Waterworks Operator I/II/III/IV/V Signing Bonus

James City County•Williamsburg, VA

About The Position

The James City Service Authority (JCSA) is hiring Waterworks Operators at levels I through V to operate, maintain, and repair Water Production Section facilities, equipment, and related appurtenances. The work location and the classification of the water system or facility determine the minimum operator level required. Multiple vacancies are available. Salary is negotiable based on qualifications, with level-specific annual ranges from $43,547–$77,952 for Operator I to $57,025–$102,081 for Operator V. A $4,000 signing bonus is offered to the candidate hired into the position. The role includes full-time county benefits and a step pay plan, subject to Board approval, funding availability, and other conditions. The plan provides annual cost-of-living increases and, for employees hired at the entry level, scheduled step increases of 5.0% annually for the first four years and 1.5% annually thereafter. The position operates and monitors water production and distribution systems, adjusts processes to meet water supply quality and quantity requirements, and performs water-quality testing, sampling, instrument calibration, and chemical treatment calculations. The operator also carries out maintenance and repairs, maintains operational and laboratory records, supports regulatory sampling and testing, and may direct confined-space maintenance activities and oversee Lockout/Tagout procedures. Employees participate in a rotating on-call schedule and must be reachable and able to respond within 60 minutes during assigned on-call periods. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Waterworks operator license requirements vary by level, from obtaining a Virginia Class IV license within 12 months and a Class III license within three years for entry-level operators to holding a Class I license for Operator V. A valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record are required within 30 days of hire. Applicants must be able to function in an environment requiring respiratory protection. Applications are accepted until the position is filled; a fully completed application is required, while cover letters and resumes may also be attached.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Some experience in inspection, maintenance, and repair of water production facilities is preferred.
  • Possess or be able to obtain the appropriate level of Waterworks Operators License within the applicable time frame.
  • Possess or obtain within 30 days of hire a valid Virginia driver's license and maintain 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.
  • Skill in using computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations for chemical dosages, unit conversions, laboratory tests, meter and instrument checks, testing calibration, and pumping-equipment verifications.
  • Waterworks Operator I: Obtain a Virginia Class IV Waterworks Operators License within 12 months of hire and a Virginia Class III license within three years.
  • Waterworks 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.
  • Waterworks 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.
  • Waterworks Operator IV: Have advanced experience operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical systems at a water system; possess a Virginia Class II Waterworks Operator License.
  • Waterworks 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, adjust, and repair mechanical and related water treatment systems, facilities, equipment, and appurtenances.
  • Operate, monitor, and record distribution-system pressures, tank levels, flow rates, and water quality through a computer-based system; make 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; and assess process performance.
  • Operate and maintain chemical feed systems, conduct analytical tests and calculations, and determine appropriate treatment and feed rates.
  • Record and maintain operational and laboratory data, including chemical test results; determine needed adjustments and collect water samples required by regulatory agencies.
  • 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.
  • Serve as the competent person and entry supervisor directing maintenance operations during confined-space entry activities; oversee employees involved in Lockout/Tagout procedures.
  • Maintain efficient facility operation and established water-quality standards by monitoring well operations, adjusting pumping rates to maintain appropriate aquifer mix ratios, collecting samples, and testing water conditions.
  • Maintain facility- or vehicle-specific inventory, order items as needed, and initiate work orders.
  • Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, remain reachable by phone, and respond within 60 minutes during assigned on-call periods.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Full-time County benefits.
  • $4,000 signing bonus for the candidate hired into the position.
  • Competitive compensation with annual cost-of-living increases and scheduled step pay increases; step increases are subject to stated conditions.
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