Starting Salary:

　　WTP Operator Trainee $34,365.22WTP Operator 1 $37,885.88WTP Operator 2 $41,767.98WTP Operator 3 $48,352.08

　　Benefits include:

　　City pays:Dental, Medical, Life, Vision, ADD, Local Government Retirement, Supplemental 401k (City pays 5%), Short Term Disability, paid continuing educationEmployee options: Sun Life, Supplemental Retirement (401k), Flex spending, Tuition assistance 50% of cost (only pertains to your job) when budget allows Firefighter-EMT-ParamedicsWater Treatment Plant Operator

　　Primary Reason Why Classification ExistsTo perform technical and skilled manual work in the operation and maintenance of a municipal water treatment plant

　　Distinguishing Features of the Class

　　An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating municipal drinking water and water supply in the water treatment plant.Emphasis of the work is on performing routine tests to ensure optimum quality of water and efficient operation of the plant.Work includes conducting hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests on water and plant systems, adding required chemicals to water, troubleshooting mechanical problems, assisting customers, and performing related duties.Work of the water plant operator is differentiated by the level of state certification (C is lowest and A is highest), length of experience and broader knowledge and responsibilities of plant operations, and ability to lead and train other plant personnel.Work is performed under the supervision of a Water Treatment Plant Supervisor and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of records, and efficient plant operations.Illustrative Examples of Work

　　Makes hourly tours of plant to inspect operations; reads and documents gauge and meter readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates of equipment; ensures meters and pumps are functioning properlyCollects water samples and performs tests; inspects water plant equipment and biological and chemical systems for proper operation; reports needs for equipment repairsPerforms test on filtered water to determine excess color and records results; conducts tests for turbidity in raw, settled, and filtered water, chlorine residuals in filtered water, alkalinity levels in raw and filtered water, and records all results; calibrates fluoride meter and tests fluoride residual in raw and filtered water and records resultsPerforms tests for coagulation, PH levels, and alkalinity; determines optimal chemical dosages; performs tests for titrations, Baume levels, settable solids, specific gravity, water hardness, carbon dioxide levels, dissolved oxygen, chloride, coliform, alum percentage, caustic percentage, fluoride level, carbon, chlorine, and colorimetric testsBackwashes and rewashes filters using a backwash pump and fills feeder hoppersChecks levels of alum, caustic fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, carbon, coagulant aid, and other chemicals and adds chemicals as neededReplaces chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine; calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and plant performance and records in log bookPerforms routine preventative maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment; reports equipment failures to supervisor for replacementPerforms associated work such as bulk chemical handling, grounds keeping, and housekeeping dutiesParticipates in classroom and on-the-job training to ensure knowledge level and eligibility for certification renewal is maintainedProvides information to citizens, vendors, or others who may need assistance with water plant operationsPerforms related tasks as requiredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities

　　Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plantnowledge of state and federal water treatment and water quality regulationsKnowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautionsAbility to make decisions about water quality and water supply in the absence of a supervisorAbility to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employeeAbility to conduct routine water quality tests and read meters and charts accurately, and record resultsAbility to perform environmental science calculations and to keep detailed recordsAbility to receive and carry out instructions provided by a supervisorPhysical RequirementsThis is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels or above noise levels in a water treatment plant. Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, assembly of equipment, operating plant equipment including motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work performed, and observing general surroundings and activities

　　Working ConditionsWork occurs in both inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold. Employee is subject to the noise from motors and pumps in a water plant which may require the worker to shout to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employee is subject to vibration such as oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body. Employee is subject to hazards including exposure to mechanical equipment and atmospheric conditions from exposure to fumes, odors, dusts, and oils. Employee may be required to wear a respirator. Employee may also work in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, small enclosed rooms, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.

　　Education and ExperienceMinimum education qualification for all levels is graduation from high school or GED equivalency.

　　Water Plant Operator (C) - some experience with basic laboratory bench work; prior experience in a water treatment facility is desired. Must have a North Carolina certificate at the Surface Water Operator C level or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Some high school or college coursework in environmental science, physics, and chemistry is desired.

　　Water Plant Operator (B) - 1 - 3 years experience in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility. Must have a North Carolina certificate at the Surface Water Operator B level or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Some high school or college coursework in environmental science, physics, and chemistry is desired.

　　Water Plant Operator (A) - 4 - 6 years experience in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility. Must have a North Carolina certificate at the Surface Water Operator A level or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Some high school or college coursework in environmental science, physics, chemistry, hydrology, water and wastewater engineering, or related study is preferred.

　　Special RequirementsValid North