Senior Water Plant Operator

Stafford County; Virginia; On-site; USD 46,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County seeks an experienced Water Treatment Lead Operator to ensure safe, compliant production of drinking water. You will oversee SCADA-controlled processes, manage maintenance, and guide staff under supervision of the Water Plant Manager.

The role requires 5–7 years in water treatment operations, supervisory experience, and strong regulatory knowledge. A focus on cybersecurity and data integrity is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with advanced technical coursework in water treatment.
• 5–7 years of experience in operation, maintenance, and compliance monitoring of a water treatment plant.
• Supervisory or lead operator experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain the county's water treatment facility and associated systems in compliance with all regulations.
• Oversee pumps, motors, filters, valves, instrumentation, chemical feed systems, and SCADA-controlled operations.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices for SCADA/PLC networked control systems.
• Collect and analyze water samples and perform laboratory analyses for key parameters.
• Interpret data to adjust treatment processes and chemical dosages for regulatory compliance.
• Maintain records and regulatory reporting in computerized systems.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance and enforce safety procedures.
• Lead or participate in response efforts during emergencies and incidents.
• Provide training and mentorship to operators and trainees; promote safety and continuous learning.

Skills

Supervisory experience

SCADA systems

Cybersecurity awareness

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma with advanced technical coursework in water treatment

Tools

SCADA

PLCs

Regulatory reporting systems

Job description

Performs highly skilled technical and supervisory work in the operation, maintenance, and compliance of a County water treatment facility and associated systems. This position ensures the reliable production of safe drinking water in accordance with all applicable Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA/VOSH) regulations. Work includes overseeing advanced treatment processes, SCADA system operations, cybersecurity safeguards, and chemical feed management. The employee serves as a lead operator or shift supervisor and performs related administrative and technical duties under the general supervision of the Water Plant Manager or Assistant Plant Manager.

The hiring range for this position is $33.13 per hour to $45.56 per hour based on experience. The full salary range for this position is $33.13 per hour to $57.98 per hour to provide opportunity for growth and development.

• Operates, monitors, and maintains the County's water treatment facility and associated systems in full compliance with VDH, DEQ, EPA, and County regulations
• Oversees pumps, motors, filters, valves, instrumentation, chemical feed systems, and SCADA-controlled operations to ensure continuous and efficient treatment performance
• Implements cybersecurity best practices related to SCADA, PLCs, and networked control systems, including secure logins, password protection, user access management, and data integrity protocols
• Collects and analyzes raw, process, and finished water samples; performs laboratory analyses for parameters such as chlorine residuals, turbidity, pH, alkalinity, hardness, and emerging contaminants including PFAS
• Interprets laboratory and operational data to adjust treatment processes and chemical dosages for optimal performance and regulatory compliance
• Maintains accurate and complete records, logs, and electronic data management systems consistent with state and federal reporting requirements
• Performs and coordinates preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and process equipment; ensures adherence to lockout/tagout and confined space procedures
• Participates in and may lead response efforts for operational emergencies including power outages, process failures, or raw water quality incidents
• Provides technical guidance, mentorship, and training for water treatment operators and trainees; promotes a culture of safety and continuous learning
• Assists in the development and enforcement of operational, safety, and cybersecurity procedures and ensures compliance with County and regulatory standards
• Coordinates with distribution, maintenance, and administrative personnel to maintain system storage, pressure, and service reliability
• Supports and participates in County safety programs, including PPE compliance, hazard communication, and chemical handling requirements
• Maintains the required professional training hours to retain certification via VDH regulations (minimum 20 hours every two years, with at least 5 hours in management-related coursework)
• Performs related tasks as required

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, corrosion control, and fluoridation
• Working knowledge of Virginia Administrative Code 12VAC5-590 (Waterworks Regulations), 9VAC25-31 (VPDES Regulations), and related environmental standards
• Strong understanding of SCADA, PLCs, telemetry, instrumentation, and cybersecurity measures protecting water treatment operations
• Ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve mechanical, electrical, chemical, and process-related problems efficiently
• Skill in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals
• Proficiency in recordkeeping, data entry, and regulatory reporting using computerized maintenance and data management systems
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff performance
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff, management, and regulatory agencies

• Ability to demonstrate commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and public health protection

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by advanced technical coursework in water treatment, chemistry, environmental science, or related fields, and 5 to 7 years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and compliance monitoring of a water treatment plant is required. Supervisory or lead operator experience.