Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Trainee

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Vacancy Announcement

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Trainee
Operator Starting Salary: $50,896 - $55,985 (DOQ)
Trainee Starting Salary: $39,879

Full-Time | Benefits | Paid Training | Overtime Opportunities

Start a Stable, Essential Career Serving Your Community

The City of Fredericksburg is looking for dependable, motivated individuals to join our Wastewater Treatment team. Whether you are an experienced licensed operator or someone looking to start a new career, this is an excellent opportunity to learn a skilled trade, earn professional licenses, and make a direct impact on public health and environmental protection in a $260 billion-a-year industry.
No wastewater experience is required for the Trainee position. We provide training, guidance, and City-sponsored support to help you succeed.

Why Join Our Team?
As a member of our Wastewater Treatment Plant team, you will be part of an essential city operation that protects local waterways, supports growth, and keeps the community running every day.

We offer:

• Paid training and career development
• Opportunity to advance from Trainee to licensed Operator
• City-sponsored wastewater license training
• Full-time employment with overtime opportunities
• Virginia Retirement System participation
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 13 paid holidays each year
• A supportive, knowledgeable team environment

What You’ll Do
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators help operate, monitor, and maintain the systems that treat wastewater safely and efficiently.

Duties include:

• Operating and maintaining wastewater treatment equipment, machinery, and pumps
• Collecting and processing wastewater samples for laboratory testing
• Monitoring plant operations and making process adjustments
• Adding chemicals and adjusting feed rates as needed
• Assisting with data entry, monthly reports, and SCADA process controls
• Supporting facility upgrades, improvements, and daily operations

We’ll Help You Build Your Career
For Trainees, this position is designed as a career pathway. The City will provide training and support as you work toward required wastewater licenses and move up the career ladder.

Candidates must be able to:

• Obtain a Class 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within 12 months of employment
• Obtain a Class 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within 18 months of employment

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent education
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license
• Ability to pass a background check and driving record check
• Willingness to work as part of a 24/7 essential operations team

Work Schedule and Conditions
The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position works a rotating schedule that may include 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and scheduled overtime.

Work may be performed indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Be Part of Something Essential
This is more than a job. It is a chance to build a reliable career, learn valuable technical skills, and serve a growing community. Join a knowledgeable and dedicated team committed to the and to providing essential services every day.

How to Apply
The position will remain open until filled. Completed City Employment Applications should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on May 27, 2026 .

Apply at:

The City of Fredericksburg provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

City of Fredericksburg
Human Resources Department
715 Princess Anne Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
[email protected]
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