Water Plant Operator

Stafford County is seeking Water Plant Operators to join our team. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Applicants: 

• must possess a valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours emergencies
• have the ability to respond to plant emergencies or system alarms outside of regular work hours

Performs responsible and technical work in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of a drinking water treatment facility in accordance with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) standards. Work involves ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient production of potable water through proper use of chemical, mechanical, and process control systems. Employee exercises judgment based on established procedures and regulatory guidelines and operates under the general supervision of the Water Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, or Senior Operator on duty.

There are four levels to the Water Plant Operator positions, which offer opportunities for career growth.
The hiring range for each level based on experience is:

• Class IV - $25.26 to $34.74 per hour
• Class III - $27.03 to $37.17 per hour
• Class II - $28.93 to $39.78 per hour
• Class I - $30.96 to $42.57 per hour

The full salary range for each level to provide opportunity for growth and development is:

• Class IV - $25.26 to $44.21 per hour
• Class III - $27.03 to $47.31 per hour
• Class II - $28.93 to $50.63 per hour
• Class I - $30.96 to $54.18 per hour

• Operates and monitors all phases of the water treatment process to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), VDH Waterworks Regulations (12VAC5-590), and EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
• Monitors and records readings from gauges, meters, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and other plant instrumentation to evaluate system performance and water quality
• Performs and documents routine process control tests (e.g., DPD, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine residuals, and other parameters) following Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
• Adjusts feed rates for coagulants, disinfectants, and other treatment chemicals to maintain target water quality objectives
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains pumps, valves, filters, chemical feed systems, and related mechanical and electrical components to ensure reliability and compliance with OSHA/VOSH safety requirements
• Collects and submits samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis as required by VDH ODW monitoring schedules
• Maintains accurate operational logs, laboratory data, and daily production reports in compliance with 18VAC160-20-1090 recordkeeping and continuing education standards
• Participates in plant start-up, shutdown, and emergency response procedures
• Responds promptly to alarms, abnormal conditions, and system upsets, taking corrective action in accordance with established protocols
• Practices and enforces proper safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and hazardous chemical handling under OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and County safety policies
• Ensures the confidentiality and security of operational data and participates in cybersecurity awareness and training related to SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and other networked control equipment in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia cybersecurity standards and EPA guidance on water sector cybersecurity
• Assists with cross-training of personnel and provides support for plant tours, audits, and regulatory inspections
• Performs related tasks as required

• Comprehensive knowledge of drinking water treatment principles, practices, and applicable regulations
• Understanding of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes, including chemical feed calibration and adjustment
• Working knowledge of SCADA and process automation systems, including cybersecurity, best practices for protecting control systems and data integrity
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and VOSH/OSHA safety regulations applicable to water treatment and laboratory environments
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and control charts, and to analyze operational data for trends and compliance
• Proficiency in data entry, recordkeeping, and computer software related to laboratory and operational systems
• Ability to recognize and respond quickly to mechanical, process, or water quality issues
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to maintain cooperative relationships with staff, supervisors, and regulatory officials

Minimum qualifications for the level IV:  High school diploma or GED required. Experience in water treatment operations, plant maintenance, or laboratory analysis preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.