Salary : $54,163.20 - $83,969.60 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 26-02594
Department: Utilities
Division: WWWRF
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
DescriptionJoin Our Team as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator!Are you ready to make a splash in your career? At the Town of Cary, we believe our greatest asset is our amazing employees, and we're on the hunt for enthusiastic individuals who want to make a real difference in environmental stewardship and public health. As a Water Reclamation Facility Operator, you'll be a key player in ensuring clean, sustainable water for our community and the environment.
In this exciting role, you'll operate and maintain state-of-the-art water reclamation systems while collaborating with a team that values your creativity and insights. Located at the Western Wake Regional WRF, you'll work a
12-hour shift from midnight to noon (5 days on, 2 off, 2 on, 5 off), which means you'll enjoy plenty of days off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
If you're ready to dive into a position that blends technical expertise with a commitment to service-and a dash of fun-apply now and help us drive Cary toward a greener, brighter future!
Water Reclamation Facility positions are part of our established
career ladder program that provides for the advancement of non-supervisory staff members in eligible positions who demonstrate increasing levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Depending upon the level of attainment in the career ladder, an employee may have lead worker duties over other plant personnel. The minimum certification level is determined by the career ladder criteria.
This position is a "critical position" meaning you are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations, to maintain equipment, operate the facility and/or assist the Department in any capacity necessary to continue Town operations.Anticipated Hiring Range: $54,163- $66,539* Full Salary Range: $54,163- $83,969
*Hiring range varies based on the level of direct experience and possession of certifications, and it may be higher for exceptionally qualified candidates.*
Plant Location:3500 Reclamation Road
New Hill, North Carolina 27562
Come join us at our state-of-the-art facility, where your contributions will help shape a sustainable future!
Typical TasksMakes regular tours of the facility monitoring mechanical and analytical equipment such as Pumps, Generators, Motors, Nutrient Analyzers, Blowers, Digesters, UV Disinfection, Chemical Feed Equipment, and Clarifiers;
Operates sludge thickening facility;
Operates a reclaimed water pump station;
Operates a regional influent pump station;
Generate process trend charts, replenish chemical reagents;
Performs analytical analyses to include pH, TSS, Alkalinity, Settleability, Dissolved Oxygen, Ortho Phosphorus, Fecal Coliforms, Ammonia, Nitrates Total Residual Chlorine, Microscopy and Percent Solids;
Performs biosolids wasting as prescribed by the Facility Operations Supervisor;
Maintains records and reports;
Assists maintenance personnel when needed; performs routine janitorial duties;
Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, and valves to meet changing operational conditions;
Maintains Composite Samplers;
Collects samples for laboratory tests;
Operates and maintains scum thickeners;
Facilitates and monitors biosolids storage and hauling operations;
Monitors security system cameras;
Monitors operation of the plant through the use of specialized computer equipment such as SCADA systems, controls and printers;
Reports maintenance problems to maintenance personnel;
Utilizes Office Suite software, attends meetings virtually, and communicates frequently through MS Teams and email;
Maintains process analyzers, perform calibration and service as prescribed;
Monitors Chemical Feed Systems and makes adjustments as necessary;
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance tasks on assigned wastewater treatment equipment;
Performs other job-related tasks as required.
Physical RequirementsWork in this class is medium to heavy work and may require exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and unpleasant surroundings. An employee must have the physical agility to move about freely including climbing stairs and ladders and crawling into tight spaces. Moderate to heavy lifting is required in performing the work. Visual acuity is necessary to perform paperwork, read gauges, and make repairs. An employee must also be able to hear, talk, and smell.
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesThorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a grade IV water reclamation facility;
Thorough knowledge of electrical and electronic systems;
Thorough knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment;
Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions;
Ability to operate a computer relative to the operation of the plant and troubleshooting malfunctions, and ability to type and work with computers;
Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures;
Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests;
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions;
Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations;
Ability to work in adverse conditions such as heat, cold, rain and unpleasant surroundings;
Skill in the use and care of equipment and hand tools;
Ability to move about freely including climbing stairs/ladders and crawling into tight spaces;
Ability to lift moderate to heavy weights in the performance of work;
Ability to hear, talk and smell;
Must possess visual acuity necessary to read/write paperwork, read gauges, and make repairs;
Minimum and Preferred QualificationsHighschool diploma or GED required.
Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Requires NC Biological Wastewater Operator Grade I certification, or the ability to obtain the certification within 1 year of hire date.
Must live within fifty (50) miles of the facility, and respond within one (1) hour when fulfilling call-back/stand-by duties. Facility locations is 3500 Reclamation Rd New Hill, NC 27562
-Shift work experience is a plus.
-Applicants who possess NC Biological Wastewater Operator Grade I certification (or higher) are preferred.
Conditions of Employment:
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment. Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information. Regular Full-Time EmployeesCary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.
01
Do you have a valid license with an acceptable driving record?
02
Do you have a Grade 1 or higher WW Operator Certification with the State of North Carolina? **If you possess WW Grade 1 or higher, this must be listed in the certifications section of the application
03
If you answered "No," to the previous question, are you willing and able to meet the requirements to obtain such certification within 12 months? If you already possess Grade 1 or higher WW Operator Certification select N/A.
- Yes
- No
- N/A- I have the certification
04
What is your highest completed level of education? Education level selected must be reflected in the application.
- High School/GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- Did not complete HS/GED
05
Do you have experience working in the field of Wastewater? If yes, this experience must be reflected in the work history of your application.
06
Do you have experience working a 12 hour shift? If yes, please explain where you gained this experience in the next question.
07
Explain your experience working a 12 hour shift. **At what company did you work shift? **What was the schedule? If you answered "No," please enter N/A in the box.
08
Do you live within 50 miles, or a 1-hour drive time, of the facility (3500 Reclamation Rd, New Hill, NC)? If not, are you willing to move closer upon hire?
- Yes, I live within this range.
- No, I don't live within this range, and I'm not willing to move closer.
- I don't live within this range, but I'm willing to move if hired.
09
What is it about his job that interests you?
Required Question