Water Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $40,371.80 - $46,625.81 Annually
Location : 605 Fremont Street Burgaw
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026--0720
Department: UTILITY OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Definition of Work
Performs beginning level to advanced technical work in in the daily operation of a Surface Water Treatment Plant and related facilities; monitors and adjusts plant operations records and maintains plant operation, water storage clear wells, and pump operation records ensures proper functioning of water pumps, motors, filters, and chemical feeders and makes adjustments as necessary to maintain proper flow of water does other related work as required. The different levels of operator are distinguished by the level of responsibility, knowledge, and training performing the level of comprehensive responsibility for water plant operation and the level of independence which must be exercised. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Chief Water Plant Operator.
SALARY IS DEPENDENT UPON QUALIFICATIONS
Water Treatment Plant Operator C
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations; general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment; ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings, to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
High school diploma or GED and considerable experience in operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a North Carolina Grade C-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.
Water Treatment Plant Operator B
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years' operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a North Carolina Grate B-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.
Water Treatment Plant Operator A
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of three years' operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a North Carolina Grate A-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by contacting Pender County Human Resources.
Essential Functions

• Operates and maintains water and wastewater equipment ensuring compliance with regulatory agency requirements; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
• Obtains and performs laboratory tests of water to include pH, chlorine residual, and turbidity.
• Adjusts chemicals as necessary to maintain optimum system performance.
• Monitors water tank levels and makes flow rate chances to meet system demands.
• Makes periodic checks of plant equipment, including feed pumps, flocculators, flash mixer, basins, filters, and high service pumps.
• Backwashes filters as required.
• Refills day chemical tanks.
• Monitors SCADA system to maintain quality and monitor water supply throughout the districts.
• Collects various system samples for laboratory analysis and reporting in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
• Maintains records and prepares a variety of reports for regulatory agencies concerning wastewater treatment operations.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
This position is a safety sensitive position and subject to random substance abuse testing in accordance with the Pender County Personnel Policy and Risk Policy.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking and hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting and occasionally requires tasting or smelling; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to the risk of electrical shock and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to vibration, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location.
There are a wide variety of benefits available to eligible Pender County employees. These benefits include: health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending account, retirement program, 401(k) program, deferred compensation program, credit union membership and an employee assistance program.
Pender County Benefits Overview can be viewed
01
I am able to complete the essential functions of my job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• yes
• no

02
Do you have a North Carolina driver license, a valid driver license from another state due to military exemption, or the ability to obtain a North Carolina driver license within 30 days of hire?

• yes
• no

03
Do you have comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

• yes
• no

Required Question