Water Treatment Plant Operator

For doers and makers seeking a well‑rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality. Hickory, North Carolina, is a three‑time All‑America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte.

More than 45,000 residents call Hickory their home, the hub of a 365,000‑metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums, and gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out  for a virtual, interactive tour of the area, and  for a web portal all about Hickory and Life.

Well Crafted.

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non‑job‑related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post‑offer functional prework screen and a drug screen.

This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check.

First shift schedule 6 am-2 pm Monday‑Friday with rotating 12‑hour weekends (6 am‑6 pm or 6 pm‑6 am) as well as possible holidays.

• Start or stop pumps.
• Adjust chemical feed dosages.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory tests on PH, chlorine residuals, turbidities, etc.
• Backwash filters.
• Operate decant valves.
• Conduct minor repairs to equipment and assist in plant cleaning.
• Perform a variety of routine water quality lab tests; work closely with the lab in the testing process.
• Monitor plant on networked computer systems.
• Make rounds; monitor plant equipment, feed systems, chemical levels, and distribution tank levels; monitor pressure for firefighting integrity and backflow prevention on a SCADA system.
• Monitor lake levels and flows; collect and analyze water samples from plant water streams.
• Accept bulk liquid chemical loads from vendors; fill chemical tanks; add chemicals to feeders; monitor flow rates and volumes for chemical feeds.
• Wash filters at prescribed times and according to state guidelines.
• Maintain lab chemicals used in daily analysis; perform minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Maintain plant logs and records, update logbooks, computer records, charts, and chemical logs.
• Perform or assist in plant maintenance tasks.
• Perform housekeeping duties.
• Answer the telephone; receive calls from vendors and customers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• After‑hours work is required as necessary during emergencies, inclement weather and other times as necessary.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid NC Class C driver’s license; minimum age of 18.
• Availability to work any shift, including holidays.
• Minimum of a Grade C:
  Surface Water Certification from the NC Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification.
• Experience in a surface water plant.
• Coursework in Chemistry or Biology.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a state license for water treatment.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant specifications, equipment and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants.
• Knowledge of water quality lab testing procedures.
• Skill in collection of water samples and performance of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential…