PLANT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN - 40008960

Durham County; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,730 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government in the County Engineering department seeks a skilled maintenance technician for the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant and related systems. The role supports the wastewater collection, reuse water, and potable well water systems with preventive maintenance and repairs.

The position requires climbing into confined spaces, operating lift stations, and handling emergency calls on rotating nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in municipal wastewater maintenance, or industrial maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a safe workplace and follows safety protocols and policies.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and lift stations.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, maintains and/or calibrates mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, air compressors, sensors and telemetry equipment, ultraviolet light disinfection equipment, flow meters, and generators.
• Monitors lift stations and effects repairs as needed.
• Responds to sewer line spills and emergency calls.
• Participates in on‑call rotation schedule.
• Performs plant or lift station upkeep tasks including cleaning and painting.
• Maintains work orders, equipment logs and other documentation.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Hand and power tools

Equipment maintenance

Lift stations

Safety procedures

Regulatory knowledge

Planning & prioritizing

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Math basics

Education

High School diploma or GED

3 years municipal wastewater or industrial maintenance

Tools

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 14, 2026

HIRING RANGE

$52,730 - $80,000

POSITION NUMBER

40008960

JOB TYPE

Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week, Non-Exempt

THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000 SIGN ON BONUS AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs responsible, skilled, and technical work in the maintenance and repair of equipment in the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP), associated wastewater collection system, associated reuse water system, and potable well water system. This position is required to work a rotating on‑call schedule to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant and may be subject to work after normal operating hours to meet the needs of the utility. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Utility Supervisor. 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. It 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains a safe workplace and follows all safety protocols and policies.
• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on equipment and lift stations.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, maintains and/or calibrates mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, air compressors, sensors and telemetry equipment, ultraviolet light disinfection equipment, flow meters, and generators.
• Monitors lift stations and effects repairs as needed.
• Responds to sewer line spills and emergency calls.
• Participates in on‑call rotation schedule.
• Performs various plant or lift station upkeep tasks to include cleaning and painting.
• Maintains work orders, equipment logs and other documentation.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of the use of hand and power tools.
• General knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• General knowledge of lift stations.
• General knowledge of safety procedures.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and collection system.
• Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work.
• Skilled in the use of a computer.
• Ability to effectively communicate through written and oral form.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in municipal wastewater maintenance, or industrial maintenance.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

• NC ONE WATER Maintenance Technologist 1 (MT1) Certification
• Water Pollution Control Systems Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC - Collections 1 Certification)
• Water Pollution Control systems Operations Certification Commission (WPCSOCC - Biological 1 Certification)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable three‑year driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Involves routine and frequent exposure to: loud environment; exposed to hazards such as electrical, chemicals, and untreated raw sewage/biological pathogens; subject to roadway traffic based on the location of a spill or complaint; bright/dim light; dust and pollen; extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions; animals/wildlife/natural hazards such as snakes, insects, poisonous plants, etc.; fumes and/or noxious odors.

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.

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.