Principal Plant Operator - Night Shift

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Plant Operator serves as a shift operator in the Wastewater Treatment section of the Chesterfield County Department of Utilities. The role operates a wastewater treatment facility and helps ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws through observation and adjustment of physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes. The operator works with a Chief Plant Operator, Assistant Chief, Plant Operator, maintenance team, and other Plant Operators to ensure proper plant operation, communicate and troubleshoot operational concerns, support maintenance activities, and advance Utilities Department goals. The position requires appropriate PPE and compliance with county and OSHA safety rules for General Industry and Construction.

The position is essential personnel at a facility that operates 24/7 and is not closed for inclement weather, county holidays, or county closures. The schedule is three days on and three days off, with 12-hour shifts. Longer hours may be required or volunteered during unforeseen circumstances; overtime is compensated under FLSA guidelines. Work includes outdoor duties in the elements and may involve lifting up to 50 pounds. The position is Safety Sensitive and subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A wastewater license is not required at hire. The employee must pass the Class 3 wastewater exam within one year of employment and continue working toward a Class 1 license. Wastewater treatment experience is preferred but not required; motivated candidates with mechanical aptitude and eagerness to learn may be trained. The position is part of an approved Career Development Plan with career progression and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience. Salary depends on qualifications and experience; the posted ranges vary according to wastewater license and related experience or education.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Pass the Class 3 wastewater exam within one year of employment and continue working toward a Class 1 license; a wastewater license is not required at hiring.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Current valid driver's license and good driving record. Driving records must meet the stated Virginia DMV point requirements; out-of-state records must be obtained by the applicant and presented at interview, show at least three years of history, and be dated within 30 days of the interview.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification.
• Ability to work the assigned essential-personnel schedule, including county holidays and during inclement weather or county closures.
• Self-starter with excellent verbal communication skills, ability to work well in a team, and ability to develop positive working relationships.
• Compliance with county and OSHA safety rules and regulations for General Industry and Construction, including wearing appropriate PPE.

Nice To Haves

• Wastewater treatment experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and eagerness to learn.
• Commonwealth of Virginia wastewater operator license and related experience may qualify the candidate for higher salary levels under the Career Development Plan.
• A bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, or engineering science, or a related field, may qualify for the stated Class III salary level.

Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment and systems associated with wastewater treatment.
• Monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Observe and record process trends related to equipment operation and plant performance on daily log sheets.
• Monitor and adjust process control instrumentation.
• Inventory chemicals and inspect chemical dosing pumps and storage tanks.
• Ensure proper operation of samplers, collect process monitoring samples, and perform field analytical tests.
• Transfer sludge by manually turning valves in the correct sequence while operating pumping equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and housekeeping.
• Work outdoors in the elements.
• Assist the team in troubleshooting operational issues around the plant.
• Assist with maintenance projects.
• Help ensure safety is upheld.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System
• Long- and short-term disability
• Paid time off (PTO); during the first five years, employees accrue 14 hours per month, with eligible balances rolling over up to the maximum carryover limit
• 40 hours of PTO granted on the employee's second paycheck
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Learning and Performance Center programs
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization

What This Job Offers

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