Water Treatment Plant Operator - Dukes Plant

City of Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The City of Charlotte’s Water Department seeks a workforce-ready operator to manage treatment systems, monitor equipment, collect samples, and ensure EPA compliance. You’ll perform chemical and physical tests, log readings, and report results to regulators while maintaining safe operations.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED, two years of related experience, and relevant surface water certifications (or plans to obtain them). The role offers competitive hourly pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.
• Two years of related work experience.
• Requires valid driver’s license.
• Requires NC Grade C Surface Water Certification (or obtain within 18 months of hire).
• Requires NC Grade B Surface Water Certification (or obtain within three years of hire).
• Requires NC Grade A Surface Water Certification (or obtain within five years of hire).
• Desires Physical Chemical I certification.
• Desires Maintenance I certification.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains treatment plant equipment such as filters, pumps, chlorinators, air compressors and electric motors.
• Performs standard chemical and physical process control tests.
• Checks oil levels/greases equipment; obtains readings from equipment.
• Collects water samples and runs lab tests; logs data.
• Handles chlorine delivery, maintenance, and changing out of cylinders.
• Interacts with contractors on site.
• Conducts safety inspections.

Skills

Math knowledge

Computers

Chemicals handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years related work experience

Job description

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $25.00 - $32.99 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our Guiding Principles Include

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce
• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development
• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services
• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems
• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

Summary

Manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater. Add chemicals, such as ammonia or chlorine, to disinfect water or other liquids. Inspect equipment on a regular basis. Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges. Collect and test water and sewage samples.. Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. Document and report test results to regulatory agencies. Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of sewage. Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Ensure safety standards are met

The hourly rate for this position is as follows and is commensurate with experience and certification:

• NC Grade C Surface Water Certification - $26.39 /hr. - 32.99 /hr.
• NC Grade B Surface Water Certification - $29.10 /hr. - 36.37 /hr.
• NC Grade A Surface Water Certification - $33.69 /hr.- 42.11 /hr.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

Operates and maintains treatment plant equipment such as filters, pumps, chlorinators, air compressors and electric motors; performs standard chemical and physical process control tests; checks oil levels/greases equipment; and obtains readings from equipment.

• Ensures efficient operations of plant equipment; maintains records of operations.
• Performs basic equipment troubleshooting.
• Drives and walks around the plant site and buildings; checks equipment; and operates forklift, tractor, City truck, and utility/golf cart.
• Performs basic maintenance around and inside the building.
• Checks SCADA; updates operator’s logbook; talks with other shifts and checks white board for any issues.
• Collects water samples and runs lab tests; performs math/chemical calculations; enters lab data; and documents chemical adjustments and equipment changes/failures.
• Handles chlorine delivery, maintenance, and changing out of cylinders.
• Interacts with contractors on site.
• Conducts safety inspections.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of math at appropriate level to perform job functions.
• Knowledge of surface treatment plan operations preferred.
• Skill in using computers.
• Skill in using chemicals.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.
• Two (2) years of related work experience.

Licenses, Certifications Or Registrations

• Requires valid driver’s license. Ability to obtain City driving permit.
• Requires NC Grade C Surface Water Certification (or obtain within 18 months of hire.)
• Requires NC Grade B Surface Water Certification (or obtain within three years of hire).
• Requires NC Grade A Surface Water Certification (or obtain within five years of hire.)
• Desires Physical Chemical I certification.
• Desires Maintenance I certification.

Physical Demands

The work is medium work and requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by spoken word, shouting above noises, visual acuity in data/color/observations/equipment/inspections, and walking

Work Environment

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Requires working shifts and working around machinery with chemicals.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, and behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.