CHIEF TREATMENT OPERATOR - WASTEWATER OPERATIONS

CHIEF TREATMENT OPERATOR - WASTEWATER OPERATIONS

Salary

$66,414.40 - $106,246.40 Annually

Location

Crowders Creek WWTP, Gastonia, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

01762

Department

Public Utilities

Division

Water & Sewer/Wastewater Treatment

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

General Definition of Work

The City of Gastonia is seeking a Chief Treatment Plant Operator to provide technical leadership and oversight for wastewater operational staff. This role is centered on mentoring personnel, leading hands-on training, and serving as a primary technical resource for the Wastewater Division. Experienced Operators committed to staff development and operational excellence are encouraged to apply!

Performs technical and administrative work in supervising/assisting the Operations and/or Maintenance Programs/Projects of Wastewater Treatment Plants. Does related work as required. Work is performed under the direction of the Treatment Plant Supervisor. Supervision is exercised over plant operational personnel as assigned.

Essential Functions/Duties

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.

Supervises and schedules the work of personnel of the plant, gives instructions on operational procedures; Provides technical supervisory support to Operators; Plans and conducts or oversees in-service training of new employees; Inspects the operation of the plant to ensure conformance to standards and proper operation; Enforces plant safety regulations; Maintains daily records and reports on plant operations and activities; Participates in staff training; Required to serve as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC)50%Assists in the installation and start-up of new and rebuilt equipment as assigned; Initiates, reviews, coordinates and closes CityWorks Work Orders; Coordinates and supervises the parts storage cage; Supervises operation of computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system; 30%Serves as technical resource for Operations staff with regards to troubleshooting process control issues; Supervises operational quality control programs; Assists in coordinating Division-wide operational projects; Assists in coordinating Division-wide maintenance program; Required to be on the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Team; Serve as Operator On-Call for the Division15%Supervises and/or participates in the preparation and submission of State and Federal Operational reports as required; Develops budget recommendations as requested; Oversees the conducting of operational analytical tests; Performs related tasks as required5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, characteristics, and equipment of wastewater plant operations including detailed knowledge of the mechanical, electrical and process aspects of all facilities
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles involved in the plant;
• Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in plant operation and chemical treatment functions;
• Ability to make complex mathematical calculations;
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; demonstrated leadership skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Ability to supervise operations as on-call personnel; ability to act on the behalf of the Plant Supervisor in his/her absence;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal skills/working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and the general public.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a physical or natural science (or equivalent combination of education and experience) with a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in the operations and/or maintenance of a large wastewater treatment facility (5 years preferred); OR
• Associate degree (or equivalent) in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of progressive operations or maintenance experience in a large wastewater treatment facility (7 years preferred)
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license.
• Possession of a Water Plant Operators "A" certificate as issued by the NC State Board of Certification or the ability to acquire within 3 years.
• Possession of a NC Wastewater Plant Operator Grade IV certification within 3 years.
• Complete NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 training within 12 months.

CHECKLIST FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS, VISUAL ACUITY, AND WORKING CONDITIONS

1. The physical activity of this position includes:

A. Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.

B. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or couching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

C. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.

D. Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.

E. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

F. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

G. Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.

H. Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

I. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.

J. Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.

K. Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

L. Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

M. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

N. Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips.

O. Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

P. Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.

Q. Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

2. The physical requirements of this position:

A. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

3. The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision:

A. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: preparing and analyzing data and figures; computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

4. The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:

A. The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.

B. The worker is subject to extreme cold: Temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour.

C. The worker is subject to extreme heat: Temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour.

D. The worker is subject to noise: There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.

E. The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.

F. The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

G. The worker is subject to oils: There is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.

Must possess a valid appropriate drivers license with acceptable driving history.

Drug screening and criminal background check required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/H

High Deductible Health Plan with HSA

Dental

Vision

Life

Supplemental Insurance Plans

Pension (Local Government Employees Retirement System)

401(k)

457

Short-term/Long-term Disability

Dependent Care Plan

Employee Assistance Program

On-Site Health Clinic

Employee Educational Assistance Program

Sick Leave (12 days per year)

Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year

Holidays (11 days per year)

Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at City of Gastonia Employee Benefits Handbook

Employer City of Gastonia

Address 181 South Street

Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052

Phone (704) 866-6859

(704) 866-6858

Website https://gastonianc.gov/