Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Shift

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Shift

Salary

$43,583.62 - $74,092.14 Annually

Location

Johnston County Public Utilities, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2642

Department

Public Utilities

Division

Wastewater Treatment

Opening Date

07/21/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The mission of the Johnston County Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable, and friendly services of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water, stormwater management.

We are actively hiring for a Water Plant Operator. This position is a 12:00 AM (midnight) to 12:00 PM (noon) shift. Must be available to work every other weekend and various holidays.

Employees in this job operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant at a residential facility, controlling the flow and processing of wastewater, and purifying water from the plant before it enters rivers, streams, or city mains. The operator must be capable of identifying problems, and implementing solutions. Incumbent must also be able to exercise considerable independence of judgment while working alone on a shift. While much of the work may be routine in nature, the operator must be constantly alert to and aware of the running conditions of various equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical feeders, instruments, valves, etc. Experienced operators may be required to provide guidance and assist in training new operators during a period of familiarization and on-the-job training.

Pay is dependent upon experience and increases with certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs wastewater solids removal by scheduling processing according to seasonal variations.
• Analyzes water quality to include preparing and calibrating equipment; sampling water according to state guidelines; and performing chemical analyses.
• Screens in-coming waste for presence of hazardous waste/materials.
• Maintains equipment by conducting periodic inspections and making necessary adjustments and repairs.
• Applies water treatment chemicals, which includes formulating appropriate ratios and measure for disinfection; interpreting and applying state water treatment regulations; and adding chemicals to water treatment equipment.
• Prepares monthly and annual reports with state and federal agencies to include computing necessary data; completing appropriate forms; corresponding with agencies regarding irregularities; and making necessary adjustments

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the installations and maintenance of the components of wastewater lines and pump stations.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater chemistry.
• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of wastewater lines, pumping stations, meters, electrical controls, and related equipment.
• Working knowledge of a variety of methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, electrical controls, and appurtenances.
• Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Knowledge of the county wastewater service policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activity of this position includes climbing (ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.

• 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.

• The visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception and field of vision to perform data analysis, computer work, ready, visual inspection, reading measurement devices and assembly or fabrication of parts.

• A Water Treatment Plant Operator is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. The position is subject to noise, hazards (moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on high places, exposure to high heat, exposure to chemical, etc.).

• The position is subject to atmospheric conditions, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases and may be required to wear a respirator at times.

Desired Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by courses in mechanical or plumbing trades, and experience including pumping, piping maintenance, and repair work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid NC drivers license required
• Possession of Grade 1 Wastewater Operator certification by the State of North Carolina or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment (required).

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

01

Do you have any water or wastewater operators license?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you able to work on shifts as required?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid NC Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you be able to serve on-call or emergency call-back duty?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience in water treatment processes, water chemistry and microbiology?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience working in or with a water treatment facility?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe your experience in detail, including dates of service. This information should also be listed on your application, Applications without verifiable experience shown may be rejected.

08

Please list all your current certifications.

09

Will you be able to meet the physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you understand that only the work experience provided on the application itself is considered? (Any supplemental attachments to the application will not be used for determining qualification and salary.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Johnston County

Department Public Utilities Address 309 E. Market Street

P.O. Box 2263

Smithfield, 27577

Phone 919-989-4700

Website https://www.johnstonnc.gov/ut2/index.cfm