Environmental Science Water Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Summary
Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority is seeking an experienced, licensed Water Plant Operator 1 – Relief to support operations at our water treatment facilities and pump stations.

This position fills uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility and must be available to work varying schedules, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency assignments, unless on approved leave. In recognition of the additional responsibilities and operational demands associated with the shift assignment of Relief Operators, and to support retention of qualified employees working as Relief Operators, employees assigned as Relief Operators may be eligible for a shift differential of 15%. Shift differential for Relief operators requires successful completion of all required training and qualification requirements, as determined by the Department Manager. Shift differential pay is based on the employee’s assigned shift and is not considered part of the employee’s permanent base pay and may not apply during periods of extended leave or other non-working status.

The Relief Operator performs water treatment, monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and documentation necessary to ensure the safe and reliable production of drinking water. The successful candidate will exercise independent judgment based on established operating procedures, regulatory requirements, plant conditions, and professional training.

Primary Responsibilities

• The Relief Operator must be available to fill uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility, including day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts, unless the employee is on approved leave. This is an Essential position. The employee must report for scheduled assignments during inclement weather, emergencies, and other operational circumstances.
• Operate water treatment systems involving chemical, physical, and microbiological treatment processes.
• Fill uncovered shifts at any RWSA water treatment facility as assigned.
• Monitor plant operations through SCADA systems, instrumentation, laboratory results, meters, and gauges.
• Anticipate changing flow and treatment conditions and make appropriate process adjustments.
• Respond to alarms, equipment failures, process issues, and operational emergencies.
• Monitor chemical feed systems, replenish chemicals, measure feed rates, and adjust treatment processes as needed.
• Collect water samples, perform required laboratory analyses, interpret results, and make corresponding treatment adjustments.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, spreadsheets, reports, and regulatory records.
• Diagnose treatment process problems and equipment failures.
• Maintain and calibrate instrumentation and plant equipment.
• Perform preventive and minor maintenance and assist maintenance staff as needed.
• Operate pump stations, filter presses, valves, piping systems, and other related equipment.
• Assist with basin cleaning, filter testing, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and other facility needs.
• Train and assist other employees in plant operations and procedures.
• Perform all duties in accordance with applicable safety requirements, operating procedures, permits, and federal, state, and local regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, unrestricted Virginia driver’s license.
• Current Virginia Class 1 Waterworks Operator License.
• A Bachelor's or Associate's degree in environmental science, water treatment, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Progressive experience operating and overseeing water treatment processes.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or supporting other employees.
• Working knowledge of the chemical, mechanical, electrical, and physical processes involved in water treatment.
• Ability to work varying shifts and report to any RWSA water treatment facility as operational needs require.

Knowledge and Skills The successful candidate should have the ability to:

• Read and interpret operating procedures, safety rules, maintenance instructions, and technical manuals.
• Analyze treatment data and make sound process-control decisions.
• Perform calculations involving chemical dosages, flow rates, percentages, volume, area, ratios, and other water treatment measurements.
• Troubleshoot treatment processes, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, logs, and correspondence.
• Use computers, spreadsheets, SCADA systems, and standard office equipment.
• Operate power tools, vehicles, treatment plant machinery, and related equipment.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and members of the public.

Physical and Work Requirements

This position includes both indoor and outdoor work in active water treatment environments. Duties may require standing, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, working on ladders or catwalks, and entering confined or elevated spaces in accordance with applicable safety procedures. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and may be exposed to chemicals, moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather, and varying noise levels. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as appropriate.

Salary

Starts at $35/hour to commensurate with class 1 Licensure and experience