Wastewater Plant Operator

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 605 Fremont Street Burgaw
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026--0715
Department: PUBLIC UTILITIES
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 8/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Definition of Work


Pender County is seeking a certified and experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for our 0.5 MGD wastewater treatment plant. A positive attitude and great plant operation skills are needed to complete our team. Come join our talented staff in beautiful coastal southeastern North Carolina in our service to the community in providing wastewater services, as well as potable drinking water to areas from the Cape Fear River all the way over to the US 17 corridor next to the Intercoastal Waterway in Hampstead. Our plant treats wastewater from the Pender Commerce Park and is located off US 421 near the county line. We have a great training and certification program to ensure that you can further your career and are rewarded for getting additional NC certifications, and we are working on multiple projects to improve and expand our water and wastewater systems. We prefer to have someone with a current NC Grade I or II biological wastewater operator certification but will consider other experience. Additional certifications in the wastewater and water fields are a plus. Thanks for your consideration, and we look forward to having you join our team.
Essential Functions


DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Operates and maintains wastewater treatment equipment ensuring compliance with regulatory agency requirements; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
• Collects samples for certified laboratory tests of wastewater effluent.
• Adjusts equipment, samplers, and controls as necessary to maintain optimum system performance.
• Monitors influent levels and makes flow rate changes to meet system demands.
• Cleans wet wells and operates pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment process.
• Monitors process control system to maintain quality and effective treatment processes.
• Maintains records and prepares a variety of reports for regulatory agencies concerning wastewater treatment operations.
• On-call for emergency response.
• Yard maintenance and custodial duties.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience


High school diploma or GED required and a minimum of one year of experience in operating a North Carolina wastewater treatment plant preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina is required. Possession of a minimum North Carolina Grade I Biological Wastewater Operator Certification is preferred.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a minimum NC Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate. Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina

Or obtain NC Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate during probationary period.
There are a wide variety of benefits available to eligible Pender County employees. These benefits include: health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending account, retirement program, 401(k) program, deferred compensation program, credit union membership and an employee assistance program.

Pender County Benefits Overview can be viewed