Join Durham County Government
Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields-giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.
DEPARTMENT:
County Engineering
DATE POSTED:
July 21, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
Until Filled
HIRING RANGE:
$44,682 - $75,000
POSITION NUMBER:
40008959
JOB TYPE:
Full-Time, 40 hrs/week, Non-Exempt
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Operations & Maintenance Specialist II position is responsible for performing, as lead, routine skilled and technical work in the operation of the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety.
The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. The TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County. The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States.
Work is performed under supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations according to set procedures and is subject to working rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.
For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
Monitors and adjust process control parameters of wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation of field instrumentation and using the SCADA system.
Adjust valves, gates, and pumps to regulate flow or chemical feed rates.
Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
Perform operations to maximize treatment efficiency through influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling.
Maintains accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
Completes minor preventative and corrective maintenance work on all plant equipment.
Collects and analyzes process control samples to ensure proper treatment. Reports those results to management and make needed process changes and/or chemical adjustments.
Serves as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
General knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
General knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
General knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analyses.
Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work.
Proficiency in SCADA systems, CMMS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
Unavoidable hazards refer to job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
Exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibrations.
Involves working around toxic and hazardous chemicals.
Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
Exposed to fumes and airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
Risk of electrical shock.
STANDARD CLAUSES:
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:
Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:
This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.