Water Plant Operator (Trainee - Operator 3)

Water Plant Operator (Trainee - Operator 3)

Salary

$38,078.51 - $85,728.46 Annually

Location

Water Supply Plant, 117 Frontier Way, Jacksonville, NC

Job Type

Regular - Full Time

Job Number

FY27-00005

Department

Public Services

Division

Water Supply

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/29/2026 7:30 AM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Definition of Work

The City of Jacksonvilles Water Plant is looking for a Plant Operator. This posting is open to the following:

Plant Operator Trainee, Operator I & Operator II

Performs intermediate semiskilled work assisting in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Water Plant Lead Operator.

or

Plant Operator III

Performs difficult skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of a water or wastewater treatment plant; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Lead Operator.

• Water Treatment Plant Operators typically work a rotating shift (8 AM to 4 PM / 4 PM to 12 AM / 12 AM to 8 AM). Rotating from four weeks of days, two weeks of evenings, then seven days on nights. *

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

Plant Operator Trainee/Operator I

Operating a utility plant and performing general plant and grounds maintenance tasks. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Makes unsupervised tours of Nano-filtration plant and well field sites for spot checks on all engines, generators, pumps, tanks, filters, membrane train's and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Learns to operate the computer control water system (SCADA) and monitors the wastewater alarm system.
• When instructed, can start up and shut down pumps as necessary to regulate system flow and pressure.
• Collects and records data on wells, pumps, tanks and chemicals.
• Checks and reports to senior duty operator chemical tank levels.
• Takes readings from all plant/well field meters and instruments and records on computer operational logs.
• Assists in the collection samples of water distribution samples.
• Performs supervised maintenance and lubrication on equipment.
• Aids in and performs scheduled and emergency operations as needed.
• Performs general custodial and grounds maintenance work.
• Answers after hour telephone calls for other utility operators.
• Answers after-hours emergency utility telephone calls.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Plant Operator II & III

• Makes tours of plant and checks engines, generators, pumps, aerators, tanks, filters, clarifiers and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Operates the computer control water system and monitors the wastewater alarm system.
• Starts up and shuts down pumps as necessary to regulate system flow and pressure.
• Collects, records and analyzes data on wells, pumps, tanks and chemicals.
• Operates and monitors spray irrigation facility.
• Skims grease from settling tanks, cleans sludge from drying beds, cleans barscreens, checks chemical tanks and fills with required chemicals.
• Records reading from meters and instruments, maintains records on plant operations.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Collects samples of water and wastewater effluent, performs minor laboratory tests.
• Performs minor maintenance and lubrication on equipment.
• Performs scheduled and emergency operations as needed.
• Performs general custodial and grounds maintenance work.
• Answers after hour telephone calls for other utility operators.
• Answers after-hours emergency utility telephone calls.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Required Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Possession of an appropriate drivers license valid in the State of North Carolina.

Physical Requirements:

This is heavy work occasionally requiring the exertion to move a 275lbs cylinder by hand. Occasionally requiring exertion to move a 500lbs drum with a special drum hand truck. Climbing in/out of the back of a large truck and using a truck lift gate. Also requires the exertion up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm's length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils and wearing a respirator. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

Plant Operator Trainee

Must obtain a C-Well Water Plant Operators certificate within 18 months of employment. Preferred 6 months experience in the operation of a water treatment plant.

• The starting salary is expected to be in the range of $38, 078.51 - $49,502.06 depending on qualifications, education, and experience.*

Plant Operator I

Possession a of C-Well Water Plant Operators certificate or Grade I Wastewater Operator and Spray Irrigation Operator certificates.

• The starting salary is expected to be in the range of $41,981.56 - $54,576.02 depending on qualifications, education, and experience.*

Plant Operator II

Possession of B Well Water Plant Operator or Grade I Wastewater Operator and Spray Irrigation Operator certificates.

• The starting salary is expected to be in the range of $48,598.90 - $63,178.57 depending on qualifications, education, and experience.*

Plant Operator III

Must have acquired a State A-Well certification or Grade I Wastewater Certification. Must have state Physical/Chemical I certification. Must be capable of responsibility of Plant Operator Responsible in Charge (ORC).

• The starting salary is expected to be in the range of $53,580.29 - $69,654.37 depending on qualifications, education, and experience.*

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Possess the ability to learn the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant, basic knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations, general knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions, ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, ability to read meters and charts accurately, some skill in the use and care of hand tools.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, religion, or disabilities unrelated to the essential function of the position.

The City of Jacksonville offers a comprehensive benefits package to all eligible employees. Find out more about the benefits of working with the City.

01

Do you possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED / Vocational School Certificate
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the Above

03

What certifications do you currently possess

• C Well Water Plant Operator or Grade I Wastewater Operator and Spray Irrigation Operator certificates
• B Well Water Plant Operator or Grade I Wastewater Operator and Spray Irrigation Operator certificates
• State A-Well certification or Grade 1 Wastewater Certification
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer City of Jacksonville NC

Address 815 New Bridge Street

PO Box 128

Jacksonville, North Carolina, 28541

Phone 910-938-5386

910-938-5837

Website https://jacksonvillenc.gov/jobs