Plant Watering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

WATER PLANT OPERATOR – (WG-5409-7); Salary: $29.02 - $33.82/hourly rate

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (WG-5409-8); Salary: $31.20 - $36.24

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (WG-5409-10); Salary: $34.71 - $40.55

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (WG-5409-11); Salary: $36.49 - $42.63

About the Positions

The Washington Aqueduct is seeking Water Treatment Plant Operators, (WG-7, 8, 10, 11) for our Dalecarlia, McMillan and Residual Processing Plants. These positions provide plant support and control over the water treatment process and operations. Individuals may be assigned to a specific Plant or may be required to rotate among plants to learn various operations and provide support when needed. 

Located in Washington, D.C., the Washington Aqueduct serves the seat of Government and the Nation’s Capital. The Aqueduct, built and superintended by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, has been providing water to the District of Columbia since 1863 and currently wholesales water to three customers: District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, Fairfax County Water Authority and Arlington County. Come to the Nation’s Capital and enjoy the history and livability of the “DMV”. This thriving community is a hub for commerce and culture and boasts a diverse economy, a rich history, and a promising future.

As a Federal Employer, the Washington Aqueduct offers a defined pension benefit plan, 401K, and excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employees and retirees. Additional federal benefits include life insurance, survivorship benefits, generous vacation and sick leave, options for flexible spending account plans and many other employee and retiree benefits. See more at: https://www.opm.gov

A 10% Recruitment incentive may be offered.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

WG-07 – Applicant must possess a Water Professionals International (WPI) (Formerly Associated Boards of Certification (ABC)) Operator in Training (OIT) Certification or have passed the ABC Class I examination with a score of 70% or higher OR have successfully passed an EQUIVALENT State Water Treatment Exam.

WG-08 – Applicant must possess and maintain a Water Professionals International (WPI) (Formerly ABC) Water Treatment Operator Certification Level/Class I or EQUIVALENT State certification accepted by WPI.

WG-10 – Applicant must possess and maintain a Water Professionals International (WPI) (Formerly ABC) Water Treatment Operator Certification Level/Class II or EQUIVALENT State certification accepted by WPI.

WG-11 – Applicant must possess and maintain a Water Professionals International (WPI) (Formerly ABC) Water Treatment Operator Certification Level/Class III or EQUIVALENT State certification accepted by WPI.

The duties of this position require the incumbent to maintain their WPI (Formerly ABC) or equivalent certification current as a Condition of Employment. Equivalent certification must be converted into WPI certification within 18 months of hiring.

WAD utilizes the Water Professionals International - WPI (Formerly the Associated Boards of Certification (ABC), https://gowpi.org/ for Water Treatment credentialing. The WPI has specific experience requirements for different certification levels.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent to comply with ABC certification requirement.

2. The duties of this position require the incumbent to maintain their Water Professionals International certification or equivalent. 

3. Equivalent certification must be converted into WPI certification within 18 months of hiring.

4. This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A pre-employment and recurring comprehensive background investigation that includes, but is not limited to, contact with all references, employers, co-workers, personal associates, and a review of your driving record, credit history, criminal history, and military service are required.

5. The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Detection of the presence of drugs is warranted. This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.

6. The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.

7. This position requires incumbent to participate in the Medical Surveillance Program to include passing a physical examination prior to appointment and annually thereafter.

8. This position is subject to rotating shift work. Must be able to work on any of three shifts including weekends and holidays, and must report according to posted schedule regardless of weather conditions.

9. This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations (natural or man-made disaster) the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.

10. In accordance with AR 690-11, this position has been designated as "Key" and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization as doing so would seriously impair the capability of the organization to function effectively. The incumbent must be exempted from recall to active duty and will receive training to ensure mission accomplishment of sustaining base operations during mobilization.

11. This position requires the wearing of a uniform and protective clothing and gear. The incumbent must be ready, willing, and able to wear a uniform and protective clothing and gear.

12. The duties of this position require the incumbent be able to wear a respirator.

13. The duties of this position require the incumbent obtain and maintain a forklift license.

14. The duties of this position require travel up to approximately 10% of the time.

Please submit resumes and appropriate proof of certification to Apply Here (include the position title in the Email Subject line) or via the AWWA Job Board BY Friday, September 18, 2026 for fullest consideration. 

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE HELD FOR CONSIDERATION FOR FUTURE VACANCIES