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Plant Operator I

Fairfax County Government
$54,330 - $90,550 a year
Fairfax, Virginia
Full time
3 weeks ago
Salary
$54,330.43 - $90,550.51 Annually
Location
LORTON (JP04), VA
Job Type
FT Hourly W BN
Job Number
25-01318
Department
DPWES Wastewater Management
Opening Date
07/19/2025
Closing Date
8/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade
S19
Posting Type
Open to General Public

Job Announcement

$2,500 Signing Bonus*

Fairfax County’s Wastewater Management Program is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future and its wastewater treatment plant, the 67 million gallon per day Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant, is a multiple year NACWA Platinum Award winning facility.

If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then Wastewater Management is the place for you.


  • Operates wastewater treatment processes at the Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Plant, a 67 MGD advanced wastewater treatment facility.
  • Collects samples for plant process testing and monitors process flows.
  • Assists higher level plant operators in monitoring operations via computer, visual and audio inspections.
  • Collects samples of wastewater and sludge at prescribed stages and time intervals in the treatment cycle and performs basic tests.
  • Monitors alarms and by-passes pieces of equipment in case of emergency.
  • Understands mechanical process and use of mechanical tools and instruments.
  • Maintains accurate logs and carries out applicable safety practices.
  • Performs general housekeeping and cleaning duties
  • Position requires working split shifts, and you are paid shift differential.
  • Duties performed under general supervision, willing to train right individual, great entry level position.

This position works in the DPWES Wastewater Treatment Division, located at 9399 Richmond Hwy. Lorton, Virginia.

DPWES is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future responsible for maintaining more than 3,000 miles of sanitary sewers, 60+ pump-stations, and a NACWA Platinum Award winning 67 million gallon per day treatment plant.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited, and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates, and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:
  • Benefits
  • Retirement
  • A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Plant Operator I position.

Position may be underfilled as a Plant Operator Trainee; the Underfill Requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education, and one year of operator experience in a Class I wastewater facility or higher facility.

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This vacancy may be underfilled at the level of Plant Operator Trainee (Grade S18, $51,856 - $86,427). The employment standards for the Plant Operator Trainee are graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education. Click here to view the complete details and KSAs for the Plant Operator Trainee. Upon completion of an underfill agreement (which will require that the employee meet the employment standards stated above in addition to obtaining competencies defined by the hiring agency) the employee will be elevated to the level of Plant Operator I. Underfill candidates must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the Plant Operator I within two years of the job announcement's closing date.

UNDERFILL CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

  • A valid driver's license.
  • A Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia within 24 months of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a pre-employment physical examination, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Positions within this classification are considered essential to the maintenance and continuity of core county operations during the activation of an emergency or critical incident.

Work Environment:
May be exposed to raw waste.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Two (2) years of experience working in a class I wastewater facility.
  • Ability to read, write and understand manuals and directions.
  • One (1) year knowledge of mechanical processes, tools, and instruments.
  • Commonwealth of Virginia Class IV Wastewater License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work requires entering confined spaces with weight restriction of 310 lbs. Ability to lift 50 to 75 lbs. in a safe manner. Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs and climb up and down 40 foot ladder. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions. Subject to working in adverse weather conditions, may be exposed to raw waste. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

BONUS ELIGIBILITY:
Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one-time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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