Waterworks Operator I/II/III/IV/V

James City County • Williamsburg, FL

7d • $43,547 - $102,081

About The Position

The James City Service Authority seeks a Waterworks Operator to perform experienced work operating, maintaining, and repairing the Water Production Section’s facilities, equipment, and related appurtenances. The work location and classification of the water system or facility determine the minimum operator level required. There are five levels, distinguished by the work performed and the employee’s qualifications and position requirements.

The listed annual salary ranges, depending on qualifications, are: Operator I, $43,547–$77,952; Operator II, $46,561–$83,347; Operator III, $49,796–$89,151; Operator IV, $53,282–$95,380; and Operator V, $57,025–$102,081. The posting describes full-time County benefits and a step pay plan with annual 5% increases during the first four years of service and 1.5% annual increases thereafter, subject to Board approval, funding availability, and other conditions.

The role operates and monitors water production and distribution systems, maintains water quality, conducts tests and records operational and laboratory data, and performs equipment maintenance and repairs. The operator participates in a rotating on-call schedule and must be reachable and able to respond within 60 minutes during assigned on-call periods. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some experience in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of water production facilities is preferred.
• Possess or be able to obtain the appropriate level of Waterworks Operator license within the required time frame.
• Possess or obtain within 30 days of hire a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record under James City County criteria.
• Ability and tolerance to function in an environment requiring respiratory protection devices.
• Knowledge of water chemistry, sampling, and chemical and biological analytical methods used to determine water quality and treatment requirements.
• Knowledge of mechanical maintenance, plumbing, and basic electrical work related to pumps, instrumentation, valves, piping, meters, and other water-related equipment and processes.
• Knowledge of EPA, federal, and state laws and regulations applicable to Waterworks operation; analytical techniques and methods, including water treatment and processes, are preferred.
• Skill using computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations for chemical dosages, unit conversions, laboratory tests, meter checks, instrumentation and testing calibration, and pumping-equipment verification.
• Operator I: Obtain a Virginia Class IV Waterworks Operator License within 12 months of hire and a Virginia Class III license within three years.
• Operator II: Have related technical or mechanical experience, an associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, an equivalent combination of education and experience, or a Virginia Class IV Waterworks Operator License. Candidates hired with experience and/or education must obtain a Class IV license within 12 months and a Class III license within three years. Candidates hired with a Class IV license must obtain a Class III license within three years of hire.
• Operator III: Have considerable technical or mechanical experience working at a water system, an associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; possess a Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator License.
• Operator IV: Have advanced experience operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical systems at a water system; possess a Virginia Class II Waterworks Operator License.
• Operator V: Have extensive experience operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical systems at a water system; possess a Virginia Class I Waterworks Operator License.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of water production facilities.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and methods, including water treatment and processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, diagnose issues with, adjust, and repair mechanical and related water treatment systems, facilities, equipment, and appurtenances.
• Operate, monitor, and record distribution-system data, including pressures, tank levels, flow rates, and water quality, using a computer-based system; make facility adjustments to meet water supply quality and quantity requirements.
• Monitor, operate, and test facility processes; record flows, pressures, levels, and run times; calculate production quantities; record water-quality parameters; and assess process performance.
• Operate and maintain chemical feed systems and perform analytical tests and calculations to determine appropriate treatment and feed rates.
• Record and maintain operational and laboratory data, including chemical testing such as pH, chlorine residual, alkalinity, conductivity, and orthophosphate; determine necessary adjustments based on results.
• Collect water samples required by regulatory agencies, including chlorine residual, chemical, and bacteriological samples, and coordinate with the laboratory regarding test results.
• Calibrate water analytical instruments using known standards.
• Calculate disinfection doses for the water system and tanks, and operate and maintain disinfection equipment.
• Direct maintenance operations during confined-space entry activities as the entry supervisor and oversee employees associated with Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Ensure efficient operation of Water Production Section facilities and maintain water-quality standards by monitoring well operations, adjusting pumping rates to maintain proper aquifer mix ratios, collecting samples, and performing tests.
• Maintain facility- or vehicle-specific inventory, order items as needed, and initiate work orders.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule for after-hours emergency support; remain reachable by phone and able to respond within 60 minutes during assigned periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time County benefits.
• Competitive starting rates and predictable compensation pathways.
• Annual cost-of-living increases.
• Step pay plan providing 5.0% annual increases for the first four years of service and 1.5% annual increases thereafter, subject to Board approval, availability of funds, and other conditions.

What This Job Offers

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