Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Burlington NC • Haw River, NC

3d

About The Position

The City of Burlington is seeking a Wastewater Operator I to monitor and operate its wastewater treatment plant. The East Burlington WWTP has a treatment capacity of 12 million gallons per day and uses a biological process to remove organic matter from domestic and industrial sewage. Water is disinfected with chlorine and dechlorinated before discharge into the Haw River. Biosolids are treated and used as a soil conditioner on area farmland.

The employee monitors plant performance, operates and adjusts equipment, manages chemicals, collects samples, performs routine testing, and assists with maintenance and troubleshooting. The role also includes customer service and other wastewater and plant duties needed to maintain safe, continuous operations and plant integrity. The work is strenuous and takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments, including areas with mechanical, electrical, noise, vibration, and atmospheric hazards. A respirator is required when necessary. The position is classified as essential during inclement weather and is non-exempt.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented by additional vocational training in mechanics, electronics, or chemistry, and some wastewater treatment experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Must be able to acquire a Grade 1 Wastewater certificate within 6 months of employment.
• Must be able to acquire a Grade 2 Wastewater certificate within 2 years of employment.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operating characteristics and maintenance needs.
• Knowledge of state and federal wastewater treatment rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards in wastewater operations and applicable safety precautions.
• Ability to conduct routine wastewater tests, read meters, SCADA systems, and charts, and record results accurately.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities, including balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Visual acuity for tasks including reviewing figures and records, using computer terminals, reading, inspecting small defects or parts, operating machines, using measurement devices, and assembling parts at close range.
• Ability to work around moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions; wear a respirator when necessary; and function in confined spaces, narrow aisles, passageways, and catwalks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular plant tours and check the operation of bar screens, grit collectors, engines, generators, pumps, aerators, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, cooling systems, water filters, and other equipment.
• Record readings from SCADA systems, meters, and instruments.
• Adjust motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus in response to plant conditions.
• Apply chemicals and monitor their effects on plant operations.
• Collect state and process-control samples for laboratory analysis and conduct routine tests to monitor treatment efficiency.
• Skim floatables from settling tanks; clean bar screens; dispose of sand and debris; and wash basins and clarifiers.
• Assist Lead Operators with minor repairs and preventive maintenance tasks as required.
• Answer calls, respond to inquiries, and provide customer service as needed.
• Perform wastewater and plant duties necessary to maintain operations and plant integrity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED