OPERATION & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST II - 40008959

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking an Operations & Maintenance Specialist II to lead routine skilled work at the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant. You will monitor SCADA, adjust pumps, and ensure regulatory compliance to support public health and clean water.

Role involves shift work to provide continuous plant coverage, with a $6,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates after probation. Requires two years in related field and Grade III operator certification.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and two+ years in municipal/industrial wastewater treatment or related field with lead/supervisory experience.
• Must possess valid NC Driver’s license and Grade III NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and adjust process control parameters of wastewater treatment plant operations via direct observation and SCADA.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps to regulate flow or chemical feed rates.
• Interpret meter readings and test results to determine load requirements and maximize treatment efficiency.
• Perform operations to maximize treatment efficiency across influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory and internal use.
• Complete minor preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Collect and analyze process control samples and report results with recommended changes.
• Serve as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

SCADA

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Communication

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

SCADA Software

CMMS Platform

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

Department

County Engineering

Date Posted

July 21, 2026

Closing Date

Until Filled

Hiring Range

$46,916 - $75,000

Position Number

40008959

Job Type

Full-Time, 40 hrs/week, Non-Exempt

• THIS POSTING IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE WITHOUT NOTIFICATION*
• THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS TO FULLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, UPON COMPLETION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD*
• NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES SHIFT WORK TO PROVIDE CONTINUAL COVERAGE AT THE TRIANGLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. SHIFT ASSIGNMENTS ARE SET TO FULFILL THE NEEDS OF THE UTILITY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR BE ROTATIONAL AT THE DISCRETION OF THE UTILITY SUPERVISOR.*

General Description

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist II position is responsible for performing, as lead, routine skilled and technical work in the operation of the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety. The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. The TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County. The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States. Work is performed under supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations according to set procedures and is subject to working rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.

For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)

Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitors and adjust process control parameters of wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation of field instrumentation and using the SCADA system.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps to regulate flow or chemical feed rates.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Perform operations to maximize treatment efficiency through influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling.
• Maintains accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
• Completes minor preventative and corrective maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Collects and analyzes process control samples to ensure proper treatment. Reports those results to management and make needed process changes and/or chemical adjustments.
• Serves as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• General knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• General knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
• General knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analyses.
• Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, CMMS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Two (2) years of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience with two years in a lead or supervisory role.

Special Certifications And Licenses

• Must possess a valid NC Driver’s license and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must possess a Grade III NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs work that involves standing, walking, and climbing the stairs regularly; use hands and fingers, to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Unavoidable Hazards (work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibrations.
• Involves working around toxic and hazardous chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposed to fumes and airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Risk of electrical shock.

Standard Clauses

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Essential Safety Functions

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Background Check Statement

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.