Water Plant Operator

Employees in this position are responsible for maintaining and repairing the machines, equipment and processes used to treat and distribute drinking water at the University’s Water Treatment Facility. Employees are responsible for operating a variety of equipment, collecting samples, performing tests, keeping records, conducting hourly rounds of the plant, performing continual checks of plant processes, cleaning settling basins, backwashing filters and managing any water quality issues that arise. Operators in this position are required to read and interpret data to make sure that plant equipment and processes are working properly, regulate chemical-feeding devices, take samples of the water, perform chemical and biological laboratory analysis on water samples from different treatment processes, and make adjustments to those water treatment processes as needed.

Operators are responsible for the maintenance of the facility, including, but not limited to, the maintenance and repairs of pumps, valves and piping; minor electrical and general plumbing repairs; and all housekeeping duties.

The operation of the water plant requires shift work. This position will primarily be for the 7:00 am to 3:00 pm shift, but the employee will be required to cover the 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm shift when the operator is off. Weekend and holiday work is required on a rotating basis. Additional hours outside the normal operating schedule may be required, when necessary, at the directive of the supervisor.

WCU Water Plant Operators are considered essential employees because the water supply must be continually maintained, even during inclement weather events. Operators may be responsible for additional duties, when necessary, as required by the supervisor.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

 

• Certification and Licensure: Class C Surface Water Operator Certification issued by the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board, or ability to obtain it within 8 months of employment, and Class B Surface Water Operator Certification, or ability to obtain it within 2 years of employment. Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Plant Operations and Technical Skills: Ability to follow all standard operating procedures, pay close attention to detail, and recognize and correct operational problems. Basic computer skills.
• Safety and Physical Demands: Alertness to safety and security conditions. Ability to perform medium to heavy physically demanding work at times, including lifting 50 pounds on a regular, recurring basis.
• Dependability and Availability: Ability to work well independently and consistently through the entire shift, and to report to work in a variety of weather conditions, including snow and ice.
• Communication and Teamwork: Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, other water plant operators, shop personnel, contractors and the campus community, and to work cohesively as a team member supporting co-workers and supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Experience in water/waste water treatment operations preferred. Requires certification(s) or ability to obtain them.

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35886

Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).