Principal Plant Operator - Maintenance

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Plant Operator – Maintenance works within Chesterfield County Department of Utilities’ Wastewater Treatment section, maintaining a wastewater treatment facility and supporting compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The role focuses on preventive maintenance, replacement, and repair of equipment used in physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes. It also supports plant operations and team objectives through troubleshooting, communication, and dependable teamwork. The position is based at the Proctors Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, a 24/7 facility, and requires outdoor work in various weather conditions. Assigned hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; longer hours may be required or volunteered when unforeseen circumstances arise, with overtime compensated under FLSA guidelines. Appropriate PPE is provided, and county and OSHA safety rules must be followed.

The job title is part of an approved Career Development Plan with progression and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience. A Class I Commonwealth of Virginia Wastewater Operator’s License is required for the Principal Plant Operator (Maintenance) classification or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Candidates with Class II, Class III, or no license may be considered at lower plant operator classifications and salary ranges. The listed salary ranges vary by license, experience, and qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Current valid driver’s license and a good driving record, meeting the stated Virginia DMV point-history criteria; applicants with out-of-state records must obtain and present a qualifying record at interview.
• A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator’s License for the Principal Plant Operator (Maintenance) classification, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with Class II, Class III, or no license may be considered at lower classifications.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification.
• Ability to comply with safety rules and regulations, including county and OSHA requirements; the position is safety-sensitive and subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Self-starter with strong mechanical aptitude, excellent verbal communication skills, ability to work well on a team, and ability to develop positive working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Wastewater treatment experience is preferred but not required.
• Motivation and eagerness to learn plant operations and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain process equipment and systems associated with wastewater treatment.
• Maintain plant vehicles and equipment.
• Schedule and oversee contracted work on site.
• Create purchase orders and order materials and equipment.
• Monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Perform emergency equipment repairs as needed.
• Observe and record process trends related to equipment operation.
• Monitor and adjust process control instrumentation.
• Maintain or replace chemical pumps, piping, and tanks.
• Ensure proper operation of samplers, collect process-monitoring samples, and perform field analytical tests.
• Operate the sludge dewatering facility.
• Perform preventive maintenance and housekeeping.
• Document completed repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Work outdoors in the elements.
• Assist with troubleshooting operational issues around the plant and maintenance projects.
• Help ensure safety is upheld and perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System.
• Long- and short-term disability.
• Paid time off: 14 hours accrued per month during the first five years, with eligible balance rolling over up to the maximum carryover limit.
• An additional 40 hours of PTO granted on the second paycheck.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Learning and Performance Center programs.
• Career progression opportunities and salary incentives through the Career Development Plan, as funding permits.

What This Job Offers

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