Wastewater Treatment Operator - West Regional Wastewater Plant

Brunswick County; Supply (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunswick County Public Utilities is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Operator to join the West Brunswick Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant team. The role involves daily operation of the plant, monitoring pumps and gauges, and performing repairs to ensure safe, compliant wastewater treatment.

Opportunities exist to advance through the NC Certification ladder; trainees may be hired without certification and will be supported to achieve required credentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent experience.
• NC Biological Certification (Grade I–IV) preferred; Trainee level available without certification.
• Valid NC or SC Driver License required.

Responsibilities

• Operate West Brunswick Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant daily.
• Monitor pumps, filter systems, gauges and meters; adjust chemical feeds.
• Respond to wastewater and sewer emergencies and take appropriate safety measures.
• Maintain and repair wastewater treatment equipment; perform routine maintenance.

Skills

Operate safely

Independent judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

NC Biological Certification (Grade I–IV) preferred

Driver License (NC or SC) required

Job description

Brunswick County Public Utility is currently accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Operator to join ourWest Brunswick Regional Wastewater Treatment Plantteam. Classified as a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Facility by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Brunswick County Public Utilities provides wastewater (sewer) services to more than 28,000 retail sewer customers and wholesale customers across a large service area. Our Public Utility team is committed to the community and takes a lot of pride in providing a high level of wastewater treatment service to our customers every day.

The Wastewater Treatment Operator performs responsible technical work in the operation of the West Brunswick Regional Wastewater Treatment facility, and in the maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment equipment to ensure the safety and health of the citizens of Brunswick County. Work involves operating the assigned wastewater treatment plant on a daily basis, periodically checking the wastewater pumps, filter systems and tank levels, and making changes as necessary. Additional duties include calculating chemical feed dosages, reading various charts, graphs, gauges, and meters to ensure proper wastewater treatment and disposal, and handling calls for wastewater and sewer emergencies.

The Wastewater Treatment Operator reports to the Chief Utility Plant Operator and is responsible for taking appropriate safety measures and following established safety policies and procedures while performing all work. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in all phases of work.

Career Ladder

Brunswick County Public Utilities utilizes a career ladder program for advancement which allows employees to further their career in the wastewater services field through promotion as advanced grades of NC Wastewater Operator Certification are attained. Promotions include a 5% increase in pay when all criteria are met.

• Individuals who do not possess a NC Grade I Biological Certification will be hired at a Trainee level.
• Training and testing fees for wastewater operator certification are paid for by Brunswick County.
• Placement as a Wastewater Treatment Operator I, II, III, or IV based on NC Certification level and experience.
• Employees with appropriate certification will be required to serve as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) or Back-up ORC as necessary.

Shift Schedule

The West Brunswick Regional Treatment Plant runs 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Plant Operators work 12-hour rotating shifts Monday - Sunday (3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off) with every other weekend off.

• Work schedules vary between 36 and 48 hours per week.
• Shifts at the West Brunswick Regional Treatment Plant are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (Days), and 7:00 pm -7:00 am (Nights).
• Plant Operators will rotate from a day shift schedule to a night shift schedule once every 4 weeks.
• Overtime is paid at time and one half after 40 hours worked in each work week.
• Operators working night shift hours will receive night shift differential pay at a rate of $2.50 per hour.

High school diploma (or GED) and experience in wastewater treatment facility; OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Valid NC or SC Driver License required.
• NC Biological Certification (Grade I, II, III, or IV) highly preferred.
• Individuals hired at a Trainee level (no certification) will be required to attain a NC Grade I Biological Certification within the probationary period.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of wastewater plant machinery and office equipment including various wastewater pumps, chlorinators, mixers, computers, two-way radios, etc. Must also be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 110 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements: must be able to walk, stand, stoop, bend, climb, and reach.