Water Chief Treatment Plant Operator

Date Opened: Thursday, May 28, 2026 12:00 AM Close Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026 12:00 AM Department: Charlotte Water Department Salary: $30.44 - $38.05 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is Americas Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY This position supervises 3rd shift at the Franklin Water Treatment Plan. Work involves; evaluating non-routine situations; determining appropriate action; operating the distribution system to maintain water quality and pressure; troubleshooting and repairing chemical feed systems; performing daily inspections of the plant; maintaining records; maintaining chemical inventory; ordering bulk chemicals; assigning work to treatment plant operators and overseeing all aspects of the water treatment or alum residuals process. This position ensures the efficient production, storage, and distribution of drinking water. Additionally, this position will perform other tasks as assigned by the plant supervisor. The hourly rate for this position is $34.25 - $38.04 per hour commensurate with experience ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Oversees staff for an assigned shift; creates schedules; makes work assignments; and monitors performance. Conducts rounds inside the plant; checks on distribution system operations. Ensures lab work is performed accurately. Makes sure plant and related equipment is maintained. Maintains records; Monitors chemical inventories and orders chemicals. Trains personnel on new equipment and safety policies. Supervises and coordinates work activities of assigned staff; assigns work, monitors status of work, and inspects completed work; participates and provides input in staffing decisions relative to hiring, firing, discipline, and promotional opportunities; evaluates performance; mentors staff; and provides assistance with career development. Completes performance reviews for employees supervised. May be required to assist at other treatment facilities after sufficient training. Performs other related job duties as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is light work and requires applying 10 pounds of force frequently exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally to move equipment. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crouching, feeling, grasping, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity in equipment, and walking. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment as required due to potential exposure of chemicals, dust, fumes, electrical hazards, etc. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High School diploma or equivalent and 5 year(s) of relevant experience. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school and extensive experience in all phases of plant operations. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed regularly where decisions are made that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if there is a failure to make the appropriate decision at the time. Requires working shifts. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of water treatment plant operations and practices involved in treatment and delivery of drinking water and water sampling and testing techniques. Skill in calibrating equipment. Skill in performing minor equipment repairs. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative with established practices and procedures. Ability to obtain a City driving authorization. Ability to supervise employees. Comply and enforce city and utility policies and procedures. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Requires a valid drivers license. Requires certification as a Grade A Water Treatment Plant Operator issued by NCWTFO. Desires certifications such as: A-Distribution, Grade 1 Physical Chemical, and Maintenance Technology. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The Citys Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidates written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably. HOW TO APPLY Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. BENEEFITS The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlottes benefits. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Our City, Our Mission When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future. The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values-driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. Looking for an internship? Explore opportunities on our Internship Career Site and take the first step toward your career with the City of Charlotte.