Under direct supervision, the Water-Wastewater Operator I performs routine tasks related to the operation of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, assists with maintaining plant compliance with EPA standards and state water Commission, performs general cleaning of grounds and buildings, and ensures plant safety and sanitary requirements.

Work Location: This role is based at our Newland, NC office.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $23.17/hr - $30.12/hr
• Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.
• 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
• Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
• Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

What You'll Do

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Water-Wastewater Operator I is responsible for:

• Operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater treatment equipment, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental protection limits.
• Monitoring and sampling well and groundwater upon entry to the system. Adjusting treatment levels when below-standard variances are detected. Sampling water prior to exiting system.
• Detecting and reporting atypical conditions, such as: damaged, malfunctioning and tampered meters, detecting and reporting leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring and other safety hazards.
• Conducting ongoing repairs to equipment, or shuts down equipment for more extensive maintenance and repair, activating alternate equipment as needed. Requesting services of outside maintenance vendor for major repairs and overhauls.
• Activating pumps, valves and other processing equipment to move water through various treatment processes. Disposing of waste materials removed from water in line with Company procedures and government controls.
• Assisting Lead Operator with emergency procedures in the event of overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water. Following safety protocols.
• Adding chemicals to water by predetermined formula. Advising Lead Operator when minimum inventory levels of these materials have been reached.
• Reading and interpreting meters and gauges on central control panel, or at individual machines or stages in the treatment process. Adjusting controls as needed. Retrieving computer reports on treatment process.
• Preparing reports and maintains logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and all other recordkeeping requirements; maintaining various Company records and other reports as required by the state.
• Back-washing filters and basins; handling chlorine in a safe, effective manner; assuring proper working order of chlorine-related equipment.
• Cleaning and maintaining treatment plant, pumping stations and wells; prepares and paints equipment, walls and floors.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to Company policies and standards.
• Maintaining a safe working environment and reports safety concerns to Area Manager.
• Constant, independent travel daily between worksites on Company time.
• Must work On-Call in rotation as scheduled; responds to emergency situations as required.
• Completing facility and vehicle inspections, along with related follow-up.
• Assisting with repairs of water/wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• Forwarding customer inquiries on to Operator II or Lead Operator.
• Demonstrating continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless utility service.
• Ensuring that facilities and grounds are kept clean and orderly and comply with Company standards.
• May install and read water meters.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Experience and Education

• HS Diploma or GED

• 2 – 4 years mechanical experience, including at least 1 year specializing in chemical treatment of water and/or wastewater and/or a minimum of 1 year in water and/or wastewater utility field with experience in the operation and maintenance of ground-water supplied water systems and associated distribution system.

• Current first-level operator license per state regulation, or ability to attain within 1 year of employment; may be in the process of obtaining second-level license.

• Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read meters, charts and gauges and accurately maintain records of plant operations.
• Ability to read and comprehend written technical information and to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or analyze data.
• Ability to perform mathematical equations to determine chemical doses required for flow rates and proper treatment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a plant environment with moderate to heavy physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair. This role may encompass multiple plants with travel required within service area. This role may include weekend scheduling; on-call, emergency call duty and paid overtime may be required.