Wastewater Plant Operator I

Wastewater Operator IDo you have experience in wastewater treatment and are seeking new opportunities? The City of Burlington is seeking a Wastewater Operator I.The East Burlington WWTP was put into service in 1959 and upgraded in 1993. It has the capacity to treat 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of domestic and industrial sewage.

The treatment facility uses a biological process to separate organic matter from the water. Water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine and dechlorinated before being discharged into the Haw River. Organic matter (biosolids) removed by the process is treated and used as a soil conditioner on area farmland.An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and operating the City's wastewater treatment plant.Examples of DutiesPlant Monitoring & Equipment Operation:Conducts regular tours of the plant to ensure optimal functioning of bar screens, grit collector, engines, generators, pumps, aerators, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, cooling systems, water filters, and other equipmentRecords readings from SCADA, meters, and instruments to ensure accurate data collectionOperational Adjustments & Chemical Management:Adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and apparatus based on dynamic plant conditionsApplies chemicals and monitors their effects on plant operations to maintain system stabilitySample Collection & Lab Testing:Collects state and process control samples for lab analysis and conducts routine tests to monitor treatment efficiencyMaintenance & Troubleshooting:Skims floatables from settling tanks, cleans bar screens, disposes of sand and debris, and washes basins and clarifiers for optimal plant performanceAssists Lead Operators with minor repairs and preventive maintenance tasks as requiredCustomer Service & Communication:Answers calls, addresses inquiries, and provides responsive customer service as neededGeneral Wastewater Operations:Performs all necessary wastewater and plant duties to maintain seamless operations and plant integrityQualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Wastewater Treatment Operations Knowledge: Understands the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of wastewater treatment plants, ensuring efficient and safe operationsRegulatory Awareness: Well-versed in state and federal wastewater treatment rules and regulations to ensure compliance with industry standardsSafety Protocols & Hazard Management: Knowledgeable about the occupational hazards inherent in wastewater operations, with a strong focus on adhering to safety precautions and maintaining a secure work environmentAnalytical & Testing Skills: Proficient in conducting routine wastewater tests, accurately reading meters, SCADA systems, and charts, and recording results to monitor plant performance and complianceMinimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or GED equivalency supplemented with additional vocation training in mechanics, electronics, or chemistry and some experience in wastewater treatment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Valid North Carolina Driver's LicenseSpecial Requirements:Must be able to acquire a grade 1 Wastewater certificate within 6 months of employment.Supplemental InformationPhysical Requirements and Working Conditions:Work in this class is described as strenuous.Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading, conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate a machine, use measurement devices, and to assemble parts at distances close to the eyes.Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions.Employee is required to wear a respirator when necessary.

Employee may frequently work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.Employee is required to function in narrow aisles, passageways, and catwalks. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.FLSA Status: Non-ExemptInclement Weather Classification: Essential