Wastewater Plant Operator

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County with efficient, affordable, and friendly services of Water Supply, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water, and Stormwater Management.

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (12-hour shifts).
Employees in this position operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant, controlling the flow and processing of wastewater, and purifying water from the plant before it enters rivers, streams, or city mains. The operator must be capable of identifying problems and implementing solutions. 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.
Starting salary without certifications is $21.51/hr.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates all equipment necessary to regulate the flow of water through wastewater treatment plant processes.
• Performs wastewater solids removal by scheduling processing according to seasonal variations.
• Responsible for testing water at various stages of treatment; interpreting and adjusting meters and gauges; performing chemical and biological laboratory analysis; completing records and maintaining plant operation logs.
• Screens in-coming waste for presence of hazardous waste/materials.
• Maintains equipment by conducting periodic inspections and making necessary adjustments and repairs;
• Maintains the plant and operating equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly condition.
• Interprets performance data, evaluates testing data and performance, and maintains performance data records.
• Performs routine housekeeping chores inside and outside the plant and conducts regular site safety inspections.
• 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.
• Occasionally fills-in for wastewater treatment plant shift operator (noon to midnight or midnight to noon).
• Performs call back work and standby duty on a rotating basis as required; works flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends and split shifts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, equipment and methods used in wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of biology and chemistry as related to the wastewater treatment processes.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions.
• Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Ability to adjust pumps, chemical feed machines and other plant equipment.
• Ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to take accurate readings, keep routine records, make mathematical computations, read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively.

• Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work 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.
• Must possess visual acuity necessary to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, perform extensive reading, and operate a computer terminal.
• The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power tools and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment and enter confined spaces.

Desired Education and Experience

• High school diploma or its equivalent, plus specialized training (recent acceptable formal courses of instruction) in wastewater treatment and plant operations.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina 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.

• If the position requires a degree, you will be required to furnish original transcripts within 30 days of hire date.
• We may require a background check that may include criminal, motor vehicle, sexual offender registry, pre-employment drug screening or others based on job requirements.
• Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.