Water Plant Operator

Responsibilities

Perform routine daily operations and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution system, buildings, grounds and equipment for the Craven County Water Department.

• Maintain chemical and supply stocks, equipment and tools.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering reports and technical manuals.
• Read meters and perform customer service.
• Collect samples, take and record flow readings and make appropriate adjustments to flow and chemical compositions, as needed.
• Changes and repairs equipment, filters, pumps, motors and related equipment.
• Implement and maintain safety procedures at work sites.
• Perform other related work as required.

Graduation from high school or equivalent and minimum two years experience in general maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems.

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Must be certified (or obtain within 18 months of hire) by the State of North Carolina as a minimum C-Well Water Treatment Facility Operator.
• Must hold (or obtain within 18 months of hire) a minimum of a C-Distribution Certification within 18 months of hire.

• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment, supplies and tools used in water/ wastewater operations.
• Skill in the operation of equipment, tools and supplies used in water and sewer work.
• General knowledge of maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary for the proper operation of varied maintenance equipment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in dealing with customers and fellow employees.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must have strong mathematical skills.
• Must have effective communication skills.
• Must have the ability to perform manual and technical tasks such as digging ditches, lifting heavy loads, climbing ladders, working at heights and in confined spaces.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors.

Work is performed both in and outside in varying weather conditions.

Requires work on holidays, weekends and on call rotation.

Water Plant Operators may be called upon during emergency situations to be stationed at the Water Treatment Plant to ensure the continuous operation. This position is deemed to be “essential personnel”.

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and water/wastewater treatment plant equipment including: pH meters, bio screens, samplers, computers, calculators, pumps, hand tools, etc. Must be able to maneuver large pipes, valve equipment and other materials associated with water/wastewater distribution equipment. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The worker stands most of the time, the job is rated for Medium to Heavy Work.