WATER TREATMENT PLANT MECHANIC
Salary
$54,163.20 - $83,969.60 Annually
Location
Cary, NC
Job Type
Regular, Full-Time
Job Number
26-02604
Department
Utilities
Division
WTP
Opening Date
06/03/2026
Closing Date
6/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Description
Science tells us that while a person can survive up to three weeks without food, they can't go more than three to four days without water. In fact, water is so essential that the average human body is made up of about 60% of it! Access to clean, safe drinking water is crucial for health, hydration, and daily life. If youre excited about the opportunity to make a real impact by providing this vital resource to over 270,000 people in the Cary area, we have an incredible chance for you to join our award-winning team!
The Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) is currently recruiting for a Water Treatment Plant Mechanic/Operator. As a Mechanic/Operator, you will perform responsible technical and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant including sampling and analyzing, regulating processes and equipment, and participating in both preventative and corrective maintenance programs. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Facility Supervisor and/or the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Supervisor.
This is NOT an operator position. This vacancy IS A MECHANIC POSITION which will have operator responsibilities on a fill-in basis only.
The following is a generic class specification that pertains to mechanic/operator - I, II, Senior and Master. The duties of each level may be similar but differ in the level of difficulty or the experience needed to perform certain duties. The duties of the higher classifications may be considerably more technical and complex. The water treatment plant has put into place a career ladder that describes the criteria required to meet each of the levels within the career ladder. Employees working in this class may be primarily assigned to maintenance or operations. Regardless of the area of assignment, all employees in this classification are expected to operate the plant in a regular or fill-in capacity. The duties listed below are described as being typical of maintenance and operations.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $54,163- $66,539-- based on skills and experience.
Full salary range for position is $54,163- $83,969
Typical Tasks
TYPICAL TASKS IN THE ROLE OF MECHANIC:
Performs regular preventive maintenance such as greasing moving parts, changing oil, checking amperages, and overall visual inspections of equipment and related parts;
Participates in performing corrective maintenance procedures such as changing bearing in screen pumps and motors, changing ultraviolet lamps and repairing the wiring harness and connectors; packs pumps, changes belts, replaces shear-pins, etc.;
Retrofits plant equipment, structures, plumbing and electrical systems;
Performs maintenance on fiber optics and Ethernet network; performs maintenance on the ozone system, Captor chemical system, and lagoon dredge;
Installs and maintains security systems and cameras;
Performs maintenance on elevated storage tanks and valve control vaults;
Collects data from preventative maintenance program and takes corrective action as required;
Troubleshoots electrical and mechanical problems; checks blueprints, electrical schematics, manuals, etc. to determine problems;
Maintains safe working environment;
Provides assistance to other maintenance/operations technicians;
Performs skilled mechanical and electrical work in high stress, high danger situations for themselves and co-workers;
Provides technical support to install, troubleshoot, and repair control systems such as PLCs, telemetry and SCADA;
Assists in training of other staff (higher level mech/operators); Maintains on-site vehicles;
Performs carpentry, painting, masonry and welding work;
Assists in ordering, delivery and inventory of materials and supplies;
Performs dismantling and overhauling of all chemical feed pumps and vertical raw pump;
Performs maintenance and repair of stand-by generators;
Performs major overhaul of treatment equipment; Performs installation of new equipment and structures;
Maintains records on plant maintenance;
Operates equipment for landscaping or maintenance needs as required; Performs other job-related tasks as required.
TYPICAL TASKS IN THE ROLE OF OPERATOR (fill in basis as needed):
Makes hourly tour of plant and checks and documents gauge readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates through the computer; checks meters and pumps for proper functioning;
Collects raw water sample daily from raw water pump station; Calibrates meters that tie into the SCADA system;
Runs hourly lab tests checking for pH, CL2, residual, turbidity, manganese, alkalinity, CO2; records lab paperwork;
Maintains plant security through video surveillance, physical checks, and electronic lock system;
Monitors production of ozone; makes sure all units are on and working properly; Observes tank levels and line temperature levels of liquid oxygen tanks; Monitors three pressure zones for leaks, pressures and flows;
Monitors bulk and day tank for adequate supply of all chemicals;
Collects samples for laboratory analysis; makes chemical catches to verify feed rates;
Performs algae enumeration test counting and specifying different types and species algae;
Performs specific laboratory tests; records results;
Monitors operation of the plant through the use of the computer; Maintains records of plant operations;
Off-loads chemical deliveries;
Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of building and grounds;
Makes minor or emergency repairs;
Reports equipment operation problems to maintenance personnel;
Performs other job-related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant; thorough knowledge of electrical and electronic systems; thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions; ability to operate a computer relative to the operation of the plant and troubleshooting malfunctions; ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures; ability to conduct routine laboratory tests; ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions; ability to efficiently and effective communicate with staff and citizens; ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations; ability to work in adverse conditions; skill in the use and care of equipment and hand tools.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Work in this class is medium to heavy work and may require exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and unpleasant surroundings. An employee must have the physical agility to move about freely including climbing stairs, ladders on elevated water tanks and crawling into tight spaces. Moderate to heavy lifting is required in performing the work. Visual acuity is necessary to perform paperwork, read gauges, and make repairs. An employee must also be able to hear, talk, smell and communicate effectively with staff and citizens.
Requires graduation from high school or equivalent GED.
A minimum "C" level surface water certification is required at a minimum (or the ability to obtain within 1 year from date of hire). Candidates with a "C" level certification (or higher) are preferred.
This positions is designated as a "critical position", meaning you are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations, to maintain equipment and/or assist the Utility Division in any capacity necessary to continue Town operations.
Requires possession of a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.
Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Learn more about our benefits.
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employees hire date.
01
Do you currently possess a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record?
02
Do you have a "C" level surface water certification with the State of North Carolina? If you possess this certification it must be listed in the certifications section of the application
03
If you do NOT have a "C" level surface water certification from the state of NC, are you willing and able to attain this certification within 1 year of being hired?
04
What is your highest completed level of education? Education level selected must be reflected in the application.
05
Do you currently, or have you ever, had an electrical license?
06
Do you have experience working on low voltage equipment up to 1000 volts?
07
If you indicated that you have experience working on low voltage electrical equipment, please describe below. If you do NOT type "N/A" in the box.
08
Do you have experience working on medium voltage electrical equipment over 1000 volts?
09
If you indicated that you have experience working on medium voltage electrical equipment, please describe below. If you do NOT type "N/A" in the box.
10
Do you have experience working with, or knowledge of, the mechanical maintenance or operations of water or wastewater treatment facilities? If Yes, this must be reflected in the work history of this application.
11
If you have maintenance experience in a water or wastewater facility, please provide a brief summary of your familiarity with the tools, equipment, and/or computer systems used in the operation and maintenance of these facilities
12
Do you live within 50 miles, or a 1-hour drive time, of the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Wimberly Rd, Apex NC? If not, are you willing to move closer upon hire?
13
This is considered to be a critical position and must report to work and complete scheduled shift(s) during adverse weather or other emergencies. Are you able to accommodate this requirement?
14
Please describe a recent repair or maintenance project you completed that you took pride in, or was especially difficult (personal or professional). If you have no recent maintenance projects type "N/A" in the box.
15
Why are you interested in this position?
Required Question
Employer Town of Cary
Address 316 N. Academy Street, Human Resources
Cary, North Carolina, 27513
Phone 919-469-4070
Website http://www.carync.gov