Principal Plant Operator
Principal Plant Operator
Salary Range: $45,833.00 - $53,941.00
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. September 5, 2021
The Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is a public water and wastewater utility that uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver the highest quality service to its more than 320,000 customers. Chesterfield owns and operates the award-winning Addison-Evans Water Production & Laboratory Facility, a 12 million gallon per day drinking water treatment plant. The county also receives water from the Appomattox River Water Authority (where we sit on the board) and the City of Richmond Plant, managed through our SCADA system. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference in the community by meeting or exceeding water quality standards to ensure public health and the quality of the raw water in the Swift Creek Reservoir. We pride ourselves in being fiscally fit, being one of only a handful of water and wastewater nationwide to have achieved AAA ratings on its revenue bonds from each of the three top rating services.
This position is for a Principal Plant Operator responsible to work twelve hour shifts as a potable water treatment plant operator of a high-rate conventional treatment plant. The schedule is three days of work followed by three days off. The Principal Plant Operator provides operation of mechanical and computer systems (SCADA, including monitoring of the distribution system), calibration of chemical feeders and equipment, handling of chemicals, sampling and testing of source and treated waters, and other duties as necessary to enable proper monitoring and operation of our drinking water treatment plant. Adjustment of plant treatment process within the parameters of the operating permit and in coordination with supervisors is required. Documenting data for preparation of reports is necessary. Responsible for after-hours Utilities department emergency services phone number, the monitoring and emergency response for one Class I and one class II dam, and the maintenance of facility security. High school diploma or GED; three years of experience in drinking water treatment plant operation experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I water Operator's License is required. Applicants with a Class II, Class Ill, or non-licensed status will receive consideration at lower plant operator classifications and salary grades/ranges. College graduates with a degree in biological, chemical, or engineering science may start as a Class Ill. Other non-licensed applicants will start as an Unlicensed Operator. Unlicensed Operators and licensees with lower than a Class I license will receive salary increases after passing higher license exams. Candidate must be eighteen (18) years of age at the date of hire. Candidate must be able to perform manual labor in the elements. Required duties include use of ladders, lifting up to fifty (50) pounds, and standing or walking for thirty (30) minutes at a time. On occasion will need to handle 550-pound drums. Performs other work as required.
This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of coagulation process troubleshooting and water treatment laboratory procedures. Understanding of potable water treatment processes and the necessary pumps, motors, controls, and mechanical/electrical skills are desirable. Must possess good communication skills, be capable of functioning on a team, and be responsible to accomplish independent work. Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
The hiring range for this position, depending on qualifications, is as follows: $45,833 - $62,050 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Water Operator's License; $40,119 - $47,217 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Water Operator's License; $35,113 - $41,325 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class Ill Water Operator's License or holds a bachelor's degree In biological, chemical or engineering science; $30,735 - $36,171 for non-licensed applicants, will start as an Unlicensed Operator.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the community join our team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including the Virginia Retirement System defined benefit plan. We work hard to achieve our mission, but we also value work-life balance through paid-time off. We support professional development through career development plans, tuition reimbursement program, our award-winning learning and development programs, and opportunities for advancement within the organization. For more information, please visit Chesterfield County Utilities Department.
A Chesterfield County application is required and must be submitted online by deadline.
An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity