Water Reclamation Operator Trainee - Class 1

Prince William Water; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Shift differential

Sign-on incentive

Job summary

Prince William Water is seeking a trainee to learn the operation and maintenance of an advanced water reclamation facility in Virginia. You will work alongside certified wastewater operators to gain hands-on experience, perform routine tests, and advance through the license requirements.

As a trainee you will participate in a structured learning program, handle routine duties, and may be assigned various projects for development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class 4 Virginia DPOR Wastewater License within two years of employment.
• Must pass Prince William Water’s skill level 3 exams within two years.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate and maintain an advanced water reclamation facility.
• Work with experienced wastewater operators on learning duties and certifications.
• Record plant parameters, collect samples, and perform routine tests to support permit compliance.
• Coordinate maintenance needs with supervisors to ensure efficient plant operation.

Skills

Mechanical concepts

English language

Tools aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA system

Job description

Sign on Incentive is available to licensed candidates.

Candidates who possess a current Virginia Wastewater License from Class IV - Class I and have wastewater experience may be hired in above the entry level trainee in accordance with Prince William Water's Career Path Policy requirements. The candidate will be required to meet Prince William Water's specific requirements within a set period of time.

• Trainee – $25.75
• Class 4 Wastewater License – $25.75 – $33.79
• Class 3 Wastewater License – $28.32 – $37.17
• Class 2 Wastewater License – $31.16 – $40.86
• Class 1 Wastewater License – $34.28 – $44.95

Candidates for this position will receive overtime each pay period when assigned to a shift and will also receive shift differential pay when working during the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Employees' work schedule will be one of the following:

A rotating day/night schedule

Seven days on/Seven days off

Seven nights on/Seven nights off

All shifts will work 14 days in a 28-day cycle

Position Summary

Learns to perform technical work in the operation and maintenance of an advanced water reclamation facility. The work involves working with experienced wastewater treatment plant operators as part of a planned program to learn the duties and to acquire certifications. Employees may be assigned various projects for learning and developmental purposes and perform helper duties while serving as trainees. Workers follow specific instructions and procedures and refer nonstandard situations or problems to others. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Learns water reclamation facility operation to include:
  1. Ensuring proper operation and maintenance of plant machinery and equipment used in wastewater treatment; oils and adjusts machines; to determine if process changes are required and make adjustments; to calibrate meters in preparation to run tests on various samples; to start and stop plant machinery and pumps as required; to regulate valves and observe and record plant flows; to operate and maintain incinerator.
  2. Operating equipment such as blowers for air supply to activated sludge, influent and backwash pumps for filtration, UV for disinfecting, centrifuge for dewatering and incinerator for solids and scum disposal.
  3. Maintaining logs and to record all parameters related to plant operations; to record and manage the consumption of all chemicals used at the plant; to collect composite samples for process control and permit compliance; to perform testing on various samples in order to make lime feed change; to use computer graphics and trends to identify necessary plant changes and/or adjustments.
  4. Monitoring Solids Handling; to collect samples from holding tanks, gravity thickeners and cake pump; to obtain level readings from holding tanks and gravity thickeners; to run tests on holding tank samples; to check equipment settings; to open and close chain valves at scheduled times.
  5. Making routine checks throughout the plant; to record temperature and pressure readings to exercise and check position of valves; to check operation of pumps, and to haul sludge: visually inspect the facility.
  6. Monitoring SCADA system in order to stay within specific guidelines; to record equipment information from equipment; to identify problems; to connect and disconnect fuel oil line, water sprayers as required.
  7. Performing preventive maintenance; to steam clean hoses and equipment; to check oil and temperature; to clean filters, hose draft tubes; to pump standing water; and to perform other related maintenance duties for units.
• Learns to coordinate the plant's maintenance requirements with superiors; to ensure that the plant is operated efficiently and at minimum reasonable cost; to ensure that all equipment and machinery is kept in good working condition.
• Learns to collect and test samples; to collect data from field testing samples; to perform various tests on wastewater samples.
• May be deemed essential at any time.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Competencies

• Knowledge of basic mechanical concepts and procedures; English usage, spelling and grammar.
• Aptitude for the use of the tools, equipment and materials of the work.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn the water reclamation facility operations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with others.

Minimum Education and Work Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Or a combination of education and experience as described above.

Required Licenses/Certifications and Other Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license consistent with Prince William Water policy requirements.
• Required to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class 4 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Wastewater License within two years of employment in this position.
• Must pass Prince William Water’s skill level 3 written exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.
• Must pass Prince William Water’s skill level 3 practical exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.

Minimum Lead/Supervisory or Management Experience

• None

The physical demands of this position are available upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria.