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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Lynchburg, VA

Water Plant Operator Class 1

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Class 1 Water Operator's license preferred. A lower class license may be considered. Starting pay range is 26.62 - 35.69/hourly. Salary is negotiable based on applicant's current Plant Operator ...

FEMA

Utility Systems Operator

Round Hill, VA

Maintaining accurate records of all phases of plant operations. Operating water treatment and sewage treatment facilities. Performing water treatment tests and measurements which require knowledge of ...

Titan America

Plant Operator - Sandston

Richmond, VA · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... water management, air quality permits, wash out pits, treatment pits, and quarterly and annual ...

Titan America

Plant Operator - Sandston

Richmond, VA · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... water management, air quality permits, wash out pits, treatment pits, and quarterly and annual ...

Titan America

Plant Operator - Sandston

Richmond, VA · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... water management, air quality permits, wash out pits, treatment pits, and quarterly and annual ...

Titan America

Plant Operator - Sandston

Richmond, VA

$29 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... water management, air quality permits, wash out pits, treatment pits, and quarterly and annual ...

Titan America

Plant Operator - Sandston

Richmond, VA · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... water management, air quality permits, wash out pits, treatment pits, and quarterly and annual ...

Donohoe Companies Inc., The

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate and monitor boiler systems; support basic boiler water chemistry and treatment activities ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Complete Building Services

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA

$45 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate and monitor boiler systems; support basic boiler water chemistry and treatment activities ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Virginia Tech

Plant Operator Lead

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Plant Operator Lead Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537106 Work type: Staff Senior ... Perform water handling and testing including regeneration of demineralizers, condensate polishers ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia

Water Plant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$58.4K

$97.7K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Virginia is $58,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $66,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water plant operator?

Water Plant Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining water treatment plants. They manage the equipment and processes that treat and distribute water for public consumption or industrial use. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Water Plant Operators play a critical role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What does a water plant operator do?

The job duties of a water plant operator include working to operate and maintain a water plant. Your responsibilities in this job revolve around monitoring pumping equipment and ensuring proper water treatment. You may need to repair or facilitate the repair of equipment to keep water supply flowing. You usually collect sample data and test the water to ensure quality and safety. You are often responsible for ensuring the proper flow of water through filtering equipment, and you may clean filters and fill treatment chemicals as needed. Most plant operators need to keep a log of their activities on a daily basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, safety regulations, and relevant environmental standards, often backed by a high school diploma and state-specific operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing instruments, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for monitoring systems and responding to issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of clean water to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Operators often face challenges in keeping up with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring all treatment processes consistently meet strict water quality standards. This involves regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and prompt adjustments to chemical dosages or equipment settings. Operators must also be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected equipment malfunctions or respond to weather-related changes that affect water quality. Staying current with training and technological advancements is essential to successfully manage these compliance responsibilities.

What is the difference between Water Plant Operator vs Water Treatment Technician?

AspectWater Plant OperatorWater Treatment Technician
CertificationsWater operator license, state certificationWater treatment certification, state license
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systemsWater treatment facilities, field sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining water treatment equipmentMonitoring, testing, and troubleshooting treatment processes

Both roles involve working in water treatment facilities and require similar certifications. Water Plant Operators typically oversee the entire treatment process and plant operations, while Water Treatment Technicians focus more on testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment. Both positions are essential for ensuring safe, clean water and often share similar work environments and industry usage.

How much do water treatment plant operators make?

Water treatment plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Salaries can vary based on location, with additional pay for overtime, night shifts, or specialized skills such as SCADA system operation.

Is being a water plant operator a good job?

Water plant operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. The job typically requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental protection.
More about Water Plant Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Virginia?

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For Water Plant Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:

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For Water Plant Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,380 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Water Plant Operator Class 1

City of Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary : $55,369.60 - $74,235.20 Annually
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 8115-2026
Department: Water Resources
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Description
Come make a difference in your community by joining the team at the Water Resources Department as a Water Plant Class 1 Operator to assist in the operation of the Water Treatment plants.
Class 1 Water Operator's license preferred. A lower class license may be considered.
Starting pay range is 26.62 - 35.69/hourly.
Salary is negotiable based on applicant's current Plant Operator Virginia License and relevant experience.
Shift Differential offered.
This position requires you to work at the College Hill and Abert facilities, 12 hour shifts (day or night shifts) - 2 days/nights on and 2 days/nights off, 365 days a year.
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes your application.
Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Operates pumps, control panels, dry and liquid chemical feeders, filters, electric motors and other water plant equipment to produce potable water;
  • Adjusts valves and controls to maintain constant flow of water;
  • Makes routine physical and chemical tests of water samples;
  • Keeps accurate and neat records of test results;
  • Adjusts chemical feed rates;
  • Fills dry chemical hoppers and handles hazardous chemicals;
  • Changes charts on recording meters and gauges;
  • Backwashes filters when needed;
  • Monitors fluctuations of meters and indicators;
  • Makes periodic rounds of plant, locks doors and gates as required;
  • Receives citizen complaints and calls for service and dispatches service crews;
  • Inspects pumping stations around City to determine problems and make minor repairs as necessary;
  • Responds to emergencies as required.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following
  • Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned
  • When unusual situations occur and /or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Education and Experience Required
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Class 1 Waterworks Operator License is preferred, but a lower class license may be considered.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Semi skilled mechanical and/or laboratory work, supplemented by post secondary courses in Science, Math, Engineering or plant operations, highly desirable. Current Water Plant Operator license and relevant experience preferred.
Additional Requirements
  • Possession of valid driver's license issued by Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record based on City criteria, may be required to obtain additional licenses as needed;
  • Ownership or approved access to a telephone;
  • Relevant background checks must be completed and approved.
  • Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.
  • Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
      the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
    • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
    • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
    • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
    • Paid Time Off
  • Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans
Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01
Do you have a Water Plant Operator license? If you do please list what license you possess.
02
This position requires you to work at College Hill and Abert facilities, 12 hour shifts (day or night shifts) - 2 days/nights on and 2 days/nights off, 365 days a year, are you interested in this schedule?
  • Yes
  • No

03
This position requires you to progress through State certification exams which require math and science background, describe your background in these subjects.
04
This position requires you to lift and or move 55 lbs. of chemicals on a regular basis. Are you able to do this?
  • Yes
  • No

05
This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.
  • Yes
  • No
  • I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

06
If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
07
(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record.You can email this information to human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.
  • Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
  • Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
  • Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

Required Question

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