Plant Operator III

Fairfax County • Lorton (Jp04), VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wastewater Management Division, working at the Noman M Cole Water Recycling Facility. This role is crucial for cleaning over 40 million gallons of water per day and advancing the community’s sustainability goals. As a Plant Operator III, you will work under the general supervision of the Plant Operations Supervisor, participating in special projects and maintaining effective relationships with plant personnel, citizens, and community groups.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education.
• Four years of experience as an operator in a Class I wastewater facility or higher.
• A valid driver's license.
• A Class II Wastewater Treatment Operator's certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Ability to climb up to 35 ft., on ladders and scaffolding.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in written form.
• Must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and use other automated technology to input, access and retrieve information from a laptop or desktop.
• Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitors such as GIS maps.
• Must be able to physically negotiate rough terrain on uneven ground such as hills, wooded and marshy areas to make direct observation of work in progress including recognizing unforeseen hazards such as sharp objects, warning signs, slippery surfaces, steep depressions, tripping hazards.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, bend, stoop, walk, climb/crouch, crawl, stand and reach to work in demanding and uncomfortable positions for extended durations.
• Must be physically fit to perform manual labor in all types of environments.
• Ability to endure variable and extreme weather conditions such as hot, cold, during rain, noisy environments, etc., and the ability to work around and in contact with raw sewage.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting formal and informal training of junior level operators
• Proven ability to solve operational problems as they arise, using strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to make decisions
• The ability to communicate clearly with engineers, electricians and mechanics to solve problems and come up with effective solutions.
• Proven ability to be flexible and change focus quickly while maintaining the overall treatment process while helping others solve problems.
• 3 or more years of experience operating primary treatment, biological nutrient removal (BNR), enhanced nutrient removal (ENR), disinfection and solids processing including sewage sludge incinerators.
• 5 years of experience in a Class I Wastewater treatment facility.
• 1 year of experience in ordering and receiving chemicals.
• 2 years of experience supervising or leading a team.
• 1 year of experience using computers at work, to include Microsoft Excel and an electronic asset management (EAMS or CMMS) system).

Responsibilities

• Planning, assigning, and overseeing the work of Plant Operator Is and IIs during operations of the plant including monitoring the standby generator and power distribution centers.
• Providing daily instruction and training to Plant Operator Is and IIs at various duty stations around the plant.
• Operating plant equipment to ensure proper operating parameters, troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions.
• Assisting in corrective repairs and performing an ongoing preventive maintenance program of exercising and rotating various processes of equipment and machinery.
• Collecting and compositing samples for plant process testing and monitoring.
• Performing field laboratory testing.
• Reading meters, gauges, and other instruments and recording observations and data operating log sheets and software.
• Preparing and maintaining records such as chemical inventory, entering work orders in Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Creating online requisitions and submitting appropriate and timely reports utilizing Microsoft Excel and other software, such as FOCUS and SCADA.
• Monitoring alarms and troubleshooting pieces of equipment.
• Maintaining appropriate chemical levels and process conditions by adjusting system controls and/or adding, adjusting, and replacing chemicals in the treatment plant system, such as packing on pumps, gates, and other equipment.

Benefits

• A defined-benefit retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous paid leave and tuition reimbursement.
• A LiveWell wellness program supporting holistic wellbeing.
• Career development opportunities in a large, supportive, and innovative public agency.
• $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Plant Operator III position.

What This Job Offers

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