Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The Copper River Family of Companies • Quantico, VA

2h • $50 - $54 • Onsite

About The Position

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to safely, efficiently, and compliantly operate a multi-stage wastewater treatment facility in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The position supports continuous plant operations by monitoring processes, operating treatment equipment, collecting samples and conducting tests, adjusting chemical treatment, responding to alarms, and performing routine operator-level maintenance. The operator works rotating shifts in coordination with government personnel to ensure uninterrupted wastewater treatment operations at the Mainside Wastewater Treatment Plant in Quantico, Virginia.

The operator works under the general direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor and exercises independent judgment within established procedures. The role includes making operational decisions during assigned shifts, serving as Operator in Charge when required, and determining appropriate actions during abnormal or emergency conditions. The schedule consists of 12-hour rotating day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays, with mandatory overtime when required.

Requirements

• Experience operating a wastewater treatment plant with multiple treatment stages, including tertiary processes.
• Hands-on experience with wastewater treatment equipment, chemical treatment systems, and process monitoring.
• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification, Class I or Class II; must be maintained.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in the operation, purpose, and capabilities of wastewater treatment equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of the safe handling and application of wastewater treatment chemicals, including sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, polymers, sodium hydroxide, lime, and related compounds.
• Knowledge of tertiary wastewater treatment processes, chlorination and dechlorination, and phosphorus and nitrogen removal.
• Understanding of UV disinfection system operation and maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret digital and analog gauges, meters, and alarms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical manuals, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of Windows-based systems and operational software.
• Ability to safely wear all required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including prolonged standing and walking, climbing ladders and stairs, and lifting objects weighing up to 45–50 pounds, occasionally more.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working rotating shifts in a continuous operations environment.
• Technical or vocational training in wastewater treatment or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pretreatment, primary, secondary, and tertiary wastewater treatment processes in compliance with NPDES permit conditions.
• Operate pumps, valves, gates, feeders, flocculators, clarifiers, filters, UV disinfection systems, and related process control equipment.
• Collect influent, intermediate, and effluent samples and perform required testing and analysis, including pH, temperature, settleable solids, and flow rates.
• Adjust chemical feed rates and treatment processes based on test results and operational requirements.
• Perform tertiary treatment operations, including chemical mixing, polymer and chemical feed systems, gravity sand filtration, phosphorus and nitrogen removal, and UV disinfection.
• Respond to plant alarms and telemetry notifications, investigate issues, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Make operational decisions during assigned shifts, serve as Operator in Charge when required, and determine appropriate actions during abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Operate sludge handling and disposal equipment, such as centrifuges, vacuum coil filters, or belt filter presses.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance, including lubrication, minor repairs, adjustments, and equipment calibration in accordance with SOPs, TPMs, and manufacturer manuals.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, flow charts, calibration records, and operational documentation.
• Coordinate with government personnel to support continuous wastewater treatment operations and shift coverage.
• Work mandatory overtime when required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare and dependent care.
• Health Savings Account for the high-deductible medical plan.
• Retirement 401(k) with employer match.
• Open leave policy and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Transportation expense account.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional benefits may be available; eligibility varies by employment classification and applicable contract requirements.

What This Job Offers

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