Principal Plant Operator - Maintenance

Who We Are
Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is a public water and wastewater utility that uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver the highest quality service to our approximately 121,000 water customers and 103,000 wastewater customers. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference in the community by meeting or exceeding water quality standards while also protecting the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. We pride ourselves in being fiscally fit as one of only a handful of water and wastewater utilities nationwide to have achieved AAA ratings on its revenue bonds from each of the three top rating services.

What You Will Do and How You Will Do It
You will be maintaining a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. This will require preventative maintenance, replacement, and repair of all equipment associated with physical, chemical, and biological treatment process, teamwork and communication. This maintenance position will serve as a maintenance worker within the Wastewater Treatment section of the Department of Utilities along with a Chief Plant Operator, Assistant Chief Plant Operator, a Maintenance team, and other Plant Operators. The position is responsible for being a dependable and supportive member of our team by ensuring proper maintenance and repair of the wastewater treatment plant, communicating and troubleshooting maintenance concerns with team members, supporting operational activities, and meeting overall Utilities Department goals. This includes wearing appropriate PPE (provided by the county) and following county and OSHA safety rules and regulations for General Industry and Construction.

Your assigned work hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our facility is a 24/7 operation and is staffed through rain, snow, and shine. There may be times when you will be required or volunteer to work longer hours due to unforeseen circumstances. You will be compensated for overtime under FLSA guidelines.

In this position, you will:
• Maintain process equipment and systems associated with wastewater treatment
• Maintaining plant vehicles and equipment
• Schedule and oversee contracted work on site
• Create purchase orders and place orders for various materials and equipment
• Monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA)
• Perform emergency repairs on equipment as needed
• Observe and record process trends related to equipment operation
• Monitor and adjust process control instrumentation
• maintain or replace chemical pumps, piping, and tanks
• Ensure proper operation of samplers, collect process monitoring samples and perform field analytical tests
• Operate our sludge dewatering facility
• Perform preventive maintenance and Housekeeping
• Document repairs and preventative maintenance completed
• Work outdoors in the elements

You will assist the team in:
• Troubleshooting operational issues around the plant
• Assisting in maintenance projects
• Ensuring safety is upheld
• Performing other work, as required

Here’s What You Need
This position is titled a “Principal Plant Operator” but you will be focused on Plant Maintenance with opportunities to learn plant operations. Although not required, our career development plan does allow you to increase your salary as you pass wastewater licensure exams as described below. High school diploma or GED is required. You’ll need to be able to lift 50 pounds. This position is considered Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

PLEASE NOTE: We strictly adhere to policy guidelines for secondary/outside employment, which may include prohibiting such employment while working for Chesterfield County.

Wastewater treatment experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train motivated candidates who demonstrate a strong mechanical aptitude and an eagerness to learn. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, possess excellent verbal communication skills, work well in a team, and possess the ability to develop positive working relationships.

What’s In It for You
If you are passionate about making a difference in the community, join our team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes the Virginia Retirement System and long and short-term disability. We work hard to achieve our mission, and we also value work-life balance through paid time off (PTO). For the first five years of employment , you will accrue 14 hours of PTO per month with the balance, up to the maximum carryover limit, rolling over from year-to-year. You will also be granted 40 hours of PTO on their second paycheck. In this position you will get 11 holidays off with pay.

Salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience. You may be hired above entry level in the CDP if you possess the required skills and experience. In addition to CDPs, we support professional development through tuition reimbursement program, our award-winning Learning and Performance Center programs, and opportunities for advancement within the organization. For more information, please visit Chesterfield County Department of Utilities.

Our career development plan does allow you to increase your salary as you pass wastewater licensure exams as described below.
• $59,053-$100,390 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License and three years of related experience.
• $53,309-$90,625 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Wastewater Operator's License and two years of related experience.
• $48,123-$81,809 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Wastewater Operator's License and one year of related experience or hold a bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, or engineering science or related field.
• $43,442-$73,852 for applicants without a Wastewater Operator's License

A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator’s License is required for Principal Plant Operator (Maintenance) or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with Class II, Class III or non-licensed status will receive consideration at lower plant operator classifications and salary grades/ranges.

Through the career development plan, Unlicensed Operators and operators with licenses with lower than a Class I license will receive salary increases after passing higher license exams and establishing minimum tenure requirements. This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

We Would Love to Talk with You
Click the “apply” link above to complete and submit an application.

PLEASE NOTE: Position is open until filled (first review to begin November 2, 2026).

Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Utilities - Proctors Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion