Wastewater Operator Grade 2 or Higher 3 Preferred

Old North State Water Company is looking for a Wastewater Plant Operator for our Chapel Hill NC location. The operator will be responsible for wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal equipment in the wastewater treatment plant to control flow and processing of wastewater by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors SCADA control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow of wastewater,

• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and tests results to determine load requirements,

• Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control flow of raw sewage through filtering, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion processes,

• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings, process control readings and all samples required by NCDEQ

• Collects wastewater samples

• Calculates and adjusts chemical feed rates and respectively measures and prepares chemicals,

• Operates and maintains ultraviolet disinfection system along with CL2 disinfection.

•Monitior the WWTP system daily and make the necessary adjustments to maintain compliance and protect the integirty of the WWTP

• Operate and maintain the sewer collections system, sewer lift station and various ARVs (air relief valves) on the sewer force main, Be able to respond to after hours calls and deal with customers.

• Report to the Wastewater Manager on a scheduled basis

Follow All Policies and SOPs set in place by the company to acheive the best Quality water.

Performs skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of a computer-controlled wastewater plant

• Includes making minor repairs to equipment; monitoring control panels, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system monitoring, collecting samples and performing various laboratory tests, and other related work as required

• Makes regular tours of plant, which requires a considerable amount of climbing of stairs and walking, to inspect process operations including bar screens, mixers, valves, pumps, aerators, settling basins, filters, clarifiers, effluent filters, blowers, pressure gauges, etc., for proper functioning.

.Reads various charts and gauges to determine the flow of sewage into the plant and the amount of sewage being treated and records readings

• Records instrument readings in laboratory and throughout the plant, makes necessary adjustments including opening or closing valves and switching process equipment on or off;

• Collect samples as required and runs required laboratory analysis which includes calibrating and operating the instrumentation used in the analysis.

• Cleans chemical pumps, motors and other equipment.

• Reports defects to proper personnel;

• Performs minor maintenance activities; (PM’s, repairs, replace light bulbs, vehicle clean up)

• Assists in cleaning different units of treatment, buildings, and other odd jobs as needed and maintains grounds as necessary;

• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and ONSWC Policies

• Assists with on-the-job training of Wastewater Operator new hires;

• Maintains various recordkeeping and reporting forms

• Interpret data from laboratory

• Write: Necessary to complete required reports

• Talking - Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word necessary to converse with other employees, supervisor and visitors

• Exposed to the various weather conditions and temperatures

• The operator will be required to work in and out of doors during the summer when the weather is usually hot and the winter when the weather is usually cold

• Combining the type of work performed with the weather conditions, the worker should be one who can work outside in the sun, rain and cold climate

• Chemicals used in the laboratory and wastewater treatment processes such as aluminum sulfate, sodium hydroxide, pH Buffers, and ammonium chloride

• Sample collection includes using automatic and manual samplers, reading gauges and manually adjusting valves

• Computer, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) monitoring equipment, calculator, printer/fax/copy machine, 2-way radio, telephone, various hand tools, golf carts, assorted recordkeeping and recording forms, Standard Operating Procedures, O & M Manuals, blueprints, Safety Policies, and City Personnel Resolution

