OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST III - 40011475

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DEPARTMENT:	County Engineering
DATE POSTED :	June 09, 2026
CLOSING DATE :	Open Until Filled
HIRING RANGE:	$55,366 - $88,000
POSITION NUMBER:	40011475
JOB TYPE:	Full-Time, 40 hrs/week, Non-Exempt

*THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000 SIGN ON BONUS*

** THIS POSITION MAY BE ON A ROTATING SCHEDULE**

***THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE AT ANYTIME.***

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist III position is responsible for performing senior-level, skilled and technical work in the operation of the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety. Serves as a technical expert, leads troubleshooting efforts, and supports training and mentorship of junior staff.

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. The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States.

Work is performed under regular supervision of the Utility Supervisor of Operations according to set procedures and is subject to working rotating shifts to provide continual coverage of the wastewater treatment plant.

For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Coordinates preventative and corrective maintenance with Operations & Maintenance specialist and 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 process 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 adjust 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.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.

• Thorough knowledge of chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of wastewater.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.

• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

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

• Five (5) 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.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess a valid NC Driver’s license and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Must possess a Grade IV NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs work that involves standing, walking, and climbing the stairs regularly; use hands and fingers, to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• 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.

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.