WWTP Chief Operator

Salary : $78,253.07 - $117,379.61 Annually

Location : Monroe, NC

Job Type : Full-Time Regular

Job Number : 711153

Department : UC Water - Water & WW Ops

Opening Date : 02 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 9 / 2025 11 : 00 PM Eastern

General Statement

The Wastewater Chief Treatment Plant Operator, under general supervision, assumes responsibility for an assigned shift at a wastewater treatment plant and assists the plant supervisor with managing, monitoring, and operating the plant. This is accomplished by ensuring the treatment processes function properly and that the plant meets permit requirements; assisting with semi-annual and annual performance evaluations; assisting with the implementation of directives for staff and operations; and providing direction in the daily operation of the treatment plant. Other duties include managing the ISO program; scheduling instrumentation calibrations of plant processes; being a member of the safety team; training operators; serving on interview teams for operator positions; evaluating / completing employees' PRD's; assisting with procurement and / or budget preparation; and serving as back-up "Operator in Responsible Charge."

Essential Functions

Manages operations staff by both working with and assigning tasks to the plant staff; troubleshooting problems and escalating solutions to the ORC or maintenance; ordering supplies, chemicals, and tools; performing light mechanical repairs; coordinating with contractors, construction workers, and vendors to keep plant running; monitoring instruments and other equipment to analyze plant conditions; maintaining plant records and documents; serving as back-up to the ORC; and filling in for sick or vacationing operators; and serving as supervisor in the absence of the Plant Supervisor.

Plans monthly sampling schedule by coordinating with the Lab and System Protection for special sampling; ordering bottles weekly; coordinating with plant staff to change tubing and switch carboys; arranging bottles, preservatives, and paperwork for sampling on a daily basis; collecting, bottling, and transporting daily samples to the Lab; maintaining filing and paperwork related to the sampling process; and serving on Department Teams to discuss plant sampling plans related the process issues at the plant.

Coordinates with maintenance by managing work orders and assigning priority; tracking work orders; attending monthly Ops / Maintenance meetings; reassigning work order priority as needed; coordinating equipment rotation; identifying equipment to be isolated for maintenance work; ensuring all equipment / valves areas back in correct position once maintenance work is completed.

Manages safety program by maintaining MSDS sheets; posting safety signage; providing protective equipment to operators; monitoring plant for safe and unsafe conditions; conducting safety training; completing contractor safety checklists and other safety permits as required; and representing the plant at Safety Committee meetings.

Performs administrative functions by ensuring daily processes and plant operations forms are completed and entered into WIMS; assisting the ORC in managing ICP and storm water program requirements; ensuring all monitoring, housekeeping, and inspections are up to date; coordinating monthly staff meetings with ORC; maintaining communication with operators; managing monthly equipment rotations and out of service equipment; ordering plant chemicals and fuel; and managing the TIER II reports and other assigned reports.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience :

High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and four (4) years actual of experience at a Grade III or higher biological water pollution control system; or be a graduate of a two- or four-year college or university and have taken, and passed, a minimum of six (6) courses in the basic sciences and have three (3) years of actual experience at a Grade III, or higher, biological water pollution control system.

Licenses or Certifications :

Certification as a Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator.

Special Requirements :

None Specified.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience :

High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and four (4) years actual of experience at a Grade III or higher biological water pollution control system; or be a graduate of a two- or four-year college or university and have taken, and passed, a minimum of six (6) courses in the basic sciences and have three (3) years of actual experience at a Grade III, or higher, biological water pollution control system.

Licenses or Certifications :

A valid Class "A" CDL Driver's License with Tanker endorsement and ability to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Certification as a Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator.

Any combination of the following certifications :

NC Land Application Certification

NC Surface Irrigation Certification

NC Water Pollution Control Collection System Operator Certification

Special Requirements :

None Specified.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment and tools including computers, calculators, radios, typewriters, compactors, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires the ability to maintain body equilibrium when bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, reaching and / or stretching arms, legs or other parts of body to grasp, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical requirements are for Heavy Work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period. Health Reimbursement Account Preventative Care Coverage Prescription Coverage Vision Coverage

DENTAL INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period.

LIFE INSURANCE

Basic Term life Insurance in the amount of one times the annual salary is provided for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deduction for the employee and eligible dependents.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

RETIREMENT

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have five (5) years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a five percent (5%) contribution based on biweekly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to all employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

Options are available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Debit Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Health Care Spending AccountSection 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care expenses.

Dependent Care Spending AccountSection 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

CREDIT UNION

Local Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as : spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters and parents can all become members.

TRUIST

No Overdraft Fees

100 Negative Balance Buffer

Online and Mobile Banking with Bill Pay

LEAVE PROGRAMS

VACATION LEAVE

Vacation leave is accrued based on creditable years of service in the Local Government Employees Retirement System.

SICK LEAVE

For full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at eight (8.0) hours per month. Benefitted part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time rate. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

SICK LEAVE TRANSFER FROM OTHER AGENCIES

Unused sick leave earned from another North Carolina Governmental Agency and / or entity, will be accepted and transferred to the County as follows : twelve (12) sick leave days will be transferred and added to the employees active sick leave balance after completion of six (6) months of employment. The remaining balance of sick leave documented for transfer at the time of employment will be recorded in the employees permanent personnel file. On the fifth anniversary of employment with the County, the remaining balance of transferred sick leave will be added to the employees active sick leave balance.

HOLIDAYS

There are 12 County recognized holidays per year with 1 floating holiday available.

MILITARY LEAVE

Annual Training - 10 paid workdays granted.

Active Duty - 20 paid workdays granted.

CIVIL LEAVE

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Parental Leave provides the employee paid leave for the first eight weeks of approved FML for the birth of a son or daughter, or placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Educational Leave is available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees when participating in a job-related, short course, such as an update, not to exceed ten (10) consecutive working days.

VOLUNTEER TIME OFF

Volunteer Time Off will provide employes with 16 hours of paid time per calender year to volunteer at approved Union County community partner agencies.

OTHER PROGRAMS

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol / drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTER

We believe that staying healthy is more than just exercising regularly and eating well. Individual and family discount membership and monthly dues are available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees through payroll deduction.

NATIONAL COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

The National College Savings Program is open to all employees. The Program is designed to provide certain tax advantages, encourage and facilitate saving to pay the costs of attending eligible institutions.

List any current licenses and / or certifications.

Do you have a valid NC CDL driver's license?

Do you have four (4) years of experience at a Grade III or higher biological water pollution control system?

Do you have a certification as a Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator? If your answer is no, then what Grade do you possess?

Required Question

Salary : $78,253 - $117,380