Treatment Plant Class Principal Operator

Position: Treatment Plant Class I Principal Operator
Location: Henrico

General Information

1228

Main Organization

General Government

Location

DPU/Water Reclamation Facility - 9101 Wrva Road, Henrico

Minimum Salary

$ 51,007.57

Max Salary

$

Posting Date

06-22-2026

Closing Date

07-06-2026

Job Status

Full-time

General Statement of Duties

Performs highly responsible work monitoring, operating, and maintaining various equipment, chemicals and processes at the assigned plant; tests and makes the necessary adjustments to ensure treatment processes and the end product meet strict permit and environmental regulations; performs duties with minimal supervision; performs related duties as required. The Principal Operator will be assigned to the County's Water Treatment Plant or the County's Water Reclamation Facility.

Essential Duties

• Maintains an extensive, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of plant operations, treatment processes, and the chemicals utilized in the treatment process, as well as emerging new trends; thorough understanding of regulatory requirements critical to maintaining permit compliance; sound working knowledge of the science applicable to treatment processes; sound math skills to perform complex calculations inherent to the treatment process; ability to accurately compile, log, analyze, trend and report data from various sources;
  
  sound critical thinking and problem solving skills; sound working knowledge of the hazards associated with the treatment process, relevant safety rules/regulations, personal protection equipment (PPE) and other required safety equipment, and accident-prevention practices.
• Sound computer skills with the ability to use computer, typical business software, proprietary software and systems including SCADA, and various wireless technologies for communications and to complete assigned tasks.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills; established and maintains effective working relationships; provides sound training and guidance; demonstrates personal accountability and professional integrity; excellent collaborative skills; must work well independently and as part of a team.
• Briefs oncoming shift of plant performance and schedules operational adjustments and tasks; may make, recommend and/or approve adjustments; may work an on-call schedule.
• Non-supervisory. Serve as Shift Lead and as Chief during their absence or a vacancy as needed, trains operators on proper operation and use of treatment plant equipment, sample collection & analyses, and use of chemicals.
• Works in a treatment plant and ancillary buildings; routinely works around and with industrial scale treatment process equipment; routinely exposed to loud noise, smells, chemicals, and other adverse indoor and outdoor conditions including extreme weather and temperatures. Serves as essential personnel required to work during County closings

Candidates without a Virginia Wastewater Works Operator License will be required to obtain a Class 3 Wastewater Works Operator License within 24 months of their initial hire date.

Additional Information

This position reports to Henrico Water Reclamation Facility in Varina, located at 9101 WRVA Road.

This position is part of a career development filled-against series. The total salary ranges at each level are provided below.

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, Grade 21: $51,007.57 - $93,830.82

• Hold a Class 4 Virginia State Wastewater License or lower or not licensed.

Treatment Plant III Class Operator, Grade 24: $58,711.31 - $

• Hold a Class 3 Virginia State Wastewater License, or bachelor's degree in a STEM or related field.

Treatment Plant II Class Operator, Grade 26: $64,483.19 - $

• Hold a Class 2 Virginia State Wastewater License.

Treatment Plant I Class Operator, Grade 28: $70,822.50 - $

• Hold a Class 1 Virginia State Wastewater License.

See current Career Development Plan (CDP) for additional information on job duties and KSA requirements.

Must be at least 18 years of age with no felony convictions preferred, any felony convictions must be disclosed and must comply Virginia Code Section 18 VAC .

Maintains a Virginia Class I License applicable to the assigned Treatment Plant and a valid driver's license.

Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled or required.

Criminal history record check and fingerprinting of all employees in authorized and hourly safety sensitive positions.

Important: Communications regarding your application will come from recruitment and noti (our applicant tracking system). Please add both addresses to your safe sender list and check your spam or junk folder regularly.

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or GED, and four (4) years of relevant experience at a Class 2 facility or higher; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Background Check Disclosure

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History…