Salary: $85,507.22 - $128,260.83 Annually
Location : 201 South Main Street, Graham, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2404
Department: Water Treatment Plant
Division: Water & Sewer
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Summary and General Statement of Duties

Are you an experienced water treatment professional ready to lead a dedicated team and make a lasting impact on your community? The City of Graham is seeking a Water Plant Superintendent to oversee the daily operations of our water treatment plant and lagoon system while serving as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC). This leadership role offers the opportunity to ensure safe, reliable drinking water, maintain regulatory compliance, and guide the future of the City's water treatment operations.
General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult technical and supervisory work in planning, organizing, and managing the operations of the city's water treatment plant and lagoon system. Serves as the ORC (Operator in Responsible Charge) of both systems.
Distinguishing Features of the Class and Illustrative Examples of Work
An employee in this class is responsible for twenty-four-hour operations of a plant designed to treat and distribute water in an environmentally safe manner. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, as well as standard operating procedures established by this employee. As ORC, this employee is responsible for all operations and permits associated with the plant and lagoon system land application program. Work involves planning and assigning work to subordinates, inspecting the operations of the plant through observation and analysis of laboratory reports, completing and maintaining records and reports necessary for compliance with regulations, receiving and responding to complaints, and using considerable judgment and initiative in decision-making. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Utilities Director and is evaluated for safe and appropriate operation of the treatment plant and compliance with state and federal laws.
Illustrative Examples of Work

Plans, organizes, and manages the work of subordinate staff engaged in plant operations; ensures proper staff coverage; reviews and inspects plant for adherence to standard operating procedures; reviews records and reports to initiate any adjustments in treatment.
Plans, organizes, and assigns work, trains employees, conducts employee performance evaluations; participates in the interviewing process of prospective new hires, administers disciplinary action, and participates in the termination process; monitors proper certification levels of employees.
Requests necessary resources for plant operations; requisitions for supplies, chemicals, and equipment; prepares budget requests for plant operations.
Serves as ORC to ensure the city meets established standards for water treatment and lagoon system.
Monitors the status of all required permits; applies and manages all issued permits.
Establishes, monitors, and updates plant standard operating procedures.
Researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
Participates with Utilities Director in planning for current and future capacity needs and plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance; provides on-site coordination with contractors.
Establishes, maintains, and analyzes a variety of reports as required and needed for effective management decision-making.
Receives customer complaints, researches, recommends any corrective action and responds to customers.
Performs other required duties as assigned.
Perform duties of the relief operator when staffing issues arise.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to plant operations.
Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and applying necessary safety precautions.
Considerable knowledge of the city's policies and procedures related to personnel, budgeting, and purchasing.
Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory practices including conducting performance evaluations, training employees, the legal aspects of hiring, discipline, and termination, and motivating and communicating with subordinate staff.
Considerable knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Considerable knowledge of modem laboratory techniques, and the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry
Ability to plan and organize work for a 24-hour operation.
Ability to analyze technical information and make effective decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work in this position is light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects). Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must have the visual acuity to prepare data and figures, operate equipment, and to determine the accuracy of work assigned. The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including noise, exposure to chemicals, exposure to atmospheric conditions, and exposure to oils.

Position Qualifications
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina. Highschool diploma or GED required. The position requires an associate's degree in chemistry, biology or environmental science, or a related field with extensive experience in water treatment operations, and extensive experience at the supervisory level. The position requires Water A-Surface and Physical/Chemical certifications from NC DEQ.
Inclement Weather/Emergency Response: Essential
Safety Sensitive Position: Yes
FLSA Status: Exempt
The City of Graham offers an extensive and comprehensive benefits program for employees that includes:
North Carolina Department of State Treasurer Division of the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)

Additional Retirement Savings Plans

Group Health and Hospitalization Insurance

Dental, Vision, Group Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage

Flexible Spending Account

Longevity and Vacation Pay

Paid Holidays

Sick Leave

Other leave:
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Worker's Compensation

Military Leave

Civil Leave

Educational Leave with pay

Shared sick leave
Employee Assistance Counseling Program

Credit Union Membership Available

Tuition Reimbursement
Detailed information about our Benefits will be provided during the hiring and/or onboarding process.
01

Do you have a high school Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess an associate's degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your experience in water treatment operations and your supervisory experience. Include your years of experience, positions held, and the size of the teams you supervised.
Required Question