Wastewater Plant Operator I

City of Burlington NC; Haw River (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Burlington NC is seeking a Wastewater Operator I to monitor and operate the East Burlington WWTP. The role supports the plant's treatment processes and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities include recording SCADA readings, adjusting equipment, collecting samples, and performing routine maintenance. Candidates should have a HS diploma and related training; valid NC driver's license is required. Training to obtain grade 1 certificate will be provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with vocational training in mechanics, electronics or chemistry.
• Wastewater treatment experience preferred.
• Familiarity with safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the wastewater treatment plant.
• Record SCADA readings, meters and instruments for data collection.
• Adjust pumps, valves and chemicals to maintain plant stability.
• Collect samples for lab testing and monitor treatment efficiency.
• Assist with maintenance and minor repairs as needed.
• Provide responsive customer service and communications as required.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Regulatory compliance

Safety protocols

Analytical testing

SCADA readings

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Vocational training in mechanics/electronics/chemistry

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Do you have experience in wastewater treatment and are seeking new opportunities? The City of Burlington is seeking a Wastewater Operator I!

Who we are:

The East Burlington WWTP was put into service in 1959 and upgraded in 1993. It has the capacity to treat 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of domestic and industrial sewage. The treatment facility uses a biological process to separate organic matter from the water. Water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine and dechlorinated before being discharged into the Haw River. Organic matter (biosolids) removed by the process is treated and used as a soil conditioner on area farmland.

What you will do:

An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and operating the City's wastewater treatment plant.

Plant Monitoring & Equipment Operation:

• Conducts regular tours of the plant to ensure optimal functioning of bar screens, grit collector, engines, generators, pumps, aerators, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, cooling systems, water filters, and other equipment
• Records readings from SCADA, meters, and instruments to ensure accurate data collection

Operational Adjustments & Chemical Management:

• Adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and apparatus based on dynamic plant conditions
• Applies chemicals and monitors their effects on plant operations to maintain system stability

Sample Collection & Lab Testing:

• Collects state and process control samples for lab analysis and conducts routine tests to monitor treatment efficiency

Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Skims floatables from settling tanks, cleans bar screens, disposes of sand and debris, and washes basins and clarifiers for optimal plant performance
• Assists Lead Operators with minor repairs and preventive maintenance tasks as required

Customer Service & Communication:

• Answers calls, addresses inquiries, and provides responsive customer service as needed

General Wastewater Operations:

• Performs all necessary wastewater and plant duties to maintain seamless operations and plant integrity

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Wastewater Treatment Operations Knowledge: Understands the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of wastewater treatment plants, ensuring efficient and safe operations
• Regulatory Awareness: Well-versed in state and federal wastewater treatment rules and regulations to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Safety Protocols & Hazard Management: Knowledgeable about the occupational hazards inherent in wastewater operations, with a strong focus on adhering to safety precautions and maintaining a secure work environment
• Analytical & Testing Skills: Proficient in conducting routine wastewater tests, accurately reading meters, SCADA systems, and charts, and recording results to monitor plant performance and compliance

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency supplemented with additional vocation training in mechanics, electronics, or chemistry andsome experience in wastewater treatment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to acquire a grade 1 Wastewater certificate within 6 months of employment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work in this class is described as strenuous.
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading, conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate a machine, use measurement devices, and to assemble parts at distances close to the eyes.
• Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions.
• Employee is required to wear a respirator when necessary. Employee may frequently work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.
• Employee is required to function in narrow aisles, passageways, and catwalks. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Inclement Weather Classification:

Essential