Chief Wastewater Plant Operator

The Johnston County Public Utilities Department has an immediate opening for a Chief Wastewater Plant Operator. Located in the eastern half of North Carolina and part of the Research Triangle Region, Johnston County is part of the fastest growing region of the state. Johnston County is the fastest growing county in the state with a population of 216,000 residents. Hiring salary range is commensurate with experience and excellent benefits package available. Benefits include: -Health -Dental -Vision -Retirement -401k -Paid holidays -Sick leave/ Vacation leave & more Please note: Final candidates subject to pre-employment drug screen and background check (includes motor vehicle records). *Please document all work history relevant to the position for which you are applying. Determination of qualifying for the position and salary may be based on years of experience listed on the application itself, not in supplemental documents attached. Failure to document complete work history may affect qualification determination and salary. Electronic applications cannot be amended once submitted.An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials. Work involves analyzing laboratory results and effecting changes in the chemical and biological processes of the plant. The employee supervises the plant in the absence of the supervisor and may participate in hiring, training, insuring safety, assigning employees to shifts, approving leave, and providing technical guidance. Work also involves establishing and maintaining a variety of records on the computer and reviewing the records of other staff. The employee is subject to hazards associated with treatment 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, and oils. The employee may be required to wear a respirator when changing chlorine tanks. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Treatment Plant Supervisor and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices, and to effectiveness of the plant staff. -Reviews laboratory and operator reports of plant operations and laboratory analysis; determines when and what adjustments are needed in the chemical and/or biological processes to meet safe drinking water standards or permitted levels for discharge; recommends, performs, or instructs the changes. -Schedules workers for coverage of plant operations; participates in the hiring process; trains new employees and coordinates in service training; inspects work; provides employee performance coaching. -Insures that facilities and practices comply with all safety regulations. -Prepares operator guidelines and standards practices; participates in plant operations, maintenance, and laboratory analysis. -Prepares preventive maintenance schedules for plant equipment and facilities; insures that proper maintenance occurs and is documented in maintenance records. -Participates in major and minor repairs to plant equipment and facilities. Analyzes sludge volume and determines waste rate; communicates instructions to plant operators. -Assists with preparation of plant budget request; orders parts and supplies using the requisition system; monitors budget expenditures. -May serve as back up operator in responsible charge.Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics of water or wastewater treatment plants. Thorough knowledge of biological, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to treatment plant operations and standard laboratory methods. Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions. Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements. Considerable knowledge of the maintenance requirements of plant equipment and facilities. Working knowledge of personnel policies, and supervisory principles and effective techniques. Working knowledge of municipal budgeting and purchasing policies and practices. Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures. Ability to conduct laboratory test. Ability to provide clear instructions, train, motivate and review the performance of employees. Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory officials, other employees and the general public. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, and observe moving parts of machines, to operate a computer terminal, and to record and review written records.Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a community college with a degree in chemistry or biology and considerable experience in the operation and maintenance a water or wastewater treatment plant. Possession of a Wastewater Operator's Grade IV level certificate from the State of North Carolina.

Salary : $49,470 - $84,099