Principal Plant Operator
Listed on 2026-01-22
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Engineering
Environmental Engineer, Environmental Compliance, Maintenance Technician / Mechanic, Operations Engineer
Overview
This position is for a Principal Plant Operator focusing on dewatering operations at Falling Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The operator will perform all operational aspects required to maintain compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing wastewater treatment. This requires observations and adjustments of physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes at a wastewater treatment plant. This includes but is not limited to the following.
Responsibilities- Operate process equipment and systems associated with wastewater treatment.
- Monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
- Observe and record process trends related to equipment operation and plant performance on daily log sheets.
- Monitor and adjust process control instrumentation.
- Inventory chemicals and inspect chemical dosing pumps and storage tanks.
- Ensure proper operation of samplers, collect process monitoring samples and perform field analytical tests.
- Transfer sludge by manually turning valves in correct sequence with operation of pumping equipment.
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Work outdoors in the elements.
- Perform other work as required.
High school diploma or GED and three years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance field. A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License is required for Principal Plant Operators; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with a Class II, Class III or non-licensed status will receive consideration at lower plant operator classifications and salary grades/ranges.
The hiring range for this position, depending upon qualifications, is as follows:
- $59,053-$79,720 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License.
- $53,309-$71,966 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Wastewater Operator's License.
- $48,123-$64,965 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Wastewater Operator's License.
- $43,442-$58,645 for applicants without a license.
Through the career development plan, unlicensed Operators and operators with licensees with lower than a Class I license will receive salary increases after passing higher license exams and establishing minimum tenure requirements.
This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months.
Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
Schedule:
Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
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