Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Introduction

Charlotte's local government, with more than 7,000 employees and a $2.39 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone - a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play.

Charlotte Water is an enterprise department of the City of Charlotte and one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in the southeast with 300,000 customer accounts and over 1000 employees. Our service area includes the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville. Charlotte Water's FY 23 budget is $535M and a five-year capital program of $2.5 billion. We enjoy the highest credit ratings from all three major credit rating agencies as a result of sound financial planning and management and strong support from our City Council. We value competent, skilled candidates with a customer service focus to work in a team environment.

Overview

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation's largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone - a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

Function

This position assists in the operation Irwin Creek Wastewater treatment plant

Summary

Work involves performing duties on an assigned shift at the plant. This includes monitoring equipment and processes for proper operations; troubleshooting and resolving issues with plant equipment; conducting testing and analysis of samples; endeavoring to keep the wastewater plant operating at optimum levels; communicating any potential issues; and providing technical assistance to other employees. This position includes making plant rounds the plant checking equipment and processes. This includes following and safety rules and protocols, performing audits, and maintaining records.

New hire training may occur on different shift than permanently assigned shift.

Scheduled Shift:

Wednesday 1:00AM -7:00AM

Thursday 9:00PM - 7:00AM

Friday 7:00PM - 7:00AM

Saturday 7:00PM - 7:00AM

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Observes/reports on facility conditions/operations.

• Uses biological/chemical parameters to analyze overall wastewater treatment plant operations, reports anomalies.

• Performs process control activities by: collecting, testing, and analyzing process control samples; inputting operational data into computer software; analyzing biological bacteria; conducting settle ability test; collecting composite samples; monitoring sludge blanket levels; calibrating and monitoring automatic samplers for permit compliance; and running additional tests as needed to ensure proper process control.

• Monitors SCADA computer workstations for plant equipment and process conditions.

• Maintains flows and loading by continuously monitoring dissolved oxygen; returns activated sludge rates, ammonia levels, suspended solids levels, alkalinity chemical levels, wasting rates, flows, digester temperatures and levels, chemical feed rates and tank levels, methane gas pressures and flows, and other process indicators.

• Performs laboratory analysis on wastewater samples to recommend/implement operational changes

• Maintains facility equipment and housekeeping in assigned area

• Operates various types of pumping systems, clarifier equipment, aeration equipment, sand filters, and other plant equipment.

• Inspects a wide range of various wastewater equipment for noise, vibration, and any abnormal operating characteristics; performs minor maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks; and completes rounds and records operational data.

• Briefs other operators at shift change; assists maintenance staff with shut down and startup of equipment.

• Updates database information; collects data; and maintains records.

• Manages bulk chemicals onsite; communicates with chemical vendors; and orders and accepts chemical deliveries.

• Assists visitors and contractors.

• Conducts internal audits and assists with external audits for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliance.

• Conducts plant tours.

• Assists in training new employees.

• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the science of wastewater treatment.

• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.

• Skill in basic math.

• Skill in using computers and job-related software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is medium work and requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, expressing ideas by spoken word, shouting above noises, visual acuity in data/color/observations/equipment/inspections, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. Requires working indoors/outdoors; during inclement weather; around chemicals, solvents, and dust in an industrial environment; and working weekends and holidays as assigned.

Preferred Qualification

Having one of the following certifications is preferred:

• NC Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification

• NC Grade II Wastewater Operator Certification

• NC Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification

• NC Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification

• Desires NC Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Requires NC Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within one year of hire).

• Requires NC Grade II Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within two years of hire).

• Requires NC Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within four years of hire).

• Requires NC Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within six years of hire).

• Desires NC Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification.

Salary

Compensation commensurate with the level of Certification ranging from $46,200.00 - $61,189.00

• NC Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification - $43,484
• NC Grade II Wastewater Operator Certification - $50,339
• NC Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification - $55,500
• NC Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification - $61,189

Conditions of Employment

The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte's benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

In Conclusion

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