Senior Machine Operator Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (4th Creek WWTP) Public Utilities Department Salary Range: $27.82 - $45.91 Hourly / $57,865.60 - $95,492.80 Annually FLSA Position Class: Full-time, Non-Exempt Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7AM - 3:30PM Posting Closing Date: August 11, 2026 Summary This position is responsible for performing semi-skilled work in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; responsible for leading, training, and instructing subordinate staff to improve efficiency of duties and operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities NOTE: Employee may be required to respond to a disaster, either natural or man-made, to serve the citizens of Statesville and meet the needs of the organization, which may result in the assignment of other duties and take precedence over duties described in this job description. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive

Monitors and evaluates the operations of a wastewater treatment facility and its auxiliary systems; maintains plant logs. Troubleshoots problems and takes corrective action. Operates and troubleshoots sludge dewatering facilities.

Leads and trains subordinate operational and maintenance staff assigned; advises and instructs on methods and techniques for improving efficiency of duties and operations. Reviews wastewater operation trends to maintain proper procedures and standards; collects and tabulates operational log data for regulatory agencies. Recognizes deviations/irregularities in the plant operation and maintenance; adjusts the process and equipment to maintain the required quality standards of the federal, state, and county regulatory agencies.

Samples, measures, and tests plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, solids concentration, etc.; adjusts as necessary; collects required samples for on and offsite analysis. Collaborates with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjusts or bypasses job specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent wastewater treatment, plant integrity, and safety. Tests, monitors, records, evaluates, troubleshoots, and adjusts the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment

Assists contractors and consultants with specific tasks. Assists in preparing standard operating procedures. Oversees plant operations to remain in compliance with all federal, state, county, and city regulations and standards when an operations supervisor is not onsite.

Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures. Assists federal, state, and local regulators during plant compliance inspections. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements Education and/or Experience High School Diploma or GED. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment in a wastewater treatment plant. Requirements Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license, or any valid driver's license with ability to obtain a North Carolina driver's license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.

Possession of a valid NC Biological Wastewater Treatment Grade IV certificate and Water Pollution Control System Operator's Grade III certification, with the ability to obtain a Grade IV within 18 months of hire date. Possession of a valid NC Land Application Operator's certificate or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date. Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, practices, tools, and equipment required of wastewater treatment plant operations.

Knowledge of the state and federal water and wastewater treatment quality regulations. Knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions for this work.

Ability to detect defects in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures. Ability to conduct routine water quality tests, read meters and charts accurately, and then correctly record results. Ability to operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater collection and treatment equipment.

Ability to maintain accurate records and create detailed reports. Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, supervisors, and the public.

Job Related Physical Requirements This position involves heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical activity related to this position may require the use of fingers and hands, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and to convey detailed or important instructions to others; hearing is required to respond to spoken words and to receive and understand information; visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, operation of machines or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Working Conditions The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, fumes, odors, dust, gases, oils, vibration, poor ventilation, wastewater, and hazards including exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, and work in narrow or confined spaces and may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Employee is required to be "on-call," and may work nights, weekends, or during emergency situations. Equal Opportunity Employer