Demo

Lead Wastewater Operator

Woodard & Curran
Abingdon, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/1/2026

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet. 


For more than 25 years, Woodard & Curran has offered contract operations and management services for drinking water, municipal and industrial wastewater, groundwater remediation, and solid waste facilities nationwide. Currently we contract operate more than 50 facilities nationwide. Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by the knowledge and skills of hundreds more engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts, to quickly tackle the most challenging operational issues and keep treatment plants running efficiently and in full compliance. 

 ​

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Wastewater Operator with a Virginia Class 2 or Class 1 license for the Wolf Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Abingdon, Virginia. The operator will regularly participate in the daily operations and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Facility as directed by the Chief Operator. Employees who join Woodard & Curran’s staff find a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and empowering.

 

Schedule:

 

Hours 7:00a.m.-3:30p.m. Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position. Availability for standby duty and the ability to be “on-call,” working evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.  Response to emergency events and alarm callouts required as scheduled and required.

 

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What would you need to succeed?
  • High School Degree or Equivalent.
  • Valid Virginia Driver's License required.
  • Must possess a valid State of Virginia Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license or ability to work towards obtaining a wastewater license.
  • Ability to solve problems and perform analytical testing on wastewater in a lab environment.
  • Strong mechanical and electrical skills preferred.
  • Lab experience is preferred but not required.
  • 3 years’ experience in wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.
  • Ability to make sound decisions in process control and follow instructions, as well as follow safety procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
  • Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-placement physical and drug screen before employment.


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$22 - $36 an hour
Depending on qualifications and experience.
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Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR)

 

As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses a Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment-related concerns efficiently and consistently.

 

What this means:

  • MDR applies to both you and the Company
  • Most workplace-related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
  • Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

 

If you are offered a position with Woodard & Curran, you will be asked to review and sign the MDR as part of your offer packet.

 

🔗 Review the full agreement here: Mutual Dispute Resolution Agreement

 

 

Employee Support & Benefits

 

Retirement Savings:

  • 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed

 

Time away from work:

  • Observed holidays: Choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually
  • Vacation: Accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked
  • Sick time: Paid sick time for non-work-related illness or injury.
  • Parental leave: Up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding

 

Coverage and support for your needs and well-being:

  • Disability: Paid short- and long-term disability
  • Health: Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
  • Life: Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and families is available through Sun Life.
  • Wellbeing: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

 

Workplace Information

 

E-Verify Participation

Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters. 

🔗 View required Right to Work and E-Verify posters here.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

🔗 View our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
🔗 View the "Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster 

 

Inclusion & Belonging

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities.

As an employee-owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.

 

Recruitment Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.

 

Text Message Communication Notice:

To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

 

Terms, Privacy & Use of AI in Hiring 

🔗 Woodard & Curran Terms of Use

🔗 Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement

 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.

Salary : $22 - $36

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