Posted: Sep 26, 2025
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Water Plant Operator

Morehead City - Morehead City, NC
Full-time
Salary: $53,429.00 - $74,801.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Oct 29, 2025
Construction/Utilities/Contracting

MOREHEAD CITY is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Water Plant Operator

 

This position performs intermediate technical work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a water and/or wastewater treatment plant. The Operator assists with planning and scheduling activities, conducts daily inspections, and ensures plant equipment is in proper working order. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Chief Water Plant Operator or Water and Sewer Superintendent. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

 

Essential Duties Include (but are not limited to):

  • Performing daily inspections of the plant for proper operation, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • Monitoring gauges, meters, control panels, and recording operational data.
  • Regulating and adjusting pumps, blowers, motors, valves, and other equipment to meet operating conditions.
  • Assisting with maintenance, operation, and repair of plant equipment and facilities.
  • Consulting with the Chief Water Plant Operator on equipment repairs and plant activities.
  • Collecting and verifying water samples; assisting with laboratory analyses as needed.
  • Preparing and maintaining records of plant operations.
  • Cleaning and servicing pumps, motors, and related equipment.
  • Maintaining inventories of lubricants, spare parts, and maintenance items.
  • Preparing and obtaining quotes for maintenance and safety supplies.
  • Performing general building and grounds maintenance duties.
  • Serving as backup for the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC).
  • Performing other duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

 

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

  • General knowledge of water treatment plant operations and maintenance requirements.
  • Understanding hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to treatment processes.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
  • Skill in the use and care of hand tools.
  • Ability to detect flaws in mechanical equipment operation and determine corrective measures.
  • Ability to read meters and charts accurately and maintain detailed records.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, and the public.

 

Education and Experience:

  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • One to three years of experience in water sampling or related chemical and mechanical principles, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Position Details:

This is a full-time, on-site position requiring frequent standing, walking, and hands-on equipment operation. The work involves occasional lifting up to 100 pounds, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and working near mechanical equipment, chemicals, and high-noise environments. Specialized protective equipment may be required.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Possession of B-Well, A-Distribution, Cross-Connection, and Physical/Chemical I certifications.
  • Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required.

 

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $53,429-$74,801. Placement within range will depend upon a candidates successful qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package available at: https://moreheadcitync.org/246/Employee-Benefits

 

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and City application at: https://moreheadcitync.org/247/Employment-Application

Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at [email protected]. Morehead City is an equal opportunity employer. The City reserves the right to consider only applicants meeting the minimum qualifications.

 

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled / EOE

 

Disclaimer 

This position announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job.  Morehead City reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.