Reclaim Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $54,163.20 - $83,969.60 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 26-02608
Department: Utilities
Division: NCWRF
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
**This position is accepting applications and interviewing on a rolling basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible**
Water Reclamation Facility Operator: Keeping Essential Services Flowing
Do you have a knack for solving complex problems and a passion for protecting the environment? If so, we want you to join our team as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator at the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility.
In this role, you'll help ensure our community's wastewater is treated to the highest standards during our noon-to-midnight operations. You'll operate and maintain a variety of complex equipment, monitor and optimize treatment processes, perform inspections and maintenance activities, and troubleshoot operational issues as they arise.
This is a challenging but rewarding role that requires strong technical aptitude, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and excellent communication skills. You'll work closely with colleagues to support critical facility operations and help protect public health and the environment every day.
If you're ready to make a real difference in your community and the environment, we encourage you to apply.
Here are just a few of the things you'll do as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator:

• Play a vital role in public health. By ensuring that wastewater is properly treated and disposed of, you'll help to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health of our community.
• Be a master of complex technology. You'll operate and maintain a variety of sophisticated equipment, including pumps, valves, and electrical systems.
• Be a problem solver. When something goes wrong, you'll be the one to troubleshoot the problem and get things back on track.
• Be a team player. You'll work closely with other operators, maintenance staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that makes a real difference, we encourage you to apply for the Water Reclamation Facility Operator position!
Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Facility Operations Supervisor. Depending upon the level of attainment in the career ladder, an employee may have lead worker duties over other plant personnel.
Shift schedule is noon to midnight-- two days on, two days off, five days on, five days off..... and repeat!
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.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $54,163- $66,539*
*Hiring range varies based on the level of direct experience and possession of certifications, and it may be higher for exceptionally qualified candidates.*
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.
Typical Tasks
Makes 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.
Monitors operation of the plant using specialized computer equipment such as SCADA systems, controls and printers.
Operates a sludge thickening facility.
Operates a reclaimed water pump station.
Operates a regional influent pump station.
Operates and maintains scum thickeners.
Performs analytical analyses to include pH, TSS, Alkalinity, Settleability, Dissolved Oxygen, Ortho Phosphorus, Fecal Coliforms, Ammonia, Nitrates, Total Residual Chlorine, Microscopy and Percent Solids.
Changes flow charts and chemical reagents.
Maintains process analyzers, performs calibration and service as prescribed.
Performs biosolids wasting as prescribed by the Facility Operations Supervisor.
Facilitates and monitors biosolids storage and hauling operations.
Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, and valves to meet changing operational conditions.
Monitors Chemical Feed Systems and makes adjustments as necessary.
Maintains Composite Samplers.
Collects samples for laboratory tests.
Monitors CCTV.
Maintains records and reports.
Utilizes Office Suite software, attends meetings virtually, and communicates frequently through MS Teams and email.
Assists maintenance personnel when needed and performs routine janitorial duties.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance tasks on assigned wastewater treatment equipment.
Reports maintenance problems to maintenance personnel.
Performs other job-related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a grade IV biological nutrient removal 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.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts over multiple days during the early morning, and overnight hours.
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.
Ability to efficiently and effectively communicate with staff and the public.
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.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Highschool 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 (preferred), or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire.
Must live within fifty (50) miles of the facility and respond to the facility within one (1) hour when fulfilling call-back/stand-by duties. Location of the North Cary Facility is 1900 Old Reedy Creek Road Cary, NC 27513
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 Employees
Cary 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?

• Yes
• No

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**

• Yes
• No

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 am already certified

04
What is your highest completed level of education? Education level selected must be reflected in the application.

• High School/GED
• Associates/Tech College
• Bachelor' 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.

• Yes
• No

06
Have you ever held a position that required regularly scheduled 12-hour shifts (e.g., in healthcare, manufacturing, or emergency services)? If yes, please indicate the setting and your role in the following question.

• Yes
• No

07
Explain your experience in working an assigned 12 hour shift. If you answered "No," please enter N/A in the box.
08
Do you live within 50 miles of the facility and are you able to respond to the facility within 1 hour if fullfilling callback duties? Location of the facility is 1900 Old Reedy Creek Rd, Cary NC 27513. If you do NOT live within this distance, are you willing to move if offered the job?

• Yes
• No

09
What about this position interests you?
Required Question