Potable Water Plant Operator – SCADA & Safety Focus

Stafford County, Virginia; Virginia; On-site; USD 35,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County seeks a Water Plant Operator to manage and monitor a drinking water treatment facility in compliance with SDWA, VDH Waterworks Regulations, EPA standards, and DPOR guidelines under supervision.

The role involves operating SCADA systems, adjusting chemical feeds, performing routine tests, maintaining logs, and supporting startup, shutdowns, and emergency response procedures.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of drinking water treatment principles and regulations (SDWA, VDH).
• Ability to calibrate and adjust chemical feeds for desired water quality.
• Familiar with SCADA and process automation; cybersecurity awareness helpful.
• Understand safety regulations and OSHA/VOSH requirements in water labs.
• Ability to read gauges, meters, and control charts; analyze trends.
• Proficient in data entry, logging, and reportkeeping.
• Strong communication and cooperative work with staff and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor water treatment processes to meet regulatory standards.
• Record readings from gauges, meters, and SCADA for performance tracking.
• Perform routine tests (pH, turbidity, residuals) per Standard Methods.
• Adjust coagulants, disinfectants, and chemical feeds to target quality.
• Inspect and maintain pumps, valves, filters, and feed systems regularly.
• Collect samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis per schedules.
• Maintain logs and daily production reports; support inspections.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies; participate in safety drills.

Skills

SCADA knowledge

Coagulation & disinfection

Data entry & recordkeeping

Gauges/meters reading

Safety procedures

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Water treatment tech coursework (or related field)

1–3 years operation/monitoring experience

SCADA/automation exposure

Tools

SCADA

PLC systems

Job description

Stafford County seeks a Water Plant Operator to manage and monitor a drinking water treatment facility in compliance with SDWA, VDH Waterworks Regulations, EPA standards, and DPOR guidelines under supervision.

The role involves operating SCADA systems, adjusting chemical feeds, performing routine tests, maintaining logs, and supporting startup, shutdowns, and emergency response procedures.