WWTP Operator

City of Reidsville, North Carolina

The City of Reidsville is seeking an experienced Certified Wastewater Treatment Operator to join its Utilities Department at a municipal wastewater treatment facility that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. This position is ideal for a licensed operator who is committed to regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.

The City of Reidsville Wastewater Treatment Plant is a Grade IV facility licensed to treat up to 7.5 million gallons per day (MGD). Average daily flow is approximately 2.54 MGD, with peak wet-weather flows reaching 6.88 MGD.

The City’s sewer collection system includes:

• 17 lift stations

• Over 93.98 miles of sewer line

The plant operates a comprehensive pretreatment program in full compliance with EPA and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) regulations and maintains a certified laboratory for in-plant, upstream, downstream, and industrial discharge sampling. Contract laboratories are utilized for advanced analytical testing.

The City has partnered with a local engineering firm to implement a major Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) upgrade to comply with Jordan Lake Rules for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). While just beginning, this project will:

• Convert existing aeration basins into a dual-train BNR system
• Establish anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic zones through installation of fiberglass baffle walls
• Increase treatment flexibility and long-term regulatory compliance

In addition, a significant headworks renovations, including automation of the grit removal system, has just concluded, which included significant improvements to the existing SCADA system.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, the Certified Wastewater Treatment Operator performs advanced operational, monitoring, and laboratory duties to ensure the facility remains in continuous compliance with state and federal regulations. This position requires a licensed operator capable of working independently, mentoring less experienced staff, and responding to plant process challenges.

Operators work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations, as required for a continuous-operation facility.

• Operate, monitor, and optimize wastewater treatment processes in a Grade IV facility
• Monitor SCADA systems and make process control adjustments as needed
• Collect samples and perform certified laboratory analyses
• Maintain accurate operational, laboratory, and compliance documentation
• Support and participate in the pretreatment program, including industrial discharge monitoring
• Troubleshoot operational issues and respond to alarms and emergencies
• Assist with maintenance coordination and minor repairs
• Provide guidance and mentoring to entry-level or non-certified operators
• Assist with startup, testing, and operation of new BNR and headworks improvements
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures and environmental regulations
• Participate in required on-call and emergency response rotations

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Current North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification (Grade appropriate to assignment; Grade III or IV preferred)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating a municipal wastewater treatment facility
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license

• Grade IV North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification
• Experience with BNR processes and nutrient removal compliance
• Experience working in a certified laboratory environment
• Familiarity with pretreatment programs and industrial user regulations
• Experience with SCADA systems and automated process controls

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements
• Ability to interpret laboratory data, flow data, and operational trends
• Skilled in problem-solving and independent decision-making
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to protecting water quality and public health

• North Carolina Local Government retirement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Continuing education and certification support

• 100% Employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance for the employee; City-subsidized rates for spouse and dependents
• Retiree health and dental insurance until Medicare eligibility
  • 100% employer-paid with 30 years in N.C. Retirement System, the last 10 served in Reidsville
  • 50% employer-paid with 25 years in N.C. Retirement System, the last 10 served in Reidsville)
• Local Government Employees Retirement System membership
  • Vested at 5 years
  • Requires 6% employee contribution
• 5% Employer contribution to 401(k) plan for general employees
  • No employee contribution required
• Employer-paid life insurance at 1 ½ times the annual salary (capped at $200,000)
• Local Government Employees Retirement System death benefit
  • 1 times annual salary
  • Minimum $25,000
  • Maximum $50,000
• Voluntary (employee-paid) benefits include: accident plan, cancer plan, critical illness plan, long-term disability plan, short-term disability plan, term life plan for employee and dependents, vision plan, whole life plan, flexible spending (FSA) for unreimbursed medical and/or dependent care
• Professional development appropriate to the position (dues, memberships, conferences, training opportunities, etc.)
• Mileage reimbursement for City-related travel
• Longevity pay – paid annually in November
  • $50 per year of service beginning after the second year of service
  • Maximum at $1,500/annually
• Vacation leave accruals starting at 10 days per year, based on years of service
  • Maximum 240 hours
  • Excess rolls into Sick Leave once a year
  • Credit may be given for other municipal government service
• Sick leave accruals at 12 days per year with no maximum
  • Unused sick leave converts to service credit at retirement
• Employees with prior service with an LGERS contributing employer may transfer in unused sick leave from their previous employer to the City of Reidsville
• Fourteen paid holidays annually
  • Includes one personal holiday and one floating holiday to be used at a time selected by the employee and approved by their supervisor
• Free admission to, and use of, Lake Reidsville facilities for employees and dependents living at home (includes one week of camping each year)
• Free employee membership at the City of Reidsville Fitness Center