OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST I- 40005578, 40010703

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist I position at Durham County Government in the County Engineering department performs routine skilled and technical work at the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure regulatory compliance and safe, efficient operation.

The role requires rotating shifts, a valid NC driver’s license, and a Grade I NC Biological Wastewater Operator certification, with at least six months’ related experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; six months in municipal/industrial wastewater or related field.
• Valid NC driver’s license with clean driving history.
• Grade I NC Biological Wastewater Operator certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor wastewater plant operations via observation and SCADA.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain equipment; monitor chemical feeds and samples.
• Adjust valves/pumps; interpret meters and test results to determine loads.
• Record keeping, maintenance data entry, and process control testing.
• Support minor predictive and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Plant operations

Data logging

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

6 months wastewater experience

Tools

Driver’s license

Grade I NC Biological Wastewater Operator certification

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 27, 2026

Closing Date

Until Filled

Hiring Range

$44,682 - $70,000

Position Number

40005578, 40010703

Job Type

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

IF THERE ARE NO QUALIFIED APPLICANTS, TRAINEES WILL BE ACCEPTED

• 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 I position is responsible for performing routine skilled and technical work in the operation of sewage treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment in 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 regular 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)

Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation, and through SCADA system.
• Assist with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets the meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, control flow and maximize treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering and disinfection processes.
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation, and through SCADA system.
• Assist with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets the meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, control flow and maximize treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering and disinfection processes.
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience.

Special Certifications And Licenses

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must possess a Grade I 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 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Unavoidable Hazards (work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the 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 your 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.