Principal Plant Operator - Maintenance

Salary

Depends On Qualifications

Location

Chesterfield, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-00763

Department

Utilities

Opening Date

05/11/2026

Closing Date

5/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and three years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance field. A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License is required for Principal Plant Operators; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with a Class II, Class III or non-licensed status will receive consideration at lower plant operator classifications and salary grades/ranges. The hiring range for this position, depending upon qualifications, is as follows:

• $59,053-$100,390 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License and three years of related experience.
• $53,309-$90,625 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Wastewater Operator's License and two years of related experience.
• $48,123-$81,809 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Wastewater Operator's License and one year of related experience or hold a bachelor's degree in biological, chemical or engineering science or related field.
• $43,442-$73,852 for applicants without a license.
  
  

Through the career development plan, Unlicensed Operators and operators with licensees with lower than a Class I license will receive salary increases after passing higher license exams and establishing minimum tenure requirements. This position is considered Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

PLEASE NOTE: We strictly adhere to policy guidelines for secondary/outside employment, which may include prohibiting such employment while working for Chesterfield County.

Duties

This position is for a Principal Plant Operator focusing on plant maintenance at Falling Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The shift is from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This is a static shift, which does not rotate. The Principal Plant Operator will perform all maintenance aspects required to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing wastewater treatment. This requires preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment associated with physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes at a wastewater treatment plant. Some of the duties and equipment to be maintained at the wastewater plant are described as:

• Pumps, valves, compressors, and various other equipment associated with wastewater treatment
• Cleaning process tanks, grit chambers, clarifiers, and digesters
• General plumbing repairs
• Perform general building maintenance
• Housekeeping
• Perform relief plant operation shifts as needed
• Working outdoors
• Perform other work as required.
  
  

This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

Shift

Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Work Location

Utilities

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For Information On County Benefits, View Employee Benefits Summary.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

What level of VA Wastewater license do you currently have? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)]

• Not currently working towards license
• Currently working towards initial license
• Class IV
• Class III
• Class II
• Class I
  
  

03

How many years of experience do you have in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.)

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 - 15 years
• More than 15 years
  
  

04

How many years of experience do you have related to general maintenance in an industrial or commercial setting? (Please answer accurately. Failure to respond accurately will result in disqualification from consideration.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 - 15 years
• More than 15 years
  
  

Required Question

Employer Chesterfield County

Address Human Resources Department

9901 Lori Road / P.O. Box 40

Chesterfield, Virginia, 23832

Phone 804-748-1551 (Office)

Website http://www.chesterfield.gov