Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Performs responsible operational, laboratory, and maintenance functions in a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Facility to produce safe treatment of reclaimed water.

An employee in this class monitors the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings and standard chemical and biological tests to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Other duties include assisting with plant and facilities maintenance of the wastewater plant. Work also includes substantial record keeping of work activities. The employee will participate and monitor in the daily operations of wastewater treatment, including monitoring equipment and processes to ensure optimal performance and compliance with permits and safety regulations. Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Workers may be required to wear respirators when working around chlorine tanks. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. This position will require shift, weekend, standby, and holiday work hours. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Public Utilities Director and Assistant Public Utilities Director and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and repairs wastewater treatment equipment such as pumps, piping, and filtration systems
• Performs and logs laboratory tests based on standard operating procedures
• Makes regular tours of the wastewater plant and checks equipment, generators, bulk chemical storage facilities, pumps, etc.
• Performs filter backwashing, monitors chlorine, DO, pH, and other tests utilizing standard operating procedures
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, valves and other apparatuses to meet changing conditions under supervisor guidance
• Analyzes plant performance and makes chemical feed changes and other adjustments consistent with supervisory guidelines
• Maintains inventories of equipment, tools, and chemicals
• Records data from various meters, gauges and dials
• Logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities
• Inspects lift station sites and maintains logs of lift station site visits, repairs, and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations
• Basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and basic algebra
• Performs necessary safety precautions applicable to wastewater treatment, including lockout procedures and confined space entry procedures
• Knowledge and use of email and spreadsheet software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public
• Ability to read operation and service manuals, to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to maintain records of work activities

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, and observe moving parts of machines, to record and review written records; and to operate varied hand and power tools and welding equipment.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalency and supplemented by course work in chemistry or biology and some experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater plant and well sites or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Biological Grade III Operator’s License
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $44,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Construction site
• Office
• Outdoor work

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Newport, NC 28570 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Newport, NC 28570: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,500