General Statement

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, under close supervision, assist in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. This is accomplished by working an assigned shift at the plant; learning from other operators about plant equipment and/or processes and assisting with monitoring equipment and processes for proper operations. Other duties include following all safety rules and protocols; maintaining records; and making rounds of the specific process or processes assigned.

Pay ranges and qualifications are listed below for all levels of a Wastewater Treat Plant Operator.

Essential Functions

Assists with and after completion of training performs process control activities by collecting, testing, and analyzing process control samples; analyzing biological bacteria; conducting settle-ability tests; collecting composite samples; monitoring sludge blanket levels; using automatic samplers for permit compliance; and running additional tests as needed to ensure proper process control.

Assists with and after completion of training monitors SCADA computer workstations for plant equipment and process conditions; maintains flows and loading by continuously monitoring dissolved oxygen, MLSS, return activated sludge rates, ammonia levels, suspended solids levels, alkalinity levels, chlorine residuals and dosage, wasting rates, flows, digester temperatures and levels, chemical feed rates, methane gas pressure and flows, and other process indicators.

Assists with and after completion of training operates the plant by inspecting a wide range of various wastewater equipment for noise, vibration, and any abnormal operating characteristics; performing minor maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks; adjusting flows and chemical feed rates; completing rounds and recording operational data; monitoring SCADA data for daily trends; operating various type pumping systems , aeration systems,, bar screens, grit systems, sand filters, centrifuges, and other plant equipment; briefing other operators at shift change; and assisting maintenance staff with shut down and startup of equipment.

Performs administrative and housekeeping duties by reading and studying the plant O&M manuals and SOP’s; participating in hands-on training; maintaining daily log entries; completing required housekeeping tasks; completing monthly safety checks; and Grade I Wastewater Operator license.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

WWTP Operator I (Salary range $51,074 - $76,611: Requires a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and no required experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. NC Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months. Must obtain an NC Grade II Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification within 18 months of date of hire.

WWTP Operator II (Salary range $57,203 - $85,804):Requires a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and six (6) months of experience at a Grade II or higher biological water pollution control system; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires a NC Grade II Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification.

WWTP Operator III (Salary range $61,207 - $91,810): Requires a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and two (2) years of experience at a Grade II or higher biological water pollution control system. Requires certification as a Grade III Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator.

WWTP Operator IV (Salary range $66,103 - $99,155): Requires a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and three (3) years of experience at a Grade III or higher biological water pollution control system; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires certification as a NC Biological Water Pollution Control System Grade IV Operator.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment and tools including computers, calculators, radios, typewriters, compactors, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires the ability to maintain body equilibrium when bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, reaching and/or stretching arms, legs or other parts of body to grasp, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period. Preventative Care Coverage Prescription Coverage

Health & Wellness Center available exclusively to Union County employees, spouses and dependents covered under the health plan.

DENTAL INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period.

LIFE INSURANCE

Basic Term life Insurance in the amount of one times the annual salary is provided for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Additional coverage for Life Insurance (Accident, Cancer, Long Term and Short Term) is available for purchase through payroll deduction for the employee and eligible dependents.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

RETIREMENT

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have five (5) years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a five percent (5%) contribution based on biweekly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to all employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

Options are available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Debit Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Health Care Spending Account - Section 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care expenses.

Dependent Care Spending Account - Section 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

TRUIST
No Overdraft Fees
$100 Negative Balance Buffer
Online and Mobile Banking with Bill Pay

LEAVE PROGRAMS

VACATION LEAVE

Vacation leave is accrued based on creditable years of service in the Local Government Employees Retirement System.

SICK LEAVE

For full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at eight (8.0) hours per month. Benefitted part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time rate. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

SICK LEAVE TRANSFER FROM OTHER AGENCIES

Unused sick leave earned from another North Carolina Governmental Agency and/or entity, will be accepted and transferred to the County as follows: twelve (12) sick leave days will be transferred and added to the employees active sick leave balance after completion of six (6) months of employment. The remaining balance of sick leave documented for transfer at the time of employment will be recorded in the employees permanent personnel file. On the fifth anniversary of employment with the County, the remaining balance of transferred sick leave will be added to the employees active sick leave balance.

HOLIDAYS

There are 13 County recognized holidays (includes 3 days for Christmas) per year with 1 floating holiday available.

UNIFORMED SERVICES LEAVE

Eligible employees - 30 paid workdays granted.

CIVIL LEAVE

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Parental Leave provides the employee paid leave for the first eight weeks of approved FML for the birth of a son or daughter, or placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Educational Leave is available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees when participating in a job-related, short course, such as an update, not to exceed ten (10) consecutive working days.

VOLUNTEER TIME OFF

Volunteer Time Off will provide employees with 16 hours of paid time per calendar year to volunteer at approved Union County community partner agencies.

OTHER PROGRAMS

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol/drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTER

We believe that staying healthy is more than just exercising regularly and eating well. Individual and family discount membership and monthly dues are available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees through payroll deduction.

NATIONAL COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

The National College Savings Program is open to all employees. The Program is designed to provide certain tax advantages, encourage and facilitate saving to pay the costs of attending eligible institutions.

Union County, NC

New Jobs

WWTP Operator I,II,III,IV