Water Control Operator Trainee (Full-Time)

City of Statesville (NC); Statesville (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Statesville (NC) is hiring a Water Control Operator (Trainee) for the Water Treatment Plant. This entry position starts with a structured orientation and training toward a Certified Shift Operator role.

The role includes learning to operate and maintain the facility, taking readings, performing basic chemical analyses, and assisting with maintenance and safety tasks. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid NC driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 60 days), and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of operating characteristics and maintenance of water treatment plant.
• Ability to monitor treatment process and perform basic analysis.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work with others.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate and maintain all aspects of the water treatment facility under supervision.
• Perform readings, collect samples, and record measurements accurately.
• Assist in maintenance tasks and minor repairs as needed.
• Follow safety procedures and participate in training and classes.
• Potentially respond to emergencies and perform assigned duties.

Skills

Water treatment operations

Safety procedures

Reading meters

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Water Control Operator (Trainee) – Water Treatment Plant

Public Utilities Department

Hiring Rate: $21.81 Hourly / $45,364.80 annually

Salary Range: $21.81 - $35.98 Hourly / $45,364.80 - $74,838.40 Annually

FLSA Position Class: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7AM to 3:30PM for New Hires,
After training ends: Days, Nights, Weekends, Rotating

Posting Closing Date: September 16, 2026

Summary

This position is responsible for learning all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the city’s water treatment facilities; responsible for assisting certified water control operators with duties and maintenance of the plant after successfully completing orientation and trainee instruction. This position is designed and set up for the progressive movement into a Certified Shift Operator position.

NOTE: Employee may be required to respond to a disaster, either natural or man-made, to serve the citizens of Statesville and meet the needs of the organization, which may result in the assignment of other duties and take precedence over duties described in this job description. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Learns to properly operate and maintain all aspects of the water treatment facility under the instruction and oversight of a certified operator.
• Learns the fundamentals of proper water treatment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks and through classes, correspondence courses, and general reading.
• Learns to make necessary adjustments to the treatment process to ensure compliance with all rules, regulations, and the facility's standard operating procedures.
• Learns to perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on plant equipment and structures; assists the maintenance staff as necessary with major or unusual maintenance tasks.
• Takes readings and measurements concerning unit processes, collects samples, records measurements, and helps maintain accurate records of plant operational and maintenance functions.
• Learns to perform basic physical and chemical analysis to monitor treatment efficiency.
• Informs the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator of any observed or suspected problems, then proceeds with corrective or preventative action, as instructed.
• Learns and demonstrates appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks.
• Assists in grounds and building maintenance, including mowing, trimming, debris removal, landscaping, minor repairs, cleaning, and other routine maintenance activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, or any valid driver’s license with ability to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.
• Must live within 45 minutes of the City of Statesville for Emergency Response time.
• Possession of a valid Grade C-Surface Water Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire date.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operating characteristics, maintenance requirements, tools, and equipment required of water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of chemical and bacterial principles, techniques, equipment, and techniques used in water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the state and federal water and water treatment quality regulations.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions for this work.
• Ability to monitor the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment in the treatment process, detect flaws, and make repairs.
• Ability to learn and implement proper operation and maintenance procedures for potable water treatment systems to meet or exceed permit requirements and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand the function and mechanics of pumps, valves, compressors, motors, and other plant equipment.

• Ability to conduct routine water quality tests, read meters and charts accurately, and then correctly record results.

• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, supervisors, and the public.

Job Related Physical Requirements

This position involves heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical activity related to this position may require the use of fingers and hands, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and to convey detailed or important instructions to others; hearing is required to respond to spoken words and to receive and understand information; visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, operation of machines or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions

The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, fumes, odors, dust, gases, oils, vibration, poor ventilation, wastewater, and hazards including exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, and work in narrow or confined spaces. Employee may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and/or during emergency situations.