Water Treatment Plant Operator

Beaufort County • Beaufort County Water Department, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Employees in this class perform operational, maintenance, and laboratory duties to produce a safe and adequate supply of properly treated water. Work is performed on assigned or rotating shifts. Operators monitor plant operations through observation, mechanical readings, and standard chemical and biological tests, and adjust processes as needed to meet demand and changing operating conditions. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including exposure to extreme hot and cold weather and hazards such as loud noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, poor ventilation, oils, and confined spaces such as vaults. Performance is evaluated based on water quality and supply, required logs and records, and compliance with established operating policies.

The operator runs and monitors water-treatment equipment, conducts laboratory tests, maintains plant equipment and facilities, and keeps detailed operational, maintenance, and laboratory records. The role also includes chemical handling and delivery, groundskeeping, and custodial tasks. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A valid North Carolina driver's license is required, and the employee must obtain Level C water treatment operator certification within 18 months of employment. Physical requirements include performing a range of movements and medium work involving exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Applicants must submit a county application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of applications. Background and driving-record checks and a pre-employment drug screen are required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Obtain Level C water treatment operator certification within 18 months of employment.
• Working knowledge of state laws regulating water purification and standard procedures for meeting permitted requirements.
• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of water-treatment equipment, pumps, instruments, and control devices.
• Working knowledge of standard tests and equipment used in required laboratory analyses.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, mechanical maintenance, and repair.
• Working knowledge of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and equipment system controls.
• Skill in operating assigned equipment and working as part of a team.
• Ability to solve technical or operational problems and perform standard laboratory tests.
• Ability to understand and interpret detailed procedural, oral, and written instructions.
• Ability to detect mechanical equipment flaws and determine appropriate corrective measures.
• Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and reports accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and superiors.
• Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Ability to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read charts, gauges, and dials; inspect small moving parts; and complete and read records and reports.

Nice To Haves

• High school graduation supplemented by coursework in chemistry, biology, or mechanical maintenance, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate the water plant and observe water pumps, electric motors, and chemical feed machines.
• Backwash filters as needed and adjust chemical feeds based on laboratory analyses, readings, and operating conditions.
• Record equipment run times, readings, and water volumes.
• Operate booster pumps that feed chemicals; collect samples, test free chlorine and chlorine residual, and adjust chemical feed pumps to achieve desired levels.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on water pumps, chemical feed pumps, wells, injectors, and filters; diagnose equipment problems, replace parts, change valves and meters, and repair leaks.
• Inspect well sites and obtain readings.
• Maintain chemical day tanks at required volumes.
• Collect laboratory and distribution-system samples; perform standard analyses and tests; calibrate laboratory equipment; maintain precise records and interpret results.
• Read charts, graphs, gauges, and meters; calculate water volume pumped; and monitor elevated storage tank levels.
• Start and stop pumps according to water demand and energy-saving considerations related to time of use.
• Monitor water pumping from different sources and select the best available source.
• Repair and maintain plant equipment, replace switches and parts, and assist with complex equipment repairs or replacements as needed.
• Clean sand drying beds, the backwash tank, and the sludge holding tank.
• Receive and unload chemical deliveries, ensure proper storage, and fill, clean, and replace chemical and other tanks.
• Mow grass around the plant and associated facilities and operate a weed eater.
• Perform custodial care of the building, including sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, and cleaning windows and restrooms.
• Establish and maintain detailed records of plant operations, maintenance, and laboratory activities.
• Perform related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

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