Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Otter Job Board; Ruther Glen (VA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid on-the-job training

Clear pay advancement

County benefits

Job summary

Caroline County Public Utilities is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee in Virginia. This full-time role offers hands-on training, daily plant operation duties, and a path to earning the Class IV Wastewater Works Operator license.

You will monitor equipment, collect samples, perform basic testing, and maintain logs while supporting public health infrastructure. A valid driver’s license and physical capability are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfort working outdoors in various weather.
• Willingness to learn and pass Class IV licensing exam within 12 months.
• Practical common sense and mechanical instincts.

Responsibilities

• Operate & maintain plant equipment; perform routine maintenance and assist with repairs.
• Observe gauges, troubleshoot issues and prevent breakdowns.
• Collect basic water and sludge samples; conduct simple bench tests with training.
• Record operational data, maintain logs and support quality assurance standards.
• Keep critical public health infrastructure running 24/7/365.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Reliability

Safety Awareness

Basic Tools Knowledge

Driver's License

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Caroline County Public Utilities

https://co.caroline.va.us/551/Employment-Opportunities

Salary: $43,307.89 - $46,637.87

Job Type: Full-Time | Essential Personnel

Launch a Stable Career in Environmental & Essential Public Service

Looking for a stable, hands-on career where you protect local water resources, gain valuable trade skills, and earn paid industry certifications? You do not need years of environmental chemistry or textbook theory to start a stable, well-paying trade career in public utilities. We are looking for someone with practical common sense, a solid work ethic, and good mechanical instincts - someone who knows their way around basic hand tools, pays attention to how machinery runs, and takes pride in solving real-world problems.

Caroline County will provide the hands-on-training, mentorship, study materials, and paid support to help you earn your Commonwealth of Virginia Class IV Wastewater Works Operator license.

What You will Do

• Operate & Maintain: Monitor equipment, perform routine plant maintenance, and assist with mechanical repairs.
• Observe & Troubleshoot: Walk the plant grounds, monitor gauges and digital readouts, listen for unusual equipment noise, and catch mechanical issues before they become breakdowns.
• Hands-On Testing: Collect basic water and sludge samples across the facility and run straightforward bench tests (we will train you step-by-step).
• Data & Compliance: Record operational data, maintain logs, and assist in maintaining quality assurance standards.
• Community Safety: Keep critical public health infrastructure running smoothly 24/7/365.

Who We are Looking For

• Mechanical Aptitude: You have experience repairing your own vehicle, working in general maintenance, construction, farming, small engine repair, or a related trade.
• Solid Common Sense: You stay aware of your surroundings, follow safety rules around heavy machinery, and make smart decisions under minimal supervision.
• Reliability: You show up on time, communicate clearly, and take pride in dependable work.
• Basic Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent, valid Virginia driver’s license, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• License Track: Willingness to learn the position and pass the Class IV licensing exam within 12 months (fully supported and funded by the County).

What We Offer

• Paid On-The-Job Training: Earn a full paycheck while learning a licensed trade with zero student debt.
• Clear Pay Advancement: Getting your Class IV license unlocks automatic bumps in job title and pay grade, opening up a long-term career path.
• County Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension, paid time off, and stability in essential public service.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Pay: $43,307.89 - $46,637.87 per year

Work Location: In person