Operations & Maintenance Specialist III

American Water Works Association; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association in Durham, NC seeks an Operations & Maintenance Specialist III to oversee senior-level wastewater plant operations, lead troubleshooting, and mentor junior staff. The role requires coordinating maintenance, process control, and regulatory reporting while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

The position supports training, back-up operations, and ongoing project work, with rotating shifts to guarantee continuous plant coverage and efficient operation of

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Grade IV NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.
• Experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Lead operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment processes.
• Monitor process control parameters with SCADA and field instruments.
• Maintain records and regulatory reports; assist in scheduling.
• Provide training and mentorship to staff; participate in emergency response.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

SCADA proficiency

CMMS proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Grade IV NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification

Tools

SCADA systems

CMMS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist III position is responsible for performing senior-level, 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. Serves as a technical expert, leads troubleshooting efforts, and supports training and mentorship of junior staff.

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Coordinates preventative and corrective maintenance with Operations & Maintenance specialist and maintenance staff to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.
  
• Maintains accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
  
• Leads and participates in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment process including influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling
  
• Assists in inventory control and procurement of equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
  
• Assists in the preparation of monthly work schedules.
  
• Coordinates daily and weekly sampling schedules for process control and compliance monitoring.
  
• Performs process control testing on plant samples.
  
• Assists in the preparation of required reports.
  
• Serves as Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
  
• Monitors and adjust process control parameters using SCADA and field instrumentation.
  
• Serves as back-up laboratory analyst.
  
• Provides training and mentorship to Operations & Maintenance staff.
  
• Participates in emergency response.
  
• Completes special projects as assigned.
  
• 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.
  
• Thorough knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
  
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analyses.
  
• Strong communication, organizational, and team leadership skills.
  
• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
  
• Five (5) 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 IV NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.