Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator (Trainee)

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking qualified candidates who are interested in a career as a Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator (Trainee). 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. 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
Ability to obtain Virginia Wastewater Operator's licenses, and to meet the requirements of the Virginia Confined Entry Standard, including respirator use.

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

Independently operating 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.)