Principal Plant Operator Job at Chesterfield County Virginia
Chesterfield County is hiring a Principal Plant Operator for their water treatment facility with an annual salary of $69,386. This is a night shift position running 12-hour operations at a high-rate water treatment plant that provides drinking water to the community.
What makes this role significant is the level of responsibility involved. You’re not just monitoring equipment, you’re ensuring safe drinking water for thousands of residents while managing emergency response systems and dam monitoring during overnight hours when most people are asleep.
Understanding the Water Treatment Role
As Principal Plant Operator, you’ll run a 12-hour night shift managing all aspects of water treatment plant operations. This includes operating mechanical systems and SCADA computer controls that monitor and adjust treatment processes automatically.
Chemical management forms a major part of the job. You’ll calibrate chemical feeders, handle treatment chemicals, and adjust dosing to maintain water quality standards. Some of these chemicals come in 550-pound drums that you’ll occasionally need to move, so physical capability matters.
Monitoring and Testing Duties
Regular sampling and testing of both source water and treated water ensures quality standards are met. You’ll conduct tests throughout your shift, document results, and make process adjustments within the parameters allowed by the operating permit.
SCADA system operation is central to modern water treatment. This computer-based system monitors the entire potable water distribution network, and you’ll prepare reports based on SCADA data showing system performance and any issues detected.
Emergency Response Responsibilities
You’ll be responsible for the after-hours utilities department emergency phone line. When problems occur overnight, you’re the first responder. Additionally, you monitor one Class I dam and one Class II dam, handling emergency response if issues arise with these critical infrastructure assets.
Facility security falls under your watch during night operations. You’ll ensure the treatment plant remains secure and respond to any security concerns that develop during your shift.
Career Development Opportunities
This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan offering progression opportunities and salary incentives based on performance, qualifications, and experience as funding permits. This means demonstrating competence can lead to advancement within the utilities department.
The Available Position
Chesterfield County is hiring one Principal Plant Operator for night shift water treatment operations. This is a government position with the stability and benefits that come with county employment.
Who Can Apply for This Job
The requirements balance licensing, education, and physical capability.
Licensing Requirements
A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Waterworks Operator’s License is required for the advertised salary of $69,386. This license demonstrates you’ve met state standards for operating drinking water treatment facilities.
If you don’t currently hold a Class I license, you can still apply. Chesterfield County will consider you for lower-level plant operator positions at reduced salary grades and ranges. This provides a pathway to eventually reach the Principal Operator level as you gain experience and upgrade your license.
Preferred Qualifications
Applicants with drinking water treatment experience, a Virginia Waterworks Operator’s License, and three years of relevant experience are preferred. The salary range for these preferred candidates spans $59,053 to $79,720, offering room for negotiation based on your background.
Educational Background
A high school diploma or GED is required. Water treatment operations focus more on technical training and licensing than academic degrees, so your operator license and hands-on experience matter more than college education.
Physical Requirements
You must be able to perform manual labor, lift fifty pounds regularly, and walk or stand for thirty continuous minutes. Water treatment involves physical work beyond computer monitoring, including moving chemical drums, climbing stairs, and walking the facility during rounds.
How to Apply for This Position
Applications go through Chesterfield County’s official employment portal.
Visit Chesterfield County’s departments page and navigate to their employment or human resources section where current job openings are listed.
Search for the Principal Plant Operator position in the utilities or public works department listings. Read the full job description carefully to understand all requirements and responsibilities.
Create an account on their application system if you’re a first-time applicant. You’ll need a valid email address for correspondence throughout the hiring process.
Complete the online application form with accurate information about your education, work history, and licensing. Include your Virginia Waterworks Operator License number and expiration date if you hold one.
Upload required documents including your high school diploma or GED, operator license copy, and resume detailing your water treatment experience. Reference letters from previous supervisors in water treatment strengthen applications.
In your application, emphasize any experience with SCADA systems, chemical handling, laboratory testing, or emergency response. Mention if you’ve worked night shifts before and are comfortable with that schedule.
Important Details to Remember
The night shift runs 12 hours, which means long periods away from family and adjusting your sleep schedule to work overnight. Consider whether this schedule fits your lifestyle before applying.
As a government employee, you’ll receive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and job stability. County positions rarely involve layoffs compared to private sector employment.
Chesterfield County is located in central Virginia near Richmond. If you’re relocating, research the area’s cost of living and housing options. The salary of $69,386 provides comfortable living in this region.
Emergency response duties mean you need reliable transportation and the ability to respond quickly when problems arise outside normal working hours.
Application Deadline
No specific deadline is mentioned, suggesting applications remain open until the position is filled. However, government hiring processes often take several weeks or months, so apply promptly if interested.
Other Employment Opportunities
While considering this position, explore additional opportunities like medical assistant jobs if you’re interested in various career paths with stable employment prospects.
Common Questions About This Role
Can I apply if I have water treatment experience but no Virginia license yet?
Yes, Chesterfield County will consider applicants without a Class I license for lower-level operator positions at reduced salary ranges. Many water treatment professionals start at entry levels, gain experience, study for licensing exams, and advance as they earn higher-class licenses. If you have treatment experience from another state, check Virginia’s reciprocity rules for transferring your license. Some states have agreements allowing you to convert out-of-state licenses to Virginia credentials without retaking all exams.
What does working night shift in water treatment actually involve?
Night shift water treatment involves monitoring plant operations when fewer staff are present and most administrative personnel are gone. You’ll conduct regular rounds checking equipment, perform water quality tests, adjust treatment processes as needed, and respond to any alarms or system issues. Nights are generally quieter than day shifts with less visitor traffic, but you handle emergencies independently until backup arrives. Some people prefer nights for the autonomy and differential pay, while others struggle with staying alert overnight. Experience working nights in any field helps you know if this schedule suits you.
How physically demanding is this job beyond the lifting requirement?
Water treatment plant operation involves moderate physical demands beyond the stated fifty-pound lifting requirement. You’ll climb stairs and ladders to check tanks and equipment, walk several miles during facility rounds each shift, work in varying temperatures from cold chemical rooms to warm equipment areas, and occasionally work outdoors in weather checking intake structures or storage facilities. The job isn’t as physically intense as construction or landscaping, but it’s definitely not sedentary office work. You need reasonable fitness and mobility to safely perform all duties throughout a 12-hour shift.
Final Thoughts
The Principal Plant Operator position at Chesterfield County offers stable government employment with good salary and benefits for qualified water treatment professionals. The $69,386 annual salary is competitive for the Virginia market, especially considering government benefits packages.
The night shift aspect and 12-hour schedule won’t suit everyone, but for those comfortable working overnight, it provides opportunities for focused work without daytime distractions. The emergency response responsibilities add variety and importance to the role beyond routine operations.
If you hold a Virginia Class I Waterworks Operator’s License or are willing to work toward it while starting at a lower level, this position offers solid career prospects with advancement opportunities through their Career Development Plan. Just ensure you’re prepared for the physical demands, comfortable with night work, and understand the critical nature of providing safe drinking water to the community. Water treatment careers offer job security since communities always need clean water regardless of economic conditions.
