastewater lines, pumping stations, meters, electrical controls, and related equipment.
• Working knowledge of a variety of methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, electrical controls, and appurtenances.
• Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Knowledge of the county wastewater service policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activity of this position includes climbing (ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• 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 move objects.
• The visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception and field of vision to perform data analysis, computer work, ready, visual inspection, reading measurement devices and assembly or fabrication of parts.
• A Water Treatment Plant Operator is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. The position is subject to noise, hazards (moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on high places, exposure to high heat, exposure to chemical, etc.).
• The position is subject to atmospheric conditions, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases and may be required to wear a respirator at times.

Desired Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by courses in mechanical or plumbing trades, and experience including pumping, piping maintenance, and repair work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid NC driver's license required
• Possession of Grade 1 Wastewater Operator certification by the State of North Carolina or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment (required).

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.