• This job requires a high degree of interpersonal skills with the ability to multitask, drive change, make mature judgment calls, and manage production using the computer management system.
• Keeps track of Wastewater equipment and paperwork periodically to ensure proper compliance with DEQ, local and federal laws and regulations and ONSWCs SOPs
• Oversee and assist with routine visits, sampling, day to day operations, process control readings and call outs at all utility facilities.
• Review and approve expenditures for area of responsibility; provides fiscal data for the preparation of the annual budget; orders parts and equipment as required.
• Gather information/data to support periodic and special reports documenting activities for area of responsibility.
• Attend staff and other professional meetings to exchange information; attend in-service training and technical or professional classes, seminars, or conferences to improve technical or professional skills.
• Work harmoniously with utility employees and the public and comply with utility policies.
• Assists in establishing and updating all SOPs and task and knowledge how to perform these tasks such as but not limited to any and all programs ONSWC has set in place.
• Assists in planning, scheduling the day-to-day operations of a wide variety of specialized WWTP, filtration ponds, lagoons, lift stations, pumps and electrical equipment including out of scope work.
• Reads, interprets, and works from blueprints, drawings, sketches, plans, specifications, and mechanical illustrations along with any Wastewater Treatment Plant permits such as but not limited to sampling frequencies, wasting, and or repairs.
• Inspects equipment and checks for malfunctions on each routine visit insuring all daily logs are completed with bench sheets.
• Replace belts, chemicals, fittings, chemical pumps, and other equipment.
• Examine equipment failures to identify cause and to prevent recurrences, root cause analysis.
• Assist in keeping maintenance records within the company network, and perform other duties as required. Most importantly, you’ll take action to ensure the safety, health and well-being of you and your team.
• Must be a self-motivated individual, have strong leadership skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Assigns, coordinates, and supervises personnel and materials required in the maintenance and repair of Water and Wastewater treatment systems.
• Estimates cost and time for all daily operations.
• Inspects buildings and equipment for needed maintenance and repair.
• Provides training to all subordinates.
• Determines effective response for emergency situations.
• Maintain records of all paperwork done at WWTPs, spray fields and or any other type of treatment and prepares routine and special reports, keeps track of bench sheets, log books, pre-inspection sheets.
• Develops, implements, and enforces safety regulations and procedures.
• Ensures all weekly and monthly internal reports are submitted on time.
• Reviews work with Maintenance Manager about projects in progress and at completion.
• Consults with other managers and team in planning workload and assignments
• Performs skilled mechanical repair work on pumps, meters, basic piping, and other equipment.
• Ensures the proper use and care of tools, materials, and safety equipment involved in maintenance and work repair.
• Attends safety classes, reinforces, and complies with company safety policies.
• All other duties as assigned, as this is not an exhaustive list.
• Using a company vehicle to perform repairs, operational duties, inspections, and any other requirements from direct supervisor.
• Keeps a direct report for any and all schooling and classes to maintain redundancy and certified operators are in compliance with state requirements

Qualifications

• It requires 5 plus years of related experience managing and or field related experience. High School Diploma or GED and the equivalent of one year of college or specialized vocational training in automotive mechanics or a closely related field. Must have a valid state driver’s license and meet minimum driving standards.
• Have a Grade 2 WW or higher license from NC and any other WW related license
• OSHA Cert a plus
• Water License a plus
• Achieving minor economies and/or preventing minor losses through the handling of or accounting for materials, parts, and supplies.
• Responsibility for the safety and health of others and/or for occasional enforcement of the standards of public
• All different kind of Wastewater Treatment and Collections
• Knowledge of DEQ Rules and Regulations

Knowledge of:

Skill in:

• Handling or using machines, tools, equipment, or work aids involving moderate latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items such as hand or power tools, bush hog, or crane truck.
• Performing coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem solving which requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure.
• Making decisions with minor impact - affecting only those in the immediate work area.

Working conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, bright and/or dim light, dust or pollen, intense noise levels, vibration, fumes or noxious odors. All required safety standards shall be adhered to mitigate risk from moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, heights, blood-borne pathogens, traffic, animals and wildlife, toxic or caustic chemicals, and other identified hazards.
• Safety is a core value. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services. Due to the nature of the job passing a Fitness for Duty testing is required to ensure candidates for this position are physically and functionally fit to perform the essential physical work functions of this safety sensitive position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.
• This position requires frequent standing, kneeling, bending and climbing. The employee must be able to use hands to operate and manipulate tools and equipment. This position requires very heavy physical exertion including the ability to lift over 50 pounds and exert over 100 pounds of force on a regular basis. The employee must be willing to work non-standard and overtime hours as required. The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, and depth perception.
• The physical and environmental demands required to perform the essential duties of this position include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance, and agility demands, which may include the ability to stoop, kneel, squat, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements. Additional demands may involve a specific level of dexterity, grip strength, climbing and cardiorespiratory demands. The work areas may be indoor, outdoor, have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Physical requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School education or equivalent

• Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification

• A current and valid driver's license with good driving record

• Ability to operate motor vehicle, climb stairs, and lift and carry samples

• Ability to work overtime and on call

• Ability to operate hand tools and complete minor pipe work

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• 401(k) Matching

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Options for Dental Insurance and Short-Term Disability

• Paid vacation and holiday benefits

• Training and education allowance

• Certification bonus

About Us

At ONSWC , Operations are the fuel that keeps our company moving. We are looking for a qualified Grade III or higher operator to keep our wastewater plant running smoothly and within permit limits. The most successful people will have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. The wastewater industry requires dedicated, passionate people that are willing to protect earth’s most essential resource.

ONSWC was founded on a commitment to excellence; excellence in how we treat our customers and our employees. ONSWC continues to be a leader in the utility industry, owning and managing water and wastewater systems in Alabama, North Carolina, and Texas.