Utility System Operator

Description

General Statement of Duties

• Performs responsible technical work in well operations, water and sewer pumping station maintenance, and other related utility functions for the Town.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

• An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce and distribute safe potable water and to disposal of domestic wastewater. Work includes monitoring the well operations through observation, mechanical readings and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and to make necessary adjustments in the chemical feed process as test results dictate. Employees also make regular rounds to inspect water and sewer pumping stations taking readings and performing maintenance and repairs. Work also includes substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees are subject to hazards associated with well and pumping stations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, oils, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes. Workers may be required to wear respirators when working around chlorine tanks. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back requirements. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, regulations, instructions, and safety practices.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Inspects, maintains, and repairs water and sewer pumping stations; collections residual samples, verifies proper operation and chemical addition; checks wells for proper chemical feed and adjusts chlorine and fluoride based on standard tests; performs standard chemical and biological analyses.  
• Takes readings of various pumps, motors, and chemicals; enters readings into manual and electronic record systems; maintains detailed records of work activities.
• Takes samples of water at various points in the distribution system and prepares for laboratory analysis.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to various pumps, motors, etc.; cleans sewage lift stations; disassembles pumps and replaces bearings and other broken parts; checks alarm and telemetry systems; checks and performs maintenance on generators; troubleshoots electrical, mechanical and some electronic parts; calibrates sensors and control components.
• Collects stormwater samples.
• Operates grease trap program including making inspections, enforcing Town ordinances, and keeping appropriate records; issues violation letter as needed.
• Operates video camera equipment to inspect sewer and stormwater lines.
• Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists on major maintenance and repairs.
• Orders parts and supplies using the requisition system.
• Maintains necessary certifications through training and testing.

Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirement of well water systems and water and sewer pumping stations.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of standard laboratory test and procedures used in a well operations.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Working knowledge of the use of information technology applied to work assignments.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory test.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and superiors. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing.
• 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 the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, and observe moving parts of machines, and to record and review written records.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by course work in chemistry or biology and considerable experience in the operation and maintenance of a well water system or maintenance and repair of water and sewer pumping stations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Employees must possess Well Operator's Grade C certificate from the State and also required is possession of class B well operator certification and cross connection control certification.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s license.

This job is hiring with a $3,000 sign on bonus. $1,500 will be paid at hire and the remaining will be paid in the 4th quarter of 2025. 

Benefits

The Town of Wrightsville Beach offers a competitive benefits package.

• Medical- two plan options and premiums paid for employee coverage
• Dental with premiums paid for employee coverage 
• Vision with employer paid premium options
• 401k with 4% employer match
• Vacation increase with seniority
• Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Double Time on certain Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and career growth opportunities
• Possible Cell Phone Stipend
• NC Retirement System participation
• Up to 5% probation increase after 6 months of continuous employment

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. 

Salary : $48,210 - $71,352