PLANT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN - 40008960

Durham County Department of Social Services; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 54,312 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government in Durham, NC, is hiring a full-time wastewater maintenance technician to service the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant and related systems. You will work a rotating on-call schedule and may be required after hours to ensure continuous operation of the facility.

Join a large public utility with a strong safety culture; candidates need a high school diploma and 3 years in municipal or industrial maintenance.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of the use of hand and power tools.
• General knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment equipment.
• General knowledge of lift stations.
• General knowledge of safety procedures.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to wastewater treatment.

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 electrical equipment and telemetry.
• Monitors lift stations and performs repairs as needed.
• Responds to sewer line spills and emergency calls.
• Participates in on-call rotation.

Skills

Hand and power tools

Computer skills

Safety procedures

Wastewater equipment knowledge

Education

High School Graduation or GED

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

CLOSING DATE

Open Until Filled

HIRING RANGE

$54,312 - $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, 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 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. 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.

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• 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 affect 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.

PREFFERED 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

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

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

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh