"Alerted.org

Water Plant Operator

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashevillenc/jobs/newprint/5179593)

Apply



Water Plant Operator

Salary

$22.46 Hourly

Location

Asheville, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2025-01779

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 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

What you'll be doing:

+ Check, maintain, and adjust chemical doses to provide safe and esthetically pleasing water for the City's customers.

+ Adjust and maintain chemical feed pumps, chlorinators and chemical feed systems and read gages and dials to properly monitor and maintain water filters, filling and maintenance of chemical day tanks.

+ Utilize the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system to monitor the water distribution system, including tank levels, pump status, pressure and various alarms; and will notify the Water Plant Operators of potential problems according to established policies and procedures.

+ Conduct periodic laboratory analysis of water to assess water quality and chemical dose requirements.

+ Perform bacteriological analysis on various water samples, and calibrate laboratory equipment (turbidimeters, pH meters, chlorine analyzers, etc.) through the collection of water samples.

+ Utilize computerized data entry equipment and various databases and/or file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary and summarize data in preparation of standardized reports.

+ Assist in conducting tours of the plant facility.

+ Clean and maintain facilities and restroom as directed.

+ Provide excellent customer service by receiving phone calls and routing customer questions to senior staff as needed.

+ Attends classes to obtain a Class "C" Water Treatment Facility Operator for Surface Water.

Benefits:

+ Full Time position with access to all City of Asheville benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

+ Automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Pension Fund and the NC 401K retirement account with company match.

Education and Experience

About you:

+ What you Bring:

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

Water Plant Operator Trainee Qualifications:

+ Must have a High school diploma or equivalent; no experience is required.

+ Must have the ability to obtain Class "C" Water Treatment Facility Operator for Surface Water Certification issued by the State of North Carolina within 18 months of the candidate's date of hire or after 3 attempts.

Applicants must have possession of a valid driver's license. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in water treatment, biology, chemistry, science or a related field is preferred or equivalent work experience (example: NC Water Treatment Operator Certificate).

Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.

Other things to know:

Full Time 40 Hours Week; Typically, Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 4:30 AM Minimum Hiring Salary:

Water Plant Operator Trainee: $22.46. Additional $2.00/hour worked during night shifts for all levels.

Additional 5% increases to hourly base compensation available by achieving progressive State certification in water treatment

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.

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

How many years of relevant experience do you have in Water Production and Operations?

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 - 3 years

+ 3 - 5 years

+ 5 - 10 years

+ 10 or more years

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.

04

Do you possess a current Water Treatment Facility Operator for Surface Water Certificate?

+ Class "A" Surface Water Treatment certificate

+ Class "B" Surface Water Treatment certificate

+ Class "C" Surface Water Treatment certificate

+ None at this time but I understand I have one year to get one

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