Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Jonestown (Lebanon County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania invites applicants for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position at Fort Indiantown Gap. You will operate, monitor, and maintain plant systems to ensure safe, compliant wastewater treatment supporting public health and the environment.

Responsibilities include operating SBR units and lift stations, performing lab tests, maintaining records, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations. Overtime may be required during storms and emergencies.

Qualifications

• Must have certification by PA State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators for any class
• Completion of trainee program or equivalent experience
• Valid PA non-commercial Class C driver's license required
• Possession of a valid photo ID and ability to pass NCIC screening

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment systems including SBR and lift stations
• Inspect, maintain, and repair pumps, motors, filters, and related equipment
• Conduct water quality tests and record results to ensure regulatory compliance
• Track daily flows, document activities, and update logs and reports
• Follow environmental rules, safety guidelines, and permit requirements
• Support storm operations and respond to system issues

Skills

Wastewater treatment knowledge

SBR operation experience

Maintenance of pumps and motors

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Wastewater treatment operator certification (any class)

Tools

SBR unit operation

Pumps and motors maintenance

Laboratory testing basics

Job description

Are you ready to take on an important role that helps protect public health and the environment? As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, you will work with advanced systems that keep the facility running safely. Your efforts will directly support the overall mission of Fort Indiantown Gap through reliable and compliant wastewater management. Step into a position where your daily work strengthens a critical operation.

This position plays a key role in keeping the wastewater treatment plant operating safely and effectively. It supports clean water standards and protects the surrounding environment. As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Plant Operations: Operate and monitor wastewater treatment systems, including a Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) unit and lift stations
• Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, maintain, and repair pumps, motors, filters, and related treatment equipment
• Lab Testing: Conduct water quality tests and record accurate results to ensure compliance with regulatory standards
• Record Keeping: Track daily flows, document activities, and update logs and reports as required
• Regulatory Compliance: Follow all environmental rules, safety guidelines, and permit requirements
• Emergency Response: Support storm operations, respond to system issues, and assist during urgent situations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• The Fort Indiantown Gap Wastewater Treatment Plant operates 365 days a year. Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including rotating weekends and holidays, and with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is designated as essential, requiring employees to work overtime during storms, equipment malfunctions, emergencies, or office closures.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) program and certification as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant; or
• Possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than a Class B, Subclass E, 1 and 4 Certification.
• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid federal or state-issued photo ID and pass a favorable NCIC screening for admission to Fort Indiantown Gap.
• You must obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License with the Air Brake Restriction removed within one year of employment, and maintain it throughout employment.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Formal training in wastewater management
• Experience operating a Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)
• Experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of motors, pumps, compressors, valves, filters, and other related wastewater treatment equipment
• Experience performing sampling and testing of plant influent or effluent for environmental protection

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.