Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

About the role

Charlotte's local government, with more than 9,000 employees and a total budget of $3.65 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone - a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Charlotte Water is an enterprise department of the City of Charlotte and one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in the southeast with over 330,000 customer accounts and over 1100 employees. Our service area includes the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville. Charlotte Water's FY 26 budget is $651 million and a five-year capital program of $2.2.28 billion. We enjoy the highest credit ratings from Moody's and S&P Global as a result of sound financial planning and management and strong support from our City Council. We value competent, skilled candidates with a customer service focus to work in a team environment. SALARY: $24.00 Hourly WORK LOCATION: Irwin WWTP 4000 Westmont Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217 WORK SCHEDULE: Wednesday / 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM Thursday / 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM Friday / 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM Saturday / 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM JOB SUMMARY: This position assists in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Work involves working an assigned shift at the plant; learning from other operators about plant equipment and/or processes; and assisting with monitoring equipment and processes for proper operations. This position follows safety rules and protocols; maintains records; and makes rounds of the specific process or processes assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs process control activities by collecting, testing, and analyzing process control samples; analyzing biological bacteria; conducting settle-ability tests; collecting composite samples; monitoring sludge blanket levels; using automatic samplers for permit compliance; and running additional tests as needed to ensure proper process control. Monitors SCADA computer workstations for plant equipment and process conditions; maintains flows and loading by continuously monitoring dissolved oxygen, MLSS, return activated sludge rates, ammonia levels, suspended solids levels, alkalinity levels, chlorine residuals, UV dosage, wasting rates, raw sludge flows, digester temperatures and levels, chemical feed rates, methane gas pressure and flows, and other process indicators. Operates the plant by: inspecting a wide range of various wastewater equipment for noise, vibration, and any abnormal operating characteristics; performing minor maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks; adjusting flows and chemical feed rates; completing rounds and recording operational data; monitoring SCADA data for daily trends; operating various type pumping systems, aeration systems, bar screens, grit systems, sand filters, Belt Filter Press, Gravity Belt Thickeners, and other plant equipment; briefing other operators at shift change; and assisting maintenance staff with shut down and startup of equipment. Performs administrative and housekeeping duties by: reading and studying the plant O&M manuals and SOP's; participating in hands-on training; maintaining daily log entries; completing required housekeeping tasks; completing monthly safety checks; and obtaining a Grade I Wastewater Operator license. Conducts interactions involving exchange and receipt of information. Updates database information; collects data; and maintains records. Performs other related job duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or GED from an accredited school. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Desires Grade I Wastewater Operator license. Requires NC Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within one year of hire). Requires NC Grade II Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within two years of hire). Requires NC Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within four years of hire). Requires NC Grade IV Wastewa