Water Treatment Plant Operators

CITY OF STAUNTON

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS

The City of Staunton is seeking a dedicated and reliable professional to join our Public Utilities team as a Water Treatment Plant Operator. This position is being recruited at levels I through IV, with the final classification and hourly rate directly tied to the candidate's active Virginia water operator licenses, experience, and qualifications. Under general supervision, you will perform essential technical, mechanical, and laboratory work to operate and maintain our municipal water treatment plant. Your core mission will be to ensure the continuous production and distribution of safe, high-quality, potable drinking water that complies with all state and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor & Control: Inspect and operate treatment plant machinery, pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, and computer-controlled systems (SCADA) to regulate water flow, pressure, and tank storage levels.
• Testing & Analysis: Collect raw and treated water samples at various stages of the process. Perform routine laboratory testing (e.g., chlorine residual, pH, turbidity) and interpret results to optimize plant performance.
• Chemical Management: Calculate accurate chemical dosages based on mathematical formulas and make precise adjustments to chemical feed equipment.
• Maintenance & Logs: Perform routine preventive maintenance on plant equipment, clean facilities, and maintain thorough, accurate records of operational data, test results, and regulatory logs.
• Emergency Response: Respond to operational alarms, system malfunctions, or after-hours utility emergencies to ensure system resiliency.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED.
• Licensure:
• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Waterworks Operator License (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).
• Trainees or candidates with a Class 4 license will be considered for Level I, while advanced licensing (Class 1 or 2) is required for higher operator levels.

• Driver's License: A valid Virginia driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.
• Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, basic mathematical skills for chemical calculations, and the ability to read meters, gauges, and technical charts.
• Physical Demands: Ability to perform heavy manual labor, lift up to 50 lbs, work in confined spaces, and adapt to varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Availability: Must be willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency overtime as needed for a 24/7 facility operation.

Consideration will be given to a trainee with ability to obtain license within 18 months of hire. $19.43–$27.00/hr DOQ/E (+) excellent benefits. Position works 12-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays. This position is open until filled.

The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.