Position Available with the City of Marion:

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Type: Water Treatment Plant Operator (Full-Time)

Hiring Range: $34,966 - $38,463, depending upon experience and qualifications.

The City offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance; enrollment in the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System; a 5% employer contribution to a supplemental retirement plan with no required employee match; paid holidays; and paid time off.

Posted Date: 06/11/2024

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

Location: City of Marion Water Treatment Plant, 801 Old Greenlee Road, Marion, NC 28752

Contact Person: Ben Worley, Treatment Plant Superintendent, 828-652-2428

Job Summary:

The City’s Water Treatment Plant is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drinking water intake and storage facilities within the City of Marion and performs all requirement treatment processes and testing on drinking water as required by State and Federal law. We are seeking candidates with water treatment plant experience and a North Carolina Grade C Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification or the ability to obtain the certification within twelve months of hire date.

Detailed Description of Duties:

This position performs responsible operational, laboratory, and maintenance functions in a water treatment plant. General duties include performing a variety of operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties designed to provide safe treatment of potable drinking water. Work is performed on an assigned or rotating shift. Work includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings and the results of standard chemical tests and making necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Other duties include performing standard laboratory duties and tests and assisting with plant and facilities maintenance. Work also includes substantial recordkeeping of work activities.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

§ Conducts regular tours of plant to make sure plant is operating properly.

§ Monitors plant processes through the computerized operational control.

§ Collects water samples from various sources and stages in the treatment processes.

§ Records data from various meters, gauges and dials; logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities at designated intervals.

§ Performs standard laboratory tests.

§ During major storms or other emergencies, makes assessment of the conditions and takes corrective actions accordingly; notifies supervisor according to standards.

§ Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; makes routine inspections and makes minor mechanical repairs or adjustments; assists on major maintenance and repairs.

§ Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.

§ Performs routine building and grounds maintenance including mowing, cleaning and painting; adds and changes oil in motors and gear boxes; clears debris from raw water intakes and storage tanks.

§ Analyzes plant performance and makes chemical feed and other adjustments consistent with supervisory guidelines; back washes filters.

§ May open the plant and set up lab for samples; turns on valves, pumps and chemical feeds; turns pumps on and off depending on water levels at the tank and in the clear wells.

§ May conduct tours of plant operations for school groups and other organizations.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines:

Interested candidates will be assessed on the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

§ Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of water treatment plants.

§ Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.

§ Working knowledge of the hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.

§ Some knowledge of standard laboratory tests and procedures used in a water treatment plant.

§ Some knowledge of chemistry and ability to perform mathematical calculations.

§ Working knowledge of the use of computers to record data, prepare reports, and operate plant equipment.

§ Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations.

§ Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.

§ Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.

§ Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.

§ 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 coworkers and superiors.

Minimal Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

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

§ Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

§ NC Grade C Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire date.

How to Apply:

Email completed City of Marion Employment Application to: Kathleen Nolan (knolan@marionnc.org) or Tammy Flowers (trose@marionnc.org)

Applications can be found online at marionnc.org/jobs or by calling Human Resources at 828-652-3551, ext. 316.

The City of Marion is an equal opportunity employer.