Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Repost:
All previously referred candidates remain under consideration and will be processed as applications are received.

Salary Grade SG 307 Recruiting Salary Range
: $58,294.00 - $82,368.00

Work Location
: 653 Veterans Pkwy., Clayton, NC (Johnston County)

The Town of Clayton, one of the fastest growing communities in Johnston County, offers a thriving environment with parks, greenways, a historic downtown, and a supportive network for both long‑time residents and newcomers.

The Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator performs advanced duties in operating, maintaining, and monitoring the wastewater treatment plant. This role leads daily plant activities, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and may act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Supervisor and Superintendent.

This position is subject to 24‑hour, year‑round operation with 12‑hour day and night shifts on a 2‑2‑3 schedule.

• Conduct routine plant rounds during assigned shifts.
• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant systems, including pumps, valves, chemical feeders, digesters, clarifiers, and disinfection equipment.
• Adjust process controls to maintain compliance with permit requirements and optimize plant performance.
• Collect and analyze water and sludge samples; interpret results and adjust controls.
• Maintain detailed operational logs, reports, and records required by regulatory agencies.
• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on equipment and instrumentation.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of biosolids and chemicals.
• Train and mentor new operators and maintenance staff.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and after‑hours issues as needed.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and inspectors during repairs, upgrades, or expansions.
• Follow all safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Serve as Backup Operator-in Charge (BORC) for the treatment facility.
• Conduct electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and repair on equipment.
• Review schematics and model data.
• Prepare federal, state, and local reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform Plant Check independently and troubleshoot operations or maintenance when required.
• Perform on‑call duties: respond to callbacks, Plant Check, alarm testing, drinking water sample collection, logbook entries, and fill vacant shifts when the plant is short‑staffed.

• Extensive knowledge of the Town's work order system and the process to create, submit, and complete work orders.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles relevant to water reclamation plant operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and its requirements.
• Advanced skills in preventative and predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and replacement of equipment, especially electrical work of PLCs and SCADA systems.
• Expertise in water reclamation facility permits, including parameter limits for compliance, sampling assistance, and laboratory process control.
• Advanced knowledge of safety protocols: SDS, confined space entry, lock‑out/tag‑out, PPE, and lead safety meetings.
• Ability to ensure duties of Operators I, II, and III are completed.
• Knowledge of laboratory process control, coordination with lab staff for supplies, moderate understanding of microorganisms, and assistance with sampling and lab duties as needed.
• Familiarity with the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of water reclamation facilities.
• Awareness of state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and practices related to water reclamation and discharge.
• Ability to detect flaws in mechanical equipment operation and determine remedial measures.
• Skill in preparing laboratory reagents and assembling laboratory apparatus for chemical and biological analysis.
• Competence in reading and interpreting state and federal regulations related to wastewater treatment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical federal guidelines on treatment procedures and tests.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• NC Grade 3 Biological Wastewater Certification and Land Application Certification or Maintenance Technician Grade 3 required.
• NC Grade 4 Biological certification preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.

• Retirement pension plan
• 401(k) membership
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday leave
• State health plan
• Additional benefits available via the Town of Clayton website

The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.