OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST I- 40005578

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our 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.

This position qualifies for a $6,000.00 sign-on bonus to fully qualified candidates, upon completion of probationary period.

This position requires shift work to provide continual coverage at the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant. Shift assignments are set to fulfill the needs of the utility and are subject to change or be rotational at the discretion of the Utility Supervisor.

About the role

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist I position is responsible for performing routine skilled and technical work in the operation of sewage treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment in 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.

Responsibilities

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation and through SCADA system.
• Assists with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjusts valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, controls flow and maximizes treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering, and disinfection processes.
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must possess a Grade I NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Physical Demands

• Performs work that involves standing, walking, and climbing stairs regularly.
• Uses hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reaches with hands and arms.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

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.

Pay

$44,682 - $70,000

Schedule

Full-Time, 40 hrs/week, Non-Exempt. May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.