Plant Operator

Salary: $49,900.00 - $74,900.00 Annually

Location : Raleigh, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2026-00325

Department: PU Water Plant

Opening Date: 03/03/2026

Closing Date: 3/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Work Hours: 12-Hour Shift; Nights

Hiring Range: $49,900.00 - $62,400.00

Job Description

Raleigh Water is seeking a skilled Plant Operator devoted to providing operational, technical and maintenance support for the City's water treatment plants.

Every day, City of Raleigh employees are working behind the scenes in critical functions that serve our community. The team at Raleigh Water help make us a world-class leader in sustainable water and wastewater service delivery. In fact, the city of Raleigh has the safest drinking water in the country.

Raleigh Water's mission is to provide safe, sustainable water services for our customers while protecting public health and contributing to the economic, environmental and social vitality of our communities.

The WTP is a 24/7/365 operation. At times, Operator's shift may fall on a holiday and will earn 2.5X OT pay.

What we offer:

We pay for your training, professional classes, test, and CEU's

Growth Opportunities! Learn as you grow with On-the-Job Training (OJT) available as part of career development

We've got your covered - Uniforms, safety shoes and tools provided

A culture of continuous improvement

Stability - You can't outsource water

Work-Life Balance! Work 16 days a month / 12-hour shifts

We take care of you! Our benefits include:

Paid Time Off

Extra Pay! Receive 2.5x OT pay when you work on a holiday

Over 2 weeks of vacation during your first year

12 sick days earned per year

Additional leave, Birthday leave, Well-Being leave, Personal leave

16 Hour Service to others leave

Low-cost Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Retirement (Pension): Start young and retire early!

Optional supplemental retirement plans

Wellness programs

Tuition assistance program

Military friendly - use your GI Bill

This role will require an NC C-Surface Certification, or the ability to obtain one within 2 years of hire. The hire will be required to provide a copy of their High School Diploma or GED to the certification board at the time of taking the test.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Performs visual, olfactory and auditory checks of assigned areas of the treatment plant to detect any failures of equipment and electronics; monitors and validates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) information; monitors chemical feeds, filter rates, reservoir levels and filter parameters; operates and makes equipment adjustments as needed

Performs facility equipment inspections; monitors distribution tank levels; responds to plant equipment alarms and determines required corrective action; performs repairs and/or notifies appropriate maintenance personnel; notifies leader or supervisor of critical issues

Performs, collects and/or reports sampling and laboratory analysis for process control and/or compliance reporting; monitors chemical levels within established parameters; verifies accuracy and reliability of data

Receives and responds to briefings related to current plant status, safety, training and daily operating instructions; reviews SCADA for status; performs assigned operational and routine maintenance tasks

Enters and maintains data in laboratory information management system; maintains daily logs and assignment-related documentation

Receives and monitors chemical deliveries and required tank capacity; maintains appropriate storage of chemicals and supplies; performs routine grounds maintenance and general maintenance of work areas; may haul, dump and load residuals, based on assignment

Attend team meetings and safety training

Works 12-hours shifts with ability to work after hour emergencies as needed

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency; No previous experience required

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

NC C-Surface Certification, or the ability to obtain within 2 years of hire

Additional Information

Knowledge of:

Standard practices, methods, and materials of assigned work

Industry math concepts

Digital filing and record-keeping principles

Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices Uses and properties of supplies and equipment

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment) Customer service principles

Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment Modern office technology

Modern office technology

Skill In:

Performing equipment inspections and monitoring operational requirements

Reviewing system data and laboratory testing results and taking appropriate action

Data review and error correction

Industry math computations

Organizing and maintaining reports, records and files Maintaining and updating data and documentation

Comprehending reference books and SOP's

Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards (based on assignment)

Providing customer service

Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications

Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work directionAbility to:

Work 12-hour night shifts including weekends, and holidays

Work during emergency events such as ice/snowstorms, hurricanes, etc.

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

Medium: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment:

Employees may occasionally work in an office or similar indoor environment, outdoor environment, at a construction site, or in a vehicle.

Work Exposures:

There is frequent exposure to loud noises (85+ decibels average over 8-hour working day such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, construction). Employees may occasionally be exposed to extreme cold (below 32 degrees), extreme heat (above 100 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic substances.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

When you join the City of Raleigh's work family as a full-time employee, your benefits are an important part of your "total rewards". Your benefits impact many aspects of your life including your health, your finances, and the protection of your family. The City provides a comprehensive benefits package as part of our total rewards program to support you through important events in your life, to enhance your life outside work, and to help you plan and prepare for the future.

To find out about the City's benefits package, and other programs, please visit our Employee Benefits page:

The City employs temporary and seasonal employees who generally are scheduled to work on a short-term basis. However, if you are hired as a temporary or seasonal employee, or as an intern, you are not eligible for the City of Raleigh's benefits.

01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

Some high school

High school diploma (or GED)

Some college

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD or other professional degree

02

How much relevant or comparable work experience do you have in this field?

None

Less than 1 year

1 to less than 2 years

2 to less than 3 years

3 to less than 4 years

4 to less than 5 years

5 to less than 6 years

6 to less than 7 years

7 to less than 8 years

8 to less than 9 years

9 to less than 10 years

10 years or more

03

Do you have a valid North Carolina Driver's License Class C or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire?

Yes, I currently have a valid NC Driver's License.

I do not currently have a valid NC Driver's License, but I can obtain one within 60 days of hire.

No, I do not currently have a valid NC Driver's License and NO, I cannot obtain one within 60 days of hire.

04

Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from a position?

Yes

No

05

If you answered "yes" to being terminated or forced to resign, please provide an explanation and the date.

Required Question