OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST III - 40011475

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals delivering essential services that strengthen and support a vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play.

About the role

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist III performs senior-level, skilled and technical work in the operation of the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position ensures regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety, serving as a technical expert, leading troubleshooting efforts, and supporting training and mentorship of junior staff. The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. It serves the southeast portion of Durham County, including areas inside and outside the Durham City limits and the Research Triangle Park. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations and may require rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates preventative and corrective maintenance with Operations & Maintenance staff to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.
• Maintains accurate records, logs, and reports for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
• Leads and participates in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment processes, including influent pumping, primary/secondary treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling.
• Assists in inventory control and procurement of equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly work schedules.
• Coordinates daily and weekly sampling schedules for process control and compliance monitoring.
• Performs process control testing on plant samples.
• Assists in the preparation of required reports.
• Serves as Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) as needed.
• Monitors and adjusts process control parameters using SCADA and field instrumentation.
• Serves as back-up laboratory analyst.
• Provides training and mentorship to Operations & Maintenance staff.
• Participates in emergency response.
• Completes special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Five 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.
• Valid NC Driver’s license and acceptable three-year driving history.
• Grade IV NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Skills

• General knowledge of principles, procedures, and techniques used in wastewater treatment facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analyses.
• Strong communication, organizational, and team leadership skills.
• 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.

Physical demands

• Work involves standing, walking, and climbing stairs regularly.
• Use of hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work environment

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and vibrations.
• Work around toxic and hazardous chemicals.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Risk of electrical shock.

Pay

$55,366 - $88,000 annually. This position qualifies for a $6,000 sign-on bonus.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. May require rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response as needed.