Water Plant Operator 1 (Relief)

Rivanna Authorities; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Job summary

Rivanna Authorities is seeking an experienced Water Plant Operator 1 - Relief to support operations at our water treatment facilities and pump stations in Charlottesville, VA. This role covers uncovered shifts on multiple facilities and may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

A 15% shift differential may apply for Relief Operators after completing required training. The successful candidate will perform water treatment, monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Virginia Class 1 Waterworks Operator License is required.
• Bachelor's/Associate degree in environmental science, water treatment, or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Fill uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility, including day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Operate water treatment systems involving chemical, physical, and microbiological processes.
• Monitor plant operations via SCADA, instrumentation, labs, meters, and gauges.
• Collect water samples and perform laboratory analyses to guide treatment adjustments.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, reports, and regulatory records.
• Train and support other employees in plant operations and procedures.

Skills

Procedures interpretation

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Virginia Class 1 Waterworks Operator License

Environmental science or related background preferred

Job description

About the Organization Join the team at Rivanna Authorities for a valuable career in public service. We are guided by our Mission & Values. We constantly strive to improve essential services in the County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville.
Mission: Our knowledgeable and professional team serves the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA community by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
Vision: To serve the community as a recognized leader in environmental stewardship by providing exceptional water and solid waste services.
Values: The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority and Rivanna Solid Waste Authority are committed to the following values: Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, & Quality

Description

Summary

Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority is seeking an experienced, licensed Water Plant Operator 1 – Relief to support operations at our water treatment facilities and pump stations.

This position fills uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility and must be available to work varying schedules, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency assignments, unless on approved leave. In recognition of the additional responsibilities and operational demands associated with the shift assignment of Relief Operators, and to support retention of qualified employees working as Relief Operators, employees assigned as Relief Operators may be eligible for a shift differential of 15%. Shift differential for Relief operators requires successful completion of all required training and qualification requirements, as determined by the Department Manager.Shift differential pay is based on the employee’s assigned shift and is not considered part of the employee’s permanent base pay and may not apply during periods of extended leave or other non-working status.

The Relief Operator performs water treatment, monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and documentation necessary to ensure the safe and reliable production of drinking water. The successful candidate will exercise independent judgment based on established operating procedures, regulatory requirements, plant conditions, and professional training.

Primary Responsibilities

• The Relief Operator must be available to fill uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility, including day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts, unless the employee is on approved leave. This is an Essential position. The employee must report for scheduled assignments during inclement weather, emergencies, and other operational circumstances.
• Operate water treatment systems involving chemical, physical, and microbiological treatment processes.
• Fill uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility as assigned.
• Monitor plant operations through SCADA systems, instrumentation, laboratory results, meters, and gauges.
• Anticipate changing flow and treatment conditions and make appropriate process adjustments.
• Respond to alarms, equipment failures, process issues, and operational emergencies.
• Monitor chemical feed systems, replenish chemicals, measure feed rates, and adjust treatment processes as needed.
• Collect water samples, perform required laboratory analyses, interpret results, and make corresponding treatment adjustments.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, spreadsheets, reports, and regulatory records.
• Diagnose treatment process problems and equipment failures.
• Maintain and calibrate instrumentation and plant equipment.
• Perform preventive and minor maintenance and assist maintenance staff as needed.
• Operate pump stations, filter presses, valves, piping systems, and other related equipment.
• Assist with basin cleaning, filter testing, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and other facility needs.
• Train and assist other employees in plant operations and procedures.
• Perform all duties in accordance with applicable safety requirements, operating procedures, permits, and federal, state, and local regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, unrestricted Virginia driver’s license.
• Current Virginia Class 1 Waterworks Operator License.
• A Bachelor's or Associate's degree in environmental science, water treatment, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Progressive experience operating and overseeing water treatment processes.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or supporting other employees.
• Working knowledge of the chemical, mechanical, electrical, and physical processes involved in water treatment.
• Ability to work varying shifts and report to any RWSA water treatment facility as operational needs require.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate should have the ability to:

• Read and interpret operating procedures, safety rules, maintenance instructions, and technical manuals.
• Analyze treatment data and make sound process-control decisions.
• Perform calculations involving chemical dosages, flow rates, percentages, volume, area, ratios, and other water treatment measurements.
• Troubleshoot treatment processes, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, logs, and correspondence.
• Use computers, spreadsheets, SCADA systems, and standard office equipment.
• Operate power tools, vehicles, treatment plant machinery, and related equipment.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and members of the public.

Physical and Work Requirements

This position includes both indoor and outdoor work in active water treatment environments. Duties may require standing, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, working on ladders or catwalks, and entering confined or elevated spaces in accordance with applicable safety procedures. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and may be exposed to chemicals, moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather, and varying noise levels. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as appropriate.

Salary

Starts at $35/hour to commensurate with class 1 Licensure and experience plus a shift differential of 15%.

Location South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Shift Various Shifts

EOE Statement Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Rivanna Authorities, where employment is based upon personal capabilities, and qualifications without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Category Operations

Division Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority

Position Water Plant Operator 1 - Relief

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, unrestricted Virginia driver’s license.
• Current Virginia Class 1 Waterworks Operator License.
• A Bachelor's or Associate's degree in environmental science, water treatment, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Progressive experience operating and overseeing water treatment processes.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or supporting other employees.
• Working knowledge of the chemical, mechanical, electrical, and physical processes involved in water treatment.
• Ability to work varying shifts and report to any RWSA water treatment facility as operational needs require.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate should have the ability to:

• Read and interpret operating procedures, safety rules, maintenance instructions, and technical manuals.
• Analyze treatment data and make sound process-control decisions.
• Perform calculations involving chemical dosages, flow rates, percentages, volume, area, ratios, and other water treatment measurements.
• Troubleshoot treatment processes, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, logs, and correspondence.
• Use computers, spreadsheets, SCADA systems, and standard office equipment.
• Operate power tools, vehicles, treatment plant machinery, and related equipment.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and members of the public.

Physical and Work Requirements

This position includes both indoor and outdoor work in active water treatment environments. Duties may require standing, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, working on ladders or catwalks, and entering confined or elevated spaces in accordance with applicable safety procedures. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and may be exposed to chemicals, moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather, and varying noise levels. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as appropriate.

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Hiring Manager(s) Bradley Puffenbarger

Salary Range - to commensurate with experience Starts at $35 per hour to commensurate with class 1 Licensure and experience

This position is currently accepting applications.