WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I/II/SENIOR

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I/II/SENIOR

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Public Utilities, Water Treatment Plant, Chuckatuck, Suffolk, VA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04731

Department

PUBLIC UTILITIES-WATER PROD

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

11/10/2026 12:00 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general supervision, performs responsible supervisory and technical work in the operation of the Citys water treatment plant (electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) and conventional treatment) equipment to ensure distribution of safe, potable drinking water to the City. Work involves operating the assigned water treatment plant on a daily basis, periodically checking the water pumps, feed systems and tank levels, and making changes as necessary; calculating chemical feed dosages; and reading various charts, graphs, gauges and meters to ensure water quality and water flow. Employee is also responsible for handling calls for water and sewer emergencies after hours; supervising and training plant operators. Reports to the Water Production Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspects, monitors, and operates water treatment plant equipment, machinery, instruments, and computer-controlled systems to ensure proper operation and the production of safe, potable drinking water for distribution throughout the City.
• Monitors and regulates treatment processes, tank levels, water flows, pressures, and surface water reservoir levels throughout the treatment plant and distribution system; makes adjustments to equipment, machinery, instruments, and control systems as necessary to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Monitors the EDR plant to maintain pressure and flow rates in accordance with manufacturer specifications and notifies plant maintenance, management, and/or the manufacturer of significant deviations or operational concerns.
• Collects water samples at various stages of the treatment process, including raw and treated water; performs routine laboratory and chemical analyses to evaluate treatment effectiveness and water quality; interprets test results and makes appropriate operational adjustments.
• Conducts chlorine residual testing at community well systems; monitors City-owned wells, collects well meter readings, and adjusts chlorine feed rates as necessary to maintain required levels.
• Calculates chemical feed rates using established mathematical formulas and adjusts chemical feed equipment accordingly to maintain proper treatment levels.
• Operates, adjusts, and monitors treatment equipment, including flocculators, metering pumps, high-rate and multimedia filters, chemical feeders, screens, and related equipment based on water quality and operational test results.
• Prepares testing standards; maintains testing equipment, instruments, and laboratory glassware; investigates abnormal or inconsistent test results attributable to testing equipment and makes adjustments as necessary; properly disposes of laboratory waste.
• Monitors chemical inventories and maintains adequate supplies of treatment chemicals, including sodium hypochlorite, aluminum sulfate, carbon, sodium hydroxide, potassium permanganate, corrosion inhibitors, polymer, and other chemicals; transports chemicals to appropriate feed points and fills or positions chemical storage and feed tanks.
• Performs quality assurance testing of bulk chemicals to ensure materials meet operational requirements.
• Utilizes plant computer systems and computer-driven software to monitor and operate treatment processes, enter technical and operational data, maintain records, and prepare monthly and other reports required by regulatory agencies and the department.
• Maintains accurate records of plant operations, water quality testing, equipment performance, chemical usage, well readings, and other operational data; prepares periodic reports for supervisors, management, regulatory agencies, and other authorized parties.
• Performs minor repair and preventive maintenance of treatment plant equipment and reports major repair and maintenance needs to appropriate department maintenance personnel.
• Monitors sewage pump station and well alarm systems and responds appropriately to operational alarms or system concerns.
• Assigns, supervises, trains, and provides guidance to subordinate Water Treatment Plant Operators and unlicensed trainees on assigned shifts; provides instruction regarding operating procedures, safety requirements, water quality standards, and departmental policies; evaluates subordinate employees and completes performance appraisals as assigned.
• Performs Shift Operator duties and other operational responsibilities as required or assigned.
• Responds to after-hours calls involving water distribution or collection system problems, service disruptions, customer complaints, natural or manmade disasters, and other emergencies affecting plant or utility operations.
• Serves as an after-hours contact for the general public during emergency situations involving water distribution or sewer functions; gathers information, evaluates the nature of the emergency, and dispatches appropriate personnel or resources as necessary.
• Receives deliveries of materials, supplies, chemicals, and equipment; verifies and logs deliveries and oversees the proper storage and handling of materials.
• Performs routine custodial duties in assigned areas of the treatment plant and maintains work areas, equipment, and laboratory spaces in a clean and orderly condition.
• Leads tours of the water treatment plant and responds to questions from visitors, employees, and members of the public regarding plant operations, procedures, programs, and water treatment processes.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

Water Treatment Plant Operator I:

High School Diploma or GED, and 1 years of related experience or training.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II:

High School Diploma or GED, Certification as a Class II Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators.

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator:

High School Diploma or GED, Certification as a Class I Waterworks Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks Operators.

Requires a valid drivers license.

Certification as a Class IV Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators required within 2 years of initial employment.

Certification as a Class III Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators must be obtained within three years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I.

Certification as a Class II Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks must be obtained within five years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I.

Salary Ranges:

Water Treatment Plant Operator I: $51,445 - $80,920

Water Treatment Plant Operator II: $56,716 - $89,215

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator: $59,554 - 93,675

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of water treatment and pumping plant equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities.
• Knowledge of the mechanical maintenance and lubrication requirements of the equipment operated.
• Knowledge of federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the treatment of water for distribution as drinking water.
• Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration.
• Knowledge of EDR system and conventional water treatment operations.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the fields of water treatment and water treatment plant operation.
• Ability to recognize breakdowns in water treatment plant equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow specified operating and recording procedures. Ability to make minor repairs of equipment operated.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment based on training and experience in making decisions and coordinating the proper operation of equipment.
• Ability to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed systems and other related equipment.
• Ability to secure the requisite operators certificate as required by work assignments. Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to assign, supervise, instruct and advise subordinates.
• Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
• Ability to make oral presentations before groups of people.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to summarize, tabulate, or format data or information in accordance with a prescribed schema or plan, to facilitate the identification and extraction of useful information.
• Ability to give information, guidance, or assistance to people which directly facilitates task accomplishment; may give instructions or assignments to helpers or assistants.
• Ability to assist with achieving minor economies and/or preventing minor losses through the handling of or accounting for materials and supplies.
• Ability to use mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Ability to read technical instructions and procedures manuals to solve practical problems such as assembly instruction for tools and routine office equipment operating instructions; composes routine and specialized reports and forms with proper format.
• Ability to make frequent decisions, affecting the individual, co-workers, and others whom depend on the service or product.
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem solving; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure.
• Ability to make moderately serious impact decisions- may affect citizens.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
• Ability to adapt and perform under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

Performance Evaluation Criteria

• Quality of Work
• Quantity of Work
• Dependability
• Attendance
• Initiative and Enthusiasm
• Judgment
• Cooperation
• Relationships
• Coordination of Work
• Safety
• Planning
• Organizing
• Staffing
• Leading
• Controlling
• Delegating
• Decision Making
• Creativity
• Human Relations
• Policy Implementation
• Policy Formulation

Physical Requirements

Must be able to exert up to 110 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary WorkUses machines, tools, or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience such as light trucks computers and peripherals and software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets or custom applications. Works in an area where exposure to disease or pathogens is a possibility and where toxic or caustic chemicals are used. Considerable responsibility for first-line supervision of the provision of continuous enforcement standards of public health. Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using water treatment equipment and office machinery. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as water treatment equipment and office machinery. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone and two-way hand held radios.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Workers Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule

For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your work experience in a water treatment plant or closely related field?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• 6-8 years

04

Which best describes your current certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators?

• None
• Class I
• Class II
• Class III
• Class IV

Required Question

Employer City of Suffolk

Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044

Suffolk, Virginia, 23434

Phone 7575144110

Website http://www.suffolkva.us