OPERATION & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST II - 40008959

General Description

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist II position is responsible for performing, as lead, routine skilled and technical work in the operation of the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety. The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. The TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County. The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States. Work is performed under supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations according to set procedures and is subject to working rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors and adjust process control parameters of wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation of field instrumentation and using the SCADA system.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps to regulate flow or chemical feed rates.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Perform operations to maximize treatment efficiency through influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling.
• Maintains accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
• Completes minor preventative and corrective maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Collects and analyzes process control samples to ensure proper treatment. Reports those results to management and make needed process changes and/or chemical adjustments.
• Serves as Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• General knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
• General knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analyses.
• Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, CMMS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Two (2) years of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience with two years in a lead or supervisory role.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid NC Driver's license and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must possess a Grade III NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs work that involves standing, walking, and climbing the stairs regularly; use hands and fingers, to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibrations.
• Involves working around toxic and hazardous chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposed to fumes and airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Risk of electrical shock.