Water Plant Operator I

City of Burlington, NC • Burlington, NC

35d

About The Position

The City of Burlington operates two key water treatment plants: the Ed Thomas Water Treatment Plant and the JD Mackintosh Water Treatment Plant. The Ed Thomas plant, built in the 1940s, serves the central part of the city, while the JD Mackintosh plant caters to the western section. Both plants ensure the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to residents by utilizing advanced treatment processes and maintaining high operational standards. An employee in this role is responsible for monitoring and treating the city's drinking water supply. Their primary duties include conducting routine tests, performing hourly plant rounds, maintaining records, adding necessary chemicals, troubleshooting mechanical issues, assisting customers, and performing related tasks. This position involves a lower level of certification and lacks supervisory or lead worker responsibilities, distinguishing it from the Water Plant Lead Operator role.

Requirements

• Water Treatment Plant Operations: Strong understanding of the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of water treatment plants, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiar with state and federal water treatment and water quality regulations, ensuring adherence to legal standards and promoting the highest water quality.
• Safety Awareness: Well-versed in the occupational hazards associated with water treatment work, with a solid grasp of necessary safety precautions to maintain a safe work environment.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency and some work experience with basic laboratory bench work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License
• First Aid and CPR
• Surface Water "C" Certificate or ability to obtain within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Plant Monitoring & Documentation: Conducts hourly tours of the plant to check and document gauge readings and calibrations. Adjusts chemical feed rates and inspects meters and pumps for proper functioning.
• Water Quality Testing: Performs tests for turbidity in raw, settled, and filtered water, chlorine residuals, and alkalinity levels. Records all test results accurately.
• Chemical Management: Calibrates fluoride meters and tests fluoride residuals in both raw and filtered water. Monitors and adjusts levels of chemicals including alum, caustic fluoride, corrosion inhibitors, and carbon as needed.
• Filter Maintenance: Conducts backwashing and re-washing of filters using the backwash pump to ensure optimal plant performance.
• Chemical Dosage Calculations: Calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and evaluates plant performance, ensuring precise documentation in the log book.
• Equipment & Customer Service: Reports equipment failures to the supervisor and assists customers by answering phones and responding to inquiries.
• Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks to maintain plant operations effectively.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED