Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator

Franklin County (NC); Louisburg (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking local government as a Wastewater Treatment Operator, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe treatment and disposal of waste. This position involves hands-on responsibilities, including monitoring plant operations, conducting inspections, and leading a team in maintaining equipment and facilities. You'll work in a dynamic environment, balancing technical challenges with the opportunity to make a significant impact on public health and safety. If you're passionate about environmental sustainability and have a strong background in wastewater operations, this role offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily inspections and troubleshoot equipment at the plant.
• Supervise staff and maintain accurate records of operations.
• Participate in planning for capacity needs and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Wastewater Treatment Knowledge

Mechanical Skills

Chemical Principles

Hydraulic Principles

Laboratory Testing

Safety Precautions

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Equipment Operation

Education

High School Diploma

Coursework in Chemistry/Biology

Wastewater Treatment Certification

Tools

Pumps

Meters

Flow Charts

Job description

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste material. Work includes assisting with planning, directing and scheduling operations, maintenance and repair of the wastewater treatment plant and monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, taking readings, and reviewing the results of standard chemical and biological tests to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds, and facility maintenance with substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees may be required to complete and submit reports to the state Department of Water Quality and/or the Federal EPA regarding the performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under limited supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Responsibilities include:

1. Perform daily inspections of plant for proper operation, troubleshooting and repair; consult with Wastewater Division Management on repair of faulty equipment.
2. Assign, direct, train and inspect the work of assigned staff; assist Operators with difficult repairs.
3. Make regular tours of plant and equipment; assist with and participate in the maintenance, operation and repair to equipment and facilities.
4. Monitor gauges, meters, control panels, etc.; record readings from meters and instruments.
5. Collect and verify that samples and analyses were completed; assist with laboratory analyses as needed.
6. Prepare and maintain records on plant operations.
7. Regulate and adjust motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
8. Clean and service pumps, motors and other equipment.
9. Consult with Wastewater Division Management on plant activities; assist with special orders.
10. Maintain inventory of lubricant, spare parts, maintenance items, etc.
11. Prepare and obtain quotes for maintenance items, safety supplies, spare parts and equipment.
12. Perform general building and grounds maintenance duties.
13. Serve as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) or Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC).
14. Participate with Wastewater Division Management in planning for current and future capacity needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance.
15. Supervise the management of sludge inventory; assure sludge samples are collected; coordinate loading and delivery of sludge.
16. Motivate, coach, and review the performance of employees; ensure proper training and certification of assigned personnel.
17. Serve on-call and call-back duties on a weekly rotation.

Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
2. Thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
3. Working knowledge of pumps, meters and flow charts.
4. Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
5. Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.
6. Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial procedures.
7. Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.
8. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
9. Ability to read meters, charts, technical manuals, and drawings accurately and to maintain records of operations.
10. Ability to operate light to medium equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, and supervisors.

High school diploma supplemented by coursework in chemistry, biology, wastewater treatment, or related field with considerable experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, lab work or mechanical maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess an appropriate valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire. Must possess a NC Wastewater Grade IV Operator’s license upon hire. Must obtain Class I Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification, Grade I Collections certification within two years of employment.