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Lead Plant Operator

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Lead Plant Operator

Salary

$28.67 Hourly

Location

Asheville, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2025-01780

Department

Water Resources

Division

Water Production

Opening Date

12/23/2025

Closing Date

1/13/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Summary

About our opportunity:

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Lead Water Plant Operator position.

This position primarily serves as a trainer to other Water Plant Operators. Other duties are to identify training gaps with staff, implement trainings, serve as the ORC in the absence of the Plant Supervisor, and order necessary equipment and materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

What you'll be doing:

+ Under the direct supervision of the Plant Supervisor, to assist Management and On-Call Duties of a Water Treatment Facility.

+ Responsible for being on call and responsive on alternating weeks with the Plant Supervisor. Lead Plant Operator is typically on call during the same week they are on shift.

+ Assist Plant Supervisor in organizing and facilitating work activities to meet maintenance and production objectives.

+ Serve as back-up O.R.C.

+ Assist Plant Supervisor in determining needs for ISO 14001 SOP’s. Assist in writing instructional SOPs.

+ Assist Plant Supervisor in implementing plant maintenance schedules in Cityworks, and identify/ implement repair/improvement projects

+ Responsible for purchases and service charges up to $2,500.

+ Assist the Plant Supervisor to ensure Operators perform work with adherence to proper procedures and safety precautions.

+ Attends Division or construction related meetings as needed or as directed by Plant Supervisor

+ Investigate, analyze, and resolve operational problems.

+ Performs inventories of supplies, equipment, chemicals. Coordinates the re-supply of the facility with Plant Supervisor

+ Possess the ability to answer policy questions and concerns from operations staff.

+ Reviews data entry by staff and provides re-training as needed

+ Implements pumping strategies or treatment goals outlined by the Plant Supervisor.

+ Performs all aspects of the position of an Operator III when working alone

Supplemental Functions:

+ Performs other similar duties as required.

Benefits:

+ 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 10 paid vacation days

+ Access to the full benefit suite including medical, dental, and life insurance options

+ Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and the NC 401K with company match

Education and Experience

About you:

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered :

- At least 4 years of progressive experience in plant operations, and increasing grades of treatment licensure desired.

- High school diploma or GED required supplemented by four years of experience in progressive Plant Operations positions; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Competent working knowledge of a facility to be able to troubleshoot without assistance.

Licensing and Certifications:

- NC- C level driver license

- North Carolina A- Surface Water Operator Certification (or obtained within 6 Months of hire)

- North Carolina Physical Chemical Grade 1 Certification Obtained within 18 Months of hire

Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.

Other things to know:

+ Full Time 40 Hours Week; Schedule Varies

+ Standard Rate of Pay: $26.96

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched in diversity.

The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building and an authentic sense of belonging . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

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.

+ Possess an enhanced knowledge of facility equipment.

+ Possess an enhanced knowledge of State DEQ rules, and regulations governing Water Treatment Facilities

.

Skills and Abilities:

+ Considerable knowledge of operations, maintenance, and facility practices and procedures.

+ Understand and work from general instructions, specifications, blueprints, sketches and preventative maintenance schedules.

+ Working knowledge of applicable OSHA, state and other work environment and safety regulations.

+ Have strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.

+ Have strong problem solving and analytical skills.

+ Have strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence

+ Work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.

+ Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines. Work effectively under pressure while maintaining a calm composure.

+ Maintain an effective working relationship with all employees.

+ Remain flexible with scheduling and adjust to situations as they occur.

+ Possess strong attention to detail. Must be able to adapt to changes in the work environment, managing competing demands, frequent changes, delays and unexpected events.

+ Have the ability to to train, plan, assign and direct work and motivate personnel.

+ Have good computer skills and/or willingness to learn.

+ Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

+ Ensure all operations personnel abide by policies in the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual and Code of Conduct.

+ Ability to think creatively in all areas for the primary purpose of increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

+ Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships as required by work assignments.

+ Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

+ Ability to bring resources together to resolve a problem or provide a solution.

+ Demonstrate knowledge and proper use of all tools, equipment, methods, practices and materials of trades involved in facility operations.

+ Understand and work from general instructions and specifications and follow blueprints, sketches and preventative maintenance schedules.

+ Follow all safety precautions, building codes, rules, regulations, risk management practices and emergency procedures.

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.

Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.

For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com .

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.

The City’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person’s age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

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.

To view our comprehensive benefits package, click here (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/human-resources/compensation-and-benefits/) .

01

Select your highest level of education:

+ High School/GED

+ Associates Degree

+ Bachelors Degree

+ Masters Degree

+ Doctorate

02

Do you have at least three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience? (Preferred)

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

+ I do not have a current driving license of any kind.

+ I do possess a current valid driver's license (Standard License)

+ I do possess a current valid Class B CDL driver's license with endorsements

+ I do possess a current valid Class A CDL driver's license with endorsements

+ I do not have a current CDL license, but I can attain one in the next 6 months.

Required Question

Employer

City of Asheville

Address

City of Asheville PO Box 7148 Asheville, North Carolina, 28802

Phone

828-259-5690 - Apply Online! - EOE

Website

http://www.ashevillenc.gov/jobs