Water Plant Operator

Stafford County; Virginia; On-site; USD 35,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County seeks qualified Water Plant Operators to manage and monitor a drinking water treatment facility. This role ensures compliance with SDWA, Virginia regulations, and EPA standards while maintaining high-quality potable water production.

You will operate SCADA-controlled processes, perform routine tests, adjust chemical feeds, and document all activities. Progressive growth across Class IV–I levels is offered with competitive hourly wages and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of drinking water treatment principles, practices, and regulations.
• Understanding of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes.
• Working knowledge of SCADA and process automation systems, including cybersecurity for control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors all phases of the water treatment process to ensure SDWA and state EPA compliance.
• Monitors gauges, meters, SCADA readings and records data for performance and water quality.
• Performs routine process control tests following Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater.
• Adjusts feed rates for coagulants and disinfectants to meet water quality objectives.
• Maintains pumps, valves, filters, and chemical feed systems; ensures safety compliance.
• Collects samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis as required by regulations.
• Maintains accurate logs, lab data, and production reports; supports regulatory inspections.

Skills

Water treatment principles

SCADA understanding

Regulatory compliance

Safety procedures (OSHA/VOSH)

Analytical data interpretation

Instrumentation and controls

Education

High school diploma or GED

coursework in water treatment technology / environmental science / chemistry

Tools

SCADA systems

Laboratory equipment

Pumps, valves, filters maintenance

PLC and cybersecurity basics

Job description

Performs responsible and technical work in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of a drinking water treatment facility in accordance with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) standards. Work involves ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient production of potable water through proper use of chemical, mechanical, and process control systems. Employee exercises judgment based on established procedures and regulatory guidelines and operates under the general supervision of the Water Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, or Senior Operator on duty.

There are three levels available for this position classification, the hiring salary ranges for those levels based on experience are:

• Water Plant Operator (Class IV) - $25.26/hour to $34.74/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class III) - $27.03/hour to $37.17/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class II) - $28.93/hour to $39.78/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class I)- $30.96/hour to $42.57/hour

The full salary range for the three levels to provide opportunity for growth and development are:

• Water Plant Operator (Class IV)- $25.26/hour to $44.21/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class III) - $27.03/hour to $47.31/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class II) - $28.93/hour to $50.63/hour
• Water Plant Operator (Class I)- $30.96/hour to $54.18/hour

• Operates and monitors all phases of the water treatment process to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), VDH Waterworks Regulations (12VAC5-590), and EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
• Monitors and records readings from gauges, meters, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and other plant instrumentation to evaluate system performance and water quality
• Performs and documents routine process control tests (e.g., DPD, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine residuals, and other parameters) following Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
• Adjusts feed rates for coagulants, disinfectants, and other treatment chemicals to maintain target water quality objectives
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains pumps, valves, filters, chemical feed systems, and related mechanical and electrical components to ensure reliability and compliance with OSHA/VOSH safety requirements
• Collects and submits samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis as required by VDH ODW monitoring schedules
• Maintains accurate operational logs, laboratory data, and daily production reports in compliance with 18VAC160-20-1090 recordkeeping and continuing education standards
• Participates in plant start-up, shutdown, and emergency response procedures
• Responds promptly to alarms, abnormal conditions, and system upsets, taking corrective action in accordance with established protocols
• Practices and enforces proper safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and hazardous chemical handling under OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and County safety policies
• Ensures the confidentiality and security of operational data and participates in cybersecurity awareness and training related to SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and other networked control equipment in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia cybersecurity standards and EPA guidance on water sector cybersecurity
• Assists with cross‑training of personnel and provides support for plant tours, audits, and regulatory inspections
• Performs related tasks as required

• Comprehensive knowledge of drinking water treatment principles, practices, and applicable regulations
• Understanding of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes, including chemical feed calibration and adjustment
• Working knowledge of SCADA and process automation systems, including cybersecurity, best practices for protecting control systems and data integrity
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and VOSH/OSHA safety regulations applicable to water treatment and laboratory environments
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and control charts, and to analyze operational data for trends and compliance
• Proficiency in data entry, recordkeeping, and computer software related to laboratory and operational systems
• Ability to recognize and respond quickly to mechanical, process, or water quality issues
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to maintain cooperative relationships with staff, supervisors, and regulatory officials

Water Plant Operator (Class IV):

High school diploma or GED required. Experience in water treatment operations, plant maintenance, or laboratory analysis preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Water Plant Operator (Class III):

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by coursework or training in water treatment technology, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field and 1 to 3 years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of a water treatment plant or similar industrial process control system is required. Experience with SCADA, automated control systems, or cybersecurity protocols in industrial environments is highly desirable.

Water Plant Operator (Class II):

High school diploma or GED required. 3 to 5 years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, plant maintenance or laboratory analysis preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Water Plant Operator (Class I):

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and extensive experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment at a water treatment plant.