Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator

Franklin County • Louisburg, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Franklin County is seeking a skilled and dedicated professional to lead operations at our Wastewater Treatment Plant as the Chief Operator. This is a key leadership role that helps protect public health, support community growth, and ensure the safe, efficient treatment of our county’s wastewater systems. If you’re a hands-on problem solver with strong technical expertise and a commitment to environmental stewardship, we invite you to bring your experience and leadership to a team that keeps Franklin County running strong. An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste material. Work includes assisting with planning, directing and scheduling operations, maintenance and repair of the wastewater treatment plant and monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, taking readings, and reviewing the results of standard chemical and biological tests to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds, and facility maintenance with substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees may be required to complete and submit reports to the state Department of Water Quality and/or the Federal EPA regarding the performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under limited supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Working knowledge of pumps, meters and flow charts.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial procedures.
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters, charts, technical manuals, and drawings accurately and to maintain records of operations.
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, and supervisors.
• Must possess an appropriate valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
• Must possess a NC Wastewater Grade IV Operator’s license upon hire.
• Must obtain Class I Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification, Grade I Collections certification within two years of employment.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma supplemented by coursework in chemistry, biology, wastewater treatment, or related field with considerable experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, lab work or mechanical maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily inspections of plant for proper operation, troubleshooting and repair; consults with Wastewater Division Management on repair of faulty equipment.
• Assigns, directs, trains and inspects the work of assigned staff; assists Operators with difficult repairs.
• Makes regular tours of plant and equipment; assists with and participates in the maintenance, operation and repair to equipment and facilities.
• Monitors gauges, meters, control panels, etc., records readings from meters and instruments.
• Collects and verifies that samples and analyses were completed; assists with laboratory analyses as needed.
• Prepares and maintains records on plant operations.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Cleans and services pumps, motors and other equipment.
• Consults with Wastewater Division Management on plant activities; assists with special orders.
• Maintains inventory of lubricant, spare parts, maintenance items, etc.
• Prepares and obtains quotes for maintenance items, safety supplies, spare parts and equipment.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance duties.
• Serves as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) or Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC).
• Participates with Wastewater Division Management in planning for current and future capacity needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance.
• Supervises the management of sludge inventory; assures sludge samples are collected; coordinates loading and delivery of sludge.
• Motivates, coaches, and reviews the performance of employees; ensures proper training and certification of assigned personnel.
• Serves on-call and call-back duties on a weekly rotation.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• medical and dental insurance
• elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life
• local government retirement
• 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required)
• generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year
• an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistant program

What This Job Offers

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