Operations & Maintenance Specialist I

*THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS TO FULLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, UPON COMPLETION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist I position is responsible for performing routine skilled and technical work in the operation of sewage treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment in the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety. 

The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. The TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County.  The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States. 

Work is performed under regular supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations according to set procedures and is subject to working rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.

For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

•  Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation, and through SCADA system.
• Assist with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets the meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, control flow and maximize treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering and disinfection processes. 
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

•  Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation, and through SCADA system.
• Assist with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets the meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, control flow and maximize treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering and disinfection processes. 
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. 
• Must possess a Grade I NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.