Lead Plant Operator

About our opportunity:

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Lead Water Plant Operator position. This position primarily serves as a trainer to other Water Plant Operators. Other duties are to identify training gaps with staff, implement trainings, serve as the ORC in the absence of the Plant Supervisor, and order necessary equipment and materials.

• Under direct supervision of the Plant Supervisor, assist Management and On‑Call Duties of a Water Treatment Facility.
• Be on call and responsive on alternating weeks with the Plant Supervisor. Lead Plant Operator is typically on call during the same week they are on shift.
• Assist Plant Supervisor in organizing and facilitating work activities to meet maintenance and production objectives.
• Serve as back‑up O.R.C.
• Assist Plant Supervisor in determining needs for ISO 14001 SOPs and writing instructional SOPs.
• Assist Plant Supervisor in implementing plant maintenance schedules in Cityworks, and identify/implement repair/improvement projects.
• Responsible for purchases and service charges up to $2,500.
• Ensure operators perform work with adherence to proper procedures and safety precautions.
• Attend Division or construction related meetings as needed or as directed by Plant Supervisor.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve operational problems.
• Perform inventories of supplies, equipment, chemicals. Coordinate the re‑supply of the facility with Plant Supervisor.
• Possess the ability to answer policy questions and concerns from operations staff.
• Review data entry by staff and provide re‑training as needed.
• Implement pumping strategies or treatment goals outlined by the Plant Supervisor.
• Perform all aspects of the position of an Operator III when working alone.

• Perform other similar duties as required.

• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 10 paid vacation days
• Access to the full benefit suite including medical, dental, and life insurance options
• Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and the NC 401(k) with company match

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in plant operations, and increasing grades of treatment licensure desired.
• High school diploma or GED required, supplemented by four years of experience in progressive Plant Operations positions; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Competent working knowledge of a facility to be able to troubleshoot without assistance.

• NC C‑level driver license
• North Carolina A‑Surface Water Operator Certification (or obtained within 6 months of hire)
• North Carolina Physical Chemical Grade I Certification (obtained within 18 months of hire)

Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.

• Full Time 40 Hours Week;
  Schedule Varies
• Standard Rate of Pay: $26.96

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched in diversity.

The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building and an authentic sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

The City of Asheville is proud to be a second‑chance employer.

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn,…