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Principal Plant Operator (night shift) (re-ad 26-00762)

Chesterfield County
Chesterfield, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/8/2026
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 Operator or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with 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

Required

This position is for a Principal Plant Operator, night shift (6pm-6am), focusing on plant operations at Chesterfield County’s wastewater treatment plants. The Principal Plant Operator will perform all operational aspects required to maintain compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing wastewater treatment. This requires observations and/or adjustments of physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes at the wastewater treatment plant. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Operate process equipment and systems associated with wastewater treatment.
  • Monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
  • Observe and record process trends related to equipment operation and plant performance on daily log sheets.
  • Monitor and adjust process control instrumentation.
  • Inventory chemicals and inspect chemical dosing pumps and storage tanks.
  • Ensure proper operation of samplers, collect process monitoring samples and perform field analytical tests.
  • Transfer sludge by manually turning valves in correct sequence with operation of pumping equipment.
  • Perform preventive maintenance.
  • Work outdoors in the elements and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Previous applicants do not need to reapply. Applications will remain under consideration until position is filled.

Shift

3 nights on; 3 nights off; 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Work Location

Utilities

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

Summary

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 process operations 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

Salary : $43,442 - $73,852

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