Wastewater Plant Operator Level I, II, or III

Hillsborough's Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the community by ensuring that the town's wastewater goes through multiple stages of treatment before being released back into the Eno River. The wastewater plant operator provides a valuable public service by applying technical skills to operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant in compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulatory requirements.  

This position may be filled at the Operator I, Operator II, or Operator III level.

Shift hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. A weekly on-call rotation means one week out of four is scheduled Tuesday to Friday and four hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Starts up and shuts down wastewater treatment plant.
• Makes checks around the plant to ensure that equipment is running properly; records run times and reports discrepancies; makes technical adjustments when necessary; adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed standards.
• Gathers samples for lab analysis; performs laboratory quality control testing, such as chlorine residual, Ph, temperature, turbidity, ammonia, and nitrate to optimize the plant's chemical dosage.
• Performs process control activities such as decanting digestors, transferring sludge and wasting solids from the system.
• Operates treatment and solids handling equipment, and conducts process control analysis and operations; calibrates testing equipment.
• Performs backwashing of filters; operates and monitors the functioning of pumps, motors, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; recognizes and makes needed adjustments to equipment and or treatment process; performs periodic washing and cleaning of the sedimentation basins and washing of flocculators, troughs, and filters; changes chemical cylinders.
• Collects and maintains accurate data; prepares and submits a variety of records, reports, charts, logs, etc.
• Receives and properly stores chemical and equipment deliveries; performs building and grounds maintenance; maintains plant security on assigned shifts.
• Handles customer complaints.
• Serves as an on-call operator.
• Assists utility mechanics with projects as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Operator I Requirements

• Requires a High School Diploma and/or GED and 6 months of experience

Operator II Requirements

• Requires a High School Diploma and/or GED and 1.5 years of experience
• NC Grade 3 Wastewater Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification

Operator III Requirements

• Requires a High School Diploma and/or GED and 2.5 years of experience
• NC Grade 4 Wastewater Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification

Experience with a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered at all levels..

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of vehicles and equipment. 
• Must be able to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, climb and stoop

Annual Pay Ranges by Level
Salary range posted encompasses all three levels. Salary is dependent on qualifications.

• Wastewater Plant Operator I: $50,039 – $80,607 
• Wastewater Plant Operator II: $52,772 - $84,435
• Wastewater Plant Operator III: $57,905 – $92,647 

Career Progression Pathway
Operator I to Operator II
Operator II requires NC Grade 3 Wastewater Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification

Operator II to Operator III
Operator III requires NC Grade 4 Wastewater Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification

Training, coursework, and testing for career progress are conducted on work time and associated fees are covered by the Town of Hillsborough. 

Level of responsibility increases by classification. Operator I works under closer guidance; Operator II/III perform more independent operations, troubleshooting, documentation, and may serve in lead/relief roles as assigned

• Wastewater treatment plant operations, processes, equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations governing wastewater treatment, discharge, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Laboratory sampling, testing, process control, and chemical handling procedures.
• Occupational hazards and safe work practices related to wastewater treatment operations.
• Basic hydraulics, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical principles related to plant systems.

Skills

• • Operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment plant equipment and systems.
  • Performing routine laboratory and process control tests and documenting results.
  • Troubleshooting equipment and performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
  • Using hand tools, power tools, laboratory equipment, SCADA systems, and standard computer software.
  • Communicating effectively and maintaining accurate records and reports.

Abilities

• • Recognize operational problems and take appropriate corrective action.
  • Read and apply technical, regulatory, and safety materials.
  • Prioritize and complete multiple assignments with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Work independently and respond effectively in emergency situations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, regulators, and the public.
  • Work in adverse weather and wastewater treatment plant conditions and perform the physical requirements of the job.

Salary : $50,379 - $92,647