LTS Plant Operator Trainee

The City of Jacksonville's Land Treatment Site is staffed by a Chief Operator, seven Wastewater Plant Operators, three Plants Maintenance Mechanics, one Plants Maintenance Worker, a Crew Leader, and three Equipment Operators. The Laboratory Section is also housed at the LTS and is staffed by the Supervising Chemist.

The City of Jacksonville is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Wastewater Plant Operator team to perform intermediate semi-skilled work assisting in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Chief Plant Operator.

The land treatment site covers 7,500 acres of land, with over one-third dedicated to spray irrigation fields for pine tree cultivation. The site's operations include biological treatment lagoons, screening and grit removal, disinfection, and spray irrigation of treated wastewater.

• Makes unsupervised tours of nano‑filtration plant and well field sites for spot checks on all engines, generators, pumps, tanks, filters, membrane trains, and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Learns to operate the computer control water system (SCADA) and monitors the wastewater alarm system.
• When instructed, can start up and shut down pumps as necessary to regulate system flow and pressure.
• Collects and records data on wells, pumps, tanks, and chemicals.
• Checks and reports to senior duty operator chemical tank levels.
• Takes readings from all plant/well field meters and instruments and records on computer operational logs.
• Assists in the collection of water distribution samples.
• Performs supervised maintenance and lubrication on equipment.
• Aids in and performs scheduled and emergency operations as needed.
• Performs general custodial and grounds maintenance work.
• Answers after hour telephone calls for other utility operators.
• Answers after‑hours emergency utility telephone calls.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Employee may be called upon in case of a disaster, either natural or man‑made, to serve the citizens of Jacksonville. Failure to serve when required may result in personnel action. Service to the citizens during a disaster may result in the assignment of other duties, which will take precedence over duties described in this job description.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Preferred 6 months experience in the operation of a water treatment plant.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.
• Possess the ability to learn the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant, basic knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations, general knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions, ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, ability to read meters and charts accurately, and some skill in the use and care of hand tools.

The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, religion, or disabilities unrelated to the essential function of the position.