WTP OPERATOR

lincolncountync.gov; North Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln County in North Carolina seeks a Water Treatment Plant Operator to perform laboratory testing, monitor SCADA, adjust chemicals, and participate in the operation and maintenance of the county's water treatment facilities. Night shift hours are noted in the posting.

Designation may be WTP Operator II or III, requiring a high school diploma with specialized training or apprenticeship and NCDEQ Grade C Surface Water Treatment certification, plus a valid NC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water treatment plant equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relevant to water treatment and distribution.
• Knowledge of water treatment operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of water sampling and laboratory analysis principles.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.
• Skill in complying with complex regulations.
• Skill in collection and analysis of water samples.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory tests of water, including pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, fluoride, alkalinity, hardness, phosphate, color, iron, and bacteriological testing.
• Adjusts chemicals to maintain optimum system performance.
• Monitors water tank levels and makes flow rate changes to meet system demands.
• Monitors SCADA system to maintain water quality and levels.
• Backwashes filters as required.
• Maintains plant records and equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Water treatment knowledge

Regulatory knowledge (federal/state)

Laboratory testing theory

Chemistry & biology understanding

SCADA operation

Interpersonal communication

Oral & written communication

Education

High school diploma + specialized training / apprenticeship

NCDEQ Grade C Surface Water Treatment certification

Tools

SCADA system

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position collects water samples, performs laboratory testing, and participates in the operations and maintenance of the county water treatment plant and related infrastructure. An incumbent in this position may be designated “WTP Operator II” or “WTP Operator III.”

MAJOR DUTIES

• Performs laboratory tests of water, to include pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, fluoride, alkalinity, hardness, phosphate, color, iron, and bacteriological testing.
• Adjusts chemicals as necessary to maintain optimum system performance.
• Monitors water tank levels and makes flow rate changes to meet system demands.
• Monitors SCADA system to maintain quality and system water levels.
• Makes periodic checks of plant equipment, including feed pumps, flocculators, flash mixer, basins, pumps, screw press, polymer room, sludge thickener tanks, raw water pumps, etc.
• Maintains plant facilities, including sweeping, mopping, cleaning restrooms, cleaning rugs, dusting, etc.
• Backwashes filters as required.
• Maintains plant records.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of water treatment plant equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relevant to the treatment and distribution of water.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of water sampling and laboratory analysis principles.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.
• Skill in ensuring compliance with complex regulations.
• Skill in the collection and analysis of water samples.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Water Treatment Plant Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal environmental regulations and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related plant operation and maintenance duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to collect and analyzes water samples and to participate in water treatment plant operations and maintenance. Success in this position contributes to delivery of safe and regulatory compliant water to customers.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county personnel, vendors, representatives of external laboratories, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, or to resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in a water treatment plant, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain NCDEQ Grade C Surface Water Treatment certification.

Note: Position is for the Night Shift hours.