Full Time Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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DEPARTMENT:
County Engineering
DATE POSTED:
July 27, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
Until Filled
HIRING RANGE:
$54,312 - $82,000
POSITION NUMBER:
40009725
JOB TYPE:
Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week, Non-Exempt
*THIS POSTING IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE WITHOUT NOTIFICATION*
**THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS TO FULLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, UPON COMPLETION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD**
***NOTE: This position is subject to work a rotating on-call schedule to meet the needs of the utility.***
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Performs responsible, skilled, and technical work in the maintenance and repair of equipment for County-owned utilities consisting of Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant, associated wastewater collection system, reuse water system, and water system.
This position is subject to work a rotating on-call schedule to meet the needs of the utility.
Work is performed under regular supervision of the Utility Supervisor.
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.
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.

• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Assists the supervisor in maintaining the computerized maintenance system and in prioritizing and scheduling work.
• Maintains work orders, equipment logs and other documentation.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, maintains and/or calibrates mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, air compressors, sensors and telemetry equipment, ultraviolet light disinfection equipment, flow meters, and generators.
• Maintains a safe workplace.
• Assists in monitoring pump stations and inspecting sewer lines and manholes.
• Assists with cleanup and repair of sanitary sewer spills.
• Performs various electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and painting tasks as needed.
• Performs wastewater treatment operator duties when necessary.
• Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC) of the collection system.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• General knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• General knowledge of the use of hand and power tools.
• General knowledge of lift stations.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment.
• Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work.
• Skilled in the use of computers.
• Skilled in oral and written communication and the ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience in municipal wastewater maintenance or industrial maintenance.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Must possess and maintain a valid NC Driver's license with an acceptable three-year driving history.

• Required Grade II Collection Certification issued by NC Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification Commission

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS:

• Prefer Grade I Biological Certification issued by NC Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification Commission.
• Prefer NC One Water Maintenance Technologist 1 Certification.

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

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
Unavoidable hazards refer to job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to: Loud environment.
• Exposed to hazards such as electrical, chemicals, and untreated raw sewage/biological pathogens.
• Subject to roadway traffic based on the location of a spill or complaint.
• Bright/dim light; Dust and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Animals/Wildlife/Natural hazards such as snakes, insects, poisonous plants, etc.
• Fumes and/or noxious odors.

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.