Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Mount Airy is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

This position will work 12-hour shifts from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.  An employee in this position performs a variety of operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties in the disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials at the City’s wastewater treatment plant.  Work includes monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, mechanical readings and the readings and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate.  Other duties include performing limited standards laboratory duties and tests and assisting with plant and facilities maintenance.  Work also includes substantial record keeping of work activities.  Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils.  Employees may be required to wear respirators when working around chlorine tanks.  Work is performed under general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, and is reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices. The starting salary for this position is $32,500.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Makes regular tours of plant and checks bar screens, aerators, generators, pumps, presses, clarifiers, drives and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Records data from various meters, gauges, and dials; logs daily, weekly and monthly activities.
• Performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests.
• Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists in overhaul and equipment replacement.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operational conditions; cleans bar screens, tricking filters, checks chemical levels; removes sludge from clarifies; adds chemicals to gravity thickener and belt press.
• Performs routine building and grounds maintenance including cleaning, sweeping, washing, painting, mowing, spraying, and trimming. 
• Collects wastewater samples
• Required to operate a City vehicle on a regular basis
• Performs related duties as required.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or the equivalent of a high school diploma supplemented by course work in chemistry or biology and some experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, preferably in a wastewater treatment plant; or an equivalent of training and experience.

Special Requirements

Employee must be able to obtain a Wastewater Operator’s Grade I level certificate from the State of North Carolina.

The City of Mount Airy offers a competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for the employee.  Optional supplemental insurance, tuition assistance, paid holidays, and state retirement is also available. 

Applications may be picked up at City Hall, Human Resources Department, 300 South Main Street, Mount Airy, NC or through our website at https://www.mountairy.org/172/Human-Resources.  Completed applications can be dropped of at City Hall or emailed to [email protected].   Applicants must complete the City’s application.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The City of Mount Airy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.