Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Shift

Johnston County; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnston County is seeking a Water Plant Operator to manage wastewater treatment processes and ensure water quality standards are met. This role involves operating and maintaining treatment plant equipment, conducting water analyses, and managing hazardous materials. Candidates should have a high school diploma and necessary certifications, along with the ability to work independently in various environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with relevant trade courses or equivalent experience.
• Valid NC driver’s license required.
• Must obtain Grade 1 Wastewater Operator certification within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant.
• Analyze water quality and perform wastewater solids removal.
• Maintain equipment and prepare reports for agencies.

Skills

Understanding of wastewater line and pump station installations

Basic wastewater chemistry knowledge

Ability to read maps and manuals

Knowledge of tools and equipment for maintenance

Education

High school diploma with courses in mechanical or plumbing trades

Grade 1 Wastewater Operator certification

Job description

The mission of the Johnston County Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County with efficient, affordable, and friendly services of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water, and stormwater management.

We are actively hiring for a Water Plant Operator. This position is on a 12:00 AM (midnight) to 12:00 PM (noon) shift. Must be available to work every other weekend and various holidays.

Employees in this role operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant, controlling the flow and processing of wastewater, and purifying water before it enters rivers, streams, or city mains. The operator must identify problems and implement solutions, exercising independence and judgment, often working alone. The work involves routine tasks but requires constant alertness to equipment conditions such as pumps, motors, chemical feeders, instruments, and valves. Experienced operators may assist in training new staff.

Pay depends on experience and increases with certification.

• Perform wastewater solids removal, scheduling processing according to seasonal variations.
• Analyze water quality, including preparing and calibrating equipment, sampling, and chemical analyses.
• Screen incoming waste for hazardous materials.
• Maintain equipment through inspections, adjustments, and repairs.
• Apply water treatment chemicals, formulate ratios, interpret regulations, and add chemicals to treatment equipment.
• Prepare reports for state and federal agencies, including data computation, form completion, and correspondence regarding irregularities.

Required knowledge and skills include:

• Understanding of wastewater line and pump station installations and maintenance.
• Basic wastewater chemistry knowledge.
• Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment for utility line and pump station maintenance.
• Ability to read maps and manuals, follow instructions, and work safely.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
• Visual requirements include color, depth perception, and field of vision for data analysis, reading, and inspection.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor environments, noise, hazards, fumes, odors, dust, gases, and possibly wearing a respirator.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma with courses in mechanical or plumbing trades, or equivalent experience in pumping, piping maintenance, and repair.
• Valid NC driver’s license.
• Possession of Grade 1 Wastewater Operator certification by North Carolina or ability to obtain within 12 months.