Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator (Trainee)

Arlington County VA • Arlington, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

IMPORTANT NOTICE : Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking qualified candidates who are interested in a career as a Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator . This on-the-job training/work program offers both entry-level and experienced operators a career path to the highest level of operator at Arlington County's Water Pollution Control Plant , which is a state-of-the-art, highly automated, and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) wastewater treatment facility. The program develops and compensates operators for knowledge, expertise, licensure, and work performance. New hires move through a multi-grade and multi-year training program that leads to journey level and possibly beyond. Responsibilities Specific duties include: Operating independently all four plant stations; Completing training and performing common preventive and minor corrective maintenance on plant equipment; Participating in and using safety training, both County-sponsored and required by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and Virginia OSHA; and Demonstrating satisfactory soft skills and abilities (e.g., teamwork, communications, etc.). The ideal candidate will possess some mechanical aptitude, the initiative and ability to work well independently and with others on a team, the reading comprehension skills to understand complex technical manuals and follow written directions, as well as the writing skills to complete legally required documentation. The multi-grade plan will reward operators for achieving set goals in a prescribed timeframe. The operator will have two years to obtain the Virginia Class IV Wastewater License and other Plant program specific criteria, or he/she will be separated from the County. If an operator successfully meets the specified requirements during the first two years, the operator will then move to the next grade where he/she will serve a one-year probationary period. After successfully completing probation, the operator will gain permanent status. An operator may move beyond journey level if he/she obtains a Wastewater License Level I, Level I certification in all four Plant stations and Level I in both Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Minor Corrective Maintenance (MCM).

Requirements

• High School Diploma/equivalent
• Completion of high school level Algebra
• Completion of high school level Chemistry and/or Biology
• Be able to safely perform repetitive and intensive manual labor, safely lift heavy objects (50 lbs.+), working from ladders, scaffolds and other high places, including climbing stairs of heights exceeding 60 feet around tanks; working outside in inclement weather, in confined spaces, etc.
• Ability to meet requirements of Virginia Confined Entry Standard, including respirator use.
• Ability to work a shift schedule, including nights, and to work after hours in emergency situations.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Wastewater Operator's licenses.
• The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license.
• The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree in engineering, science, or field related to water/wastewater treatment
• College courses in an area related to wastewater treatment
• A high level of mechanical aptitude along with experience using hand and power tools
• Experience in water filtration or wastewater plant operations (military or civilian)
• Experience using a work order system or maintenance management system

Responsibilities

• Operating independently all four plant stations
• Completing training and performing common preventive and minor corrective maintenance on plant equipment
• Participating in and using safety training, both County-sponsored and required by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and Virginia OSHA
• Demonstrating satisfactory soft skills and abilities (e.g., teamwork, communications, etc.)

Benefits

• This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED