What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trainee Operator position at Upper Occoquan Service Authority?
Ready to advance the future of water!
Trainee Operator
Grade 4
$52,964 - $84,743*
Open: June 22, 2026 Close: Open Until Filled
*Starting salary will be between minimum and midpoint in the range.
ABOUT US
Are you passionate about making a difference and being a trusted steward of our most precious resource? UOSA is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team!
The Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA) is a cutting-edge water recycling facility transforming the way the world thinks about sustainable water solutions. Established in 1978, UOSA serves Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and is the first and longest-operated indirect potable reuse project in the United States. UOSA has been treating and reclaiming water for use as drinking water for nearly 50 years.
From being recognized as a Utility of the Future to pioneering advanced research and technology in the industry, our facility now recycles up to 54 million gallons of water per day. UOSA’s efforts ensure a reliable supply of high-quality recycled water, contributing to the overall drinking water strategy for the Northern Virginia area.
If you are ready to join a hardworking team, then take the next step in your career and apply today to be part of our dedicated team!
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Water Quality Operators work 24/7/365 on assigned fixed shifts. New hires will work all shifts, transitioning to an assigned shift dependent upon the plant’s need after 6 months. The Trainee Operator is trained to perform a wide range of tasks of one section (Liquid Team sections; including SRF and Conventional Treatment, Chemical Treatment, AWT Physical Treatment and Activated Carbon Regeneration Furnace; or Solids Team sections; which may include Presses and Trucks, Centrifuge, Dryer Field, Dryer Driver or Carbon Regeneration Furnace) of the facility. Work is performed alongside highly skilled UOSA employees and under the immediate supervision of a Water Quality Manager or experienced operator in accordance with the provisions of each section.
Responsibilities of the position include but is not limited to, operating and monitoring treatment equipment that may include pumps, motors, rake arms, etc., the use of process equipment for assigned sections, perform house-cleaning tasks on a regular basis, collect samples for lab analysis and perform tests on samples collected, collects and records data required for logbooks, troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and writes maintenance work order requests.
WHO YOU ARE
Innovative Thinker: You embrace challenges and develop creative solutions that enhance water treatment processes
Purpose-Driven: You are committed to sustainability and take pride in contributing to the future of clean water
Collaborative Partner: You enjoy working alongside skilled professionals, sharing knowledge, and achieving success as a team
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Completion of high school or a GED program, preferably including basic mathematics and science courses. A two-year Associate degree program in mathematics or science is desirable; or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Possession of a vehicle operator’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required.
- Must be able to meet physical requirements of position to include extensive walking, bending, stooping, climbing of stairs and ladders, lifting and/or carrying up to 75 pounds.
- Must be able to work in Permit Required Confined Spaces and to become Confined Space Entry certified.
The vacancy notice does not imply that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed in the position.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, physical exam, and background check paid for by UOSA.
In order to be fully considered for the position, all applicants must submit a complete online application along with an updated resume via the UOSA website: Uosa.org/Careers > Candidate Profile.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,964.00 - $84,743.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $52,964 - $84,743