Water Treatment Plant Operator - Beaufort County Water Department

Beaufort; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Beaufort County is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to perform operational and maintenance duties. The role involves ensuring a safe and adequate water supply, conducting tests, and making adjustments as necessary. Applicants should have a high school diploma and relevant certifications, with a strong knowledge of water treatment processes and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; prefer coursework in chemistry, biology, or mechanical maintenance.
• Possession of level C water treatment operator certification within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate water plant, including adjusting chemical feeds and conducting tests.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and maintain detailed records.
• Conduct routine laboratory tests and inspections on water quality.

Skills

Knowledge of state laws regulating water purification

Knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical maintenance

Ability to solve technical or operational problems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent certificate

Chemistry, biology, or mechanical maintenance course work

Job description

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Water Treatment Plant Operator - Beaufort County Water Department

Description of Work:Employees in this class perform a variety of operational, maintenance and laboratory duties designed to produce a safe and adequate supply of properly treated water. Work is performed on assigned or rotating shifts and includes monitoring the plant's operations through observation, mechanical readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and making necessary adjustments in the process as demand or other operational conditions dictate. Employees work in inside and outside environments, are subject to extreme hot and cold weather, and are exposed to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, poor ventilation, oils, and working in small spaces such as vaults. Work is evaluated based on water quality, supply, standard logs and records, and the adherence to established operating policy. Operates the water plant; observes the operation of water pumps, electric motors and chemical feed machines; backwashes filters as needed; adjusts chemical feeds based on laboratory analysis or other results or readings; makes records of readings on run times and volumes. Operates booster pumps that feed chemicals; takes samples and tests for free chlorine and chlorine residual; adjusts chemical feed pumps to achieve desired chemical levels. Performs preventive maintenance and repair on water pumps, chemical feed pumps, wells, injectors, and filters; diagnoses and trouble-shoots equipment maintenance problems; replace parts; change out valves and meters; repairs leaks. Inspects well sites and obtains readings. Maintains chemical day tanks at necessary volume. Collects lab and distribution system samples; performs standard analyses and tests; calibrates lab equipment; keeps precise records and interprets results. Reads various charts, graphs, gauges, and meters; computes from readings and records the water volume pumped; monitors elevated storage tank levels. Stops and starts pumps according to amount of water in demand and time of use energy savings. Monitors water pumping from various sources and pumps from the best available source. Performs repairs and maintenance of plant equipment; replaces switches and parts; may assist with more difficult or complex equipment repair or replacement. Cleans sand drying beds, backwash tank, and sludge holding tank. Receives and unloads chemical deliveries to the plant; assures proper storage; fills, cleans and replaces tanks of chemicals and other tanks. Mows grass around plant and associated facilities; operates weed eater; performs custodial care of building including sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, and cleaning windows and restrooms. Establishes and maintains a variety of detailed records regarding plant operations, maintenance and laboratory activities. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of state laws regulating water purification and the standard procedures necessary to meet permitted requirements. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of equipment, pumps, instruments and control devices used in water treatment. Working knowledge of the standard tests and equipment used in required laboratory analysis. Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions. Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical maintenance and repair. Working knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and equipment system controls. Skill in the operation of assigned equipment and teamwork. Ability to solve technical or operational problems. Ability to perform and conduct standard laboratory tests. Ability to understand and interpret detailed, procedural, oral, and written instructions. Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determine proper remedial measures. Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests. Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and reports accurately. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and superiors.

Education and Experience Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent certificate required. Prefer graduation from high school supplemented by chemistry, biology, or mechanical maintenance course work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Physical Requirements:Must be able to perform the basic physical functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess visual acuity necessary to read charts, gauges and dials, to inspect small moving parts, and to complete and read a variety of records and reports.

Special Requirements: Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license. Possession of level C water treatment operator certification within 18 months of employment. Employees should not complete probation until they obtain Grade C certification.

Application Procedure: Submit a Beaufort County application to Alexis Washington,Beaufort County Human Resources, 121 West Third Street, Washington, NC 27889 via email [e-mail] , in person, or postal mail(please be reminded there may be a delay with postal mail delivery). Beaufort County applications are available online at www. beaufortcountync.gov or may be obtained at the Beaufort County Administration Building. Application deadline: July 2, 2025

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of county applications. An updated application is required if applicant has applied previously for Beaufort County positions. Applicants must provide complete work history, documentation of all certifications, places and dates of employment and hours worked.

Beaufort County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Criminal Background Check, Driving Record Check and Pre-Employment Drug Screen Required.

Valid North Carolina License Required

Job ID 627107 Category Full-time Employment Status Open Salary Starting Salary Range (as of July 1, 2025): $41,966 - $54,555 (Salary Grade 63) Posted June 18, 2025 Closing July 2, 2025 5:00 PM Attached Files Water Treatment Plant Operator (627107) 6.18.25