Water Plant Operator Trainee

Posting number: 2026-02004

Department: Water Resources

Division: Water Production

Job classification: WATER PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

Posting type: Internal/External

Categories: Water Treatment

Summary

About our opportunity:

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Water Plant Operator trainee position. This position is to perform technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of the water treatment plant(s) for the City by participating in an on-the-job training program involving practical "hands-on" experience with plant operations under the supervision of a Certified Treatment Plant Operator or the Water Plant supervisor. In performing entry level work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant, the chosen trainee will be instrumental in providing safe, potable water for the City and its water customers.

This is accomplished by learning the treatment process, observing the methods necessary to comply with state and federal regulations, and performing grounds keeping and other duties related to upkeep of the various facilities. Trainees are expected to satisfy state requirements and obtain a Class "C" Water Treatment Facility Operator for Surface Water Certification within 18 months or 3 attempts at the State examination (whichever happens first) of the candidate's date of hire.

Examples of duties

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates an assigned water treatment plant: monitors plant operations and processes utilizing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensures continuous and effective operation; and maintains compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Monitors chemical feeds and distribution, flow rates, and related treatment processes: maintains appropriate chemical levels; adjusts system controls; adds, adjusts, and replaces chemicals in the plant’s systems and components; and maintains related documentation.

Reads meters, gauges, and dials: records readings, chemical levels, water properties and statistical data; and prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs.

Collects and tests water samples: performs all necessary qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests; performs quality control testing; analyzes test results; determines need for treatment process changes; maintains records of findings and sample characteristics; calibrates test equipment; and cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.

Inspects plant systems, facilities and equipment: performs preventive maintenance and repair on the plant equipment, gauges, meters and related systems; repairs system components; changes filters, beds and other parts; oils and adjusts power driven pumps; checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed; performs routine housekeeping and janitorial duties, painting, grounds upkeep, mowing and landscaping inside and outside of plant facility; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.

Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles, trends, advances, technology, and practices relating to water treatment and plant operation; maintains certifications; and attends meetings, workshops, conferences, and training sessions as required.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, operating, chemical, and regulatory reports, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; operates hand tools, lawn mower, and related maintenance tools and equipment; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:
Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field; previous work experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina Class C Surface Water Treatment License within 6 months of hire.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment and machinery, requiring the monitoring, adjustment, regulation, and/or setting of multiple conditions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties which are often characterized by frequent change.

Supplemental information

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, water hazards, hazardous materials, toxic agents, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.