Wastewater Operator I

Do you have experience in wastewater treatment and are seeking new opportunities? The City of Burlington is seeking a Wastewater Operator I.

Who we are:

The East Burlington WWTP was put into service in 1959 and upgraded in 1993. It has the capacity to treat 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of domestic and industrial sewage. The treatment facility uses a biological process to separate organic matter from the water. Water is disinfected by the addition of Sodium Hypochlorite and dechlorinated before being discharged into the Haw River. Organic matter (biosolids) removed by the process is treated and used as a soil conditioner on area farmland.

Job Description:

The Plant Operator ensures the efficient and safe operation of a wastewater treatment facility by monitoring equipment, recording data, and making operational adjustments as needed. Responsibilities include conducting plant inspections, managing chemical applications, collecting samples for lab testing, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with repairs. The operator also provides responsive customer service and supports all general plant operations to maintain compliance and system performance.

• Conducts regular tours of the plant to ensure optimal functioning of bar screens, grit collector, engines, generators, pumps, aerators, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, cooling systems, water filters, and other equipment
• Records readings from SCADA, meters, and instruments to ensure accurate data collection

• Adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and apparatus based on dynamic plant conditions
• Applies chemicals and monitors their effects on plant operations to maintain system stability

• Collects state and process control samples for lab analysis and conducts routine tests to monitor treatment efficiency

• Skims floatables from settling tanks, cleans bar screens, disposes of sand and debris, and washes basins and clarifiers for optimal plant performance
• Assists Lead Operators with minor repairs and preventive maintenance tasks as required

• Answers calls, addresses inquiries, and provides responsive customer service as needed

• Performs all necessary wastewater and plant duties to maintain seamless operations and plant integrity

• Wastewater Treatment Operations Knowledge: Understands the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of wastewater treatment plants, ensuring efficient and safe operations
• Regulatory Awareness: Well-versed in state and federal wastewater treatment rules and regulations to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Safety Protocols & Hazard Management: Knowledgeable about the occupational hazards inherent in wastewater operations, with a strong focus on adhering to safety precautions and maintaining a secure work environment
• Analytical & Testing Skills: Proficient in conducting routine wastewater tests, accurately reading meters, SCADA systems, and charts, and recording results to monitor plant performance and compliance

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency supplemented with additional vocation training in mechanics, electronics, or chemistry and some experience in wastewater treatment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver's License

• Must be able to acquire a grade 1 Wastewater certificate within 6 months of employment.

• Work in this class is described as strenuous. 
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. 
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading, conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate a machine, use measurement devices, and to assemble parts at distances close to the eyes. 
• Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions. 
• Employee is required to wear a respirator when necessary. Employee may frequently work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.
• Employee is required to function in narrow aisles, passageways, and catwalks. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.

Salary : $45,365 - $72,571