OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST I- 40005578, 40010703

Operations & Maintenance Specialist I

The Operations & Maintenance Specialist I position is responsible for performing routine skilled and technical work in the operation of sewage treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment in the County-owned Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position plays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency, and environmental safety.

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27701

Company: Durham County

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations through direct observation, and through SCADA system.
• Assist with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at TWWTP facility; monitors plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes process control lab samples; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
• Adjust valves, gates, and pumps either manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets the meter and gauge readings and test results to determine load requirements.
• Starts, adjusts speed, and stops pumps, brush aerators, mixers, control flow and maximize treatment efficiency through screening, grit removal, anaerobic treatment, anoxic treatment, aerobic treatment, chemical polishing, filtering and disinfection processes.
• Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation, and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and verifies records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Completes minor predictive and preventative maintenance work on all plant equipment.
• Completes laboratory process control testing.
• Collects sewage samples.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, laboratory operations, wastewater system inspection, or related experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable three-year driving history for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must possess a Grade I NC Biological Water Pollution Control Operator certification.

Physical Demands:

• 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 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• 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.

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 properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job.
• 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.

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.

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.

Durham County Government