Water Treatment Plant Operator 1
Salary
$41,379.17 Annually
Location
Hickory, NC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
200-01276
Department
PS Water Plant
Opening Date
04/23/2026
Closing Date
5/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Depends on Qualifications
Yes
Description
For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.
Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 45,000 residents call Hickory their home, the hub of a 365,000-metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums, and gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out www.myHKY.com for a virtual, interactive tour of the area, and www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and Life. Well Crafted.
Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.
All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check.
First shift schedule 6 am-2 pm Monday-Friday with rotating 12-hour weekends (6 am-6 pm or 6 pm-6 am) as well as possible holidays.
This position conducts operational responsibilities such as starting or stopping pumps, adjusting chemical feed dosages, collecting samples and performing laboratory tests on PH, chlorine residuals, turbidities, etc., backwashing filters, operating decant valves, conducting minor repairs to equipment and assisting in plant cleaning.
The preferred applicant will possess a minimum of a Grade C: Surface Water Certification from the NC Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification and have experience in a surface water plant and should possess some coursework in Chemistry or Biology.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and possess a minimum of a valid NC Class "C" drivers license. Minimum age of 18. Must be available to work any shift. Must be available to work on holidays.
Major Duties
Performs a variety of routine water quality lab tests; works closely with the lab in the testing process.
Monitors plant on networked computer systems.
Makes rounds; monitors plant equipment, feed systems, chemical levels, and distribution tank levels; monitors pressure for firefighting integrity and backflow prevention on a SCADA system; monitors lake levels and flows; collects and analyzes water samples from plant water streams.
Accepts bulk liquid chemical loads from vendors; fills chemical tanks; adds chemicals to feeders; monitors flow rates and volumes for chemical feeds.
Washes filters at prescribed times and according to state guidelines.
Maintains lab chemicals used in daily analysis; perform minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
Maintains plant logs and records, updates logbooks, computer records, charts, and chemical logs.
Performs or assists in plant maintenance tasks.
Performs housekeeping duties.
Answers the telephone; receives calls from vendors and customers.
After-hours work is required as necessary during emergencies, inclement weather and other times as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Qualifications
Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
Possession of or ability to obtain a state license for water treatment.
Knowledge of water treatment plant specifications, equipment and operating procedures.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants.
Knowledge of water quality lab testing procedures.
Skill in collection of water samples and the performance of laboratory tests and analyses.
Skill in performing mathematical computations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Supplemental Information
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for long periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; perform repetitive horizontal push/pull of 50 pounds of force positioned at 36 inches; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee must frequently lift and carry 50 pounds, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to sit. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third-party specialist.
SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office, laboratory, or water treatment plant. The employee may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:
01
Describe your skills and/or experience as it relates to this advertised position.
02
Are you willing to work any shift which includes 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift along with holidays and weekends?
03
Do you possess a Surface Water Certification and if so which one?
Required Question
Employer City of Hickory
Address 76 North Center Street
PO Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina, 28603
Phone 828-323-7421
Website http://hickorync.gov/employment