Plant Operator

Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking qualified candidates who are interested in a career as a Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator. This on-the-job training/work program offers both entry-level and experienced operators a career path to the highest level of operator at Arlington County's Water Pollution Control Plant, which is a state-of-the-art, highly automated, and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) wastewater treatment facility. The program develops and compensates operators for knowledge, expertise, licensure, and work performance. New hires move through a multi-grade and multi-year training program that leads to journey level and possibly beyond.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Operating independently all four plant stations;
• Completing training and performing common preventive and minor corrective maintenance on plant equipment;
• Participating in and using safety training, both County-sponsored and required by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and Virginia OSHA; and
• Demonstrating satisfactory soft skills and abilities (e.g., teamwork, communications, etc.).

The ideal candidate will possess some mechanical aptitude, the initiative and ability to work well independently and with others on a team, the reading comprehension skills to understand complex technical manuals and follow written directions, as well as the writing skills to complete legally required documentation.

The multi-grade plan will reward operators for achieving set goals in a prescribed timeframe. The operator will have two years to obtain the Virginia Class IV Wastewater License and other Plant program specific criteria, or he/she will be separated from the County. If an operator successfully meets the specified requirements during the first two years, the operator will then move to the next grade where he/she will serve a one-year probationary period. After successfully completing probation, the operator will gain permanent status.

An operator may move beyond journey level if he/she obtains a Wastewater License Level I, Level I certification in all four Plant stations and Level I in both Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Minor Corrective Maintenance (MCM).

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High School Diploma/equivalent;
• Completion of high school level Algebra; and
• Completion of high school level Chemistry and/or Biology.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Associate Degree in engineering, science, or field related to water/wastewater treatment;
• College courses in an area related to wastewater treatment;
• A high level of mechanical aptitude along with experience using hand and power tools;
• Experience in water filtration or wastewater plant operations (military or civilian); and/or
• Experience using a work order system or maintenance management system.

Special Requirements Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Physical Ability: Be able to safely perform repetitive and intensive manual labor, safely lift heavy objects (50 lbs.+), working from ladders, scaffolds and other high places, including climbing stairs of heights exceeding 60 feet around tanks; working outside in inclement weather, in confined spaces, etc.

Additional:

• Ability to meet requirements of Virginia Confined Entry Standard, including respirator use.
• Ability to work a shift schedule, including nights, and to work after hours in emergency situations.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Wastewater Operator's licenses.

Work Hours: All operators are permanently assigned to work with a team on one of four 12-hour shifts. The day shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

• During emergency situations plant operators will be required to work after standard shift hours. The (two) night shifts alternate four days on and four days off. The (two) day shifts alternate on a cycling three/two schedule which allows every other weekend off.
• New operators will be assigned to shifts based on plant needs. Night shift operators receive a shift differential at $1.00/hour. Overtime is paid at time and a half for time outside standard shift, currently about 4 hours of overtime accumulates every two weeks because of the shift overlap period.
• Uniforms and cleaning provided.
• This position is part of a multi-grade pay band that encompasses trainees through Senior level. However, experience will be evaluated by the department and applicants with previous related experience, valid licensure, or post high school education may be considered eligible to be hired at a higher pay rate within trainee level.

Salary ranges: Trainee level: $58,177.60 - $88,816.00 Annually Journey level: $63,003.20 - $96,137.60 Annually Senior level: $73,944.00 - $112,985.60 Annually (only attained after all program requirements have been met and after years of demonstrated performance, usually encompassing a period of several years).

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs.