Jobs and Careers

Plant Operator - Water Treatment Division

City of Richmond

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 23 Jul 2026

💰 $85,520/yr($45,680/yr – $85,520/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 35M00000230

Department: Public Utilities

Job classification: Plant Operator*

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Water Agency, Miscellaneous, Utilities

Summary

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities - Water Treatment Division is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Plant Operator position to operate a 132 mgd water plant.

Examples of duties

Adjusting chemical dosages to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations;
Collecting samples of water to perform chemical laboratory analysis;
Reading, interpreting and adjusting gages, meters and control panels to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly;
Observing and documenting variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements;
Recording operational data, operating valves and gates and starting and stopping plant equipment to control and adjust treatment process;
Adjusting, monitoring and responding to operational situations involving the water distribution system;
Monitoring pumping stations and coordinating with Pump Station operator on distribution system requirements

Incumbents serves as an Essential employee, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call as needed

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of water treatment operations; operation of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of laboratory water analyses; effects of water treatment processes, and potential issues that may arise; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding water treatment; computer software used in water plant system controls and operations; basic mathematics calculations; basic science concepts and their applications in regards to plant operations; and safety Data Sheets.

Demonstrated skills to understanding diagrams and blueprints, reading and interpreting plans and specifications; safety in a water treatment or industrial environment; and decision making.

Demonstrated abilities to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; operate and understand treatment or industrial equipment.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or GED;
Zone I is a trainee level, preferably in the performance of utility tasks (Zones II through V will require additional experience and certifications as defined in the broad band program);
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbents assigned to Zone II require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 4 Water Operator's License.
Incumbents assigned to Zone III require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 3 Water Operator's License.
Incumbents assigned to Zone IV require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 2 Water Operator's License.
Incumbents assigned to Zone V require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 1 Water Operator's License.

PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Have Analytical skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results.
Be Detail oriented - Water treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure processes are operating properly. Drinking water is regulated by State and Federal officials, operators work should be accurate.
Have Math skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels;
Be Mechanically Inclined - Water treatment plant and system operators should have basic mechanical knowledge that can be applied to treatment operations.
License in Waterworks is a plus;
Associate or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences;
Utility experience is a plus.