Operations & Maintenance Specialist III

National Rural Water Association; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,366 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$6,000 sign-on bonus

Job summary

The National Rural Water Association is seeking an Operations & Maintenance Specialist III in Durham, NC. This senior role involves managing wastewater treatment processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency, and leading technical efforts.

Ideal candidates will have five years of relevant experience, knowledge of SCADA systems, and strong communication skills. A $6,000 sign-on bonus is offered for this critical position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment.
• Experience in lab operations and wastewater system inspections.
• Must have supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Maintain records for regulatory compliance.
• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment processes.
• Assist with inventory control and procurement.
• Prepare monthly schedules and reports.
• Provide training and mentorship to staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Proficiency in SCADA systems

Microsoft Office skills

Ability to perform mathematical calculations

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

5 years in wastewater treatment

2 years in a supervisory role

Tools

SCADA systems

CMMS platforms

Job description

HIRING RANGE: $55,366 – $88,000

*THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000 SIGN ON BONUS*

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.