Water Treatment Plant Operator III

Location: Hampstead

Salary : $58,593.00 - $93,748.00 Annually
Location : NC, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20-00221
Department: Public Utilities Department
Division: Public Utilities
Opening Date: 02/26/2026
Closing Date: 3/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Purpose

Hiring Range: $58.593 - $64,452
The Water Treatment Plant Operator performs difficult technical and administrative tasks alongside the Water Treatment Plant Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), supervising the operation and maintenance of a water treatment system under the guidelines issued by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. This position requires work during the week, on weekends, on holidays, and some nights. This is a 40-hour-per-week non-exempt position.
Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the Town.

• Assists in the development and implementation of the division's annual maintenance plan and budget.
• Continuously assesses training requirements for the division.
• Prepares and maintains required reports and files.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, town, and department regulations and policies.
• Consults with supervisor and advises as to the status of operations and repair activities.
• Uses sound judgment in making decisions.
• Coordinates with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies as required.
• Maintains adequate chlorination at all times.
• Makes adjustments to wells and tanks to maintain proper flow of water.
• Makes well field runs to check pump draw downs, proper operation of motors, pumps, valves, and other equipment.
• Schedules sample collection.
• Collects water samples and delivers them to the laboratory.
• Performs routine laboratory tests, such as PH, Total Chlorine, Chlorine Residual, Monochloramine, Free and Total Ammonia, Iron, Hardness, and Phosphate.
• Troubleshoots problem areas in the water supply system.
• Assists in the repair of pumps, motors, valves, chlorinators, and small engines.
• Investigates customer complaints.
• Handles all after-hours calls, both emergency and non-emergency, for the Town's water systems.
• Maintains records on water usage and well activity.
• Operates SCADA system to control and monitor water supply, monitor wastewater pumping station activity, and the land treatment system.
• Works irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications & KSA's

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Associate's degree in wastewater science, treatment systems, water collection systems, or related field and three (3) years of experience in the public utilities field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.
Licenses and Professional Certifications

• Valid NC Driver's License
• NC Commercial Driver's License (preferred)
• Class B-Well North Carolina Water Plant Operator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant and spray irrigation system; hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations; installation and repair of irrigation piping; computer applications; occupational hazards of the work; necessary safety precautions; and the use and care of hand tools.
Skilled in detecting flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determining proper remedial measures; understanding and following moderately complex oral and written instructions; reading meters and charts accurately; maintaining records of operations; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
ICS/NIMS course minimums required for all employees include FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800. Additionally, employees assigned middle and upper-level responsibilities within incident operations may also be required to complete additional follow-on courses deemed necessary by Emergency Management and Human Resources staff. Ability to represent the Town in a professional and respectful manner while interacting with a diverse set of individuals within the workplace and the community.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Working Conditions
Employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions, including lighting, temperature, and noise in an open-floor-plan office environment. Employee is also exposed to outdoor conditions and may be frequently exposed to weather elements, including rain, wind, and varying temperatures. In addition, the employee must effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials, fumes and smoke, intense heat, electrical hazards, confined or high work places, dangerous…