Plant Operator I

Job Announcement

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. Duties performed under general supervision, willing to train right individual, great entry level position.

NOTE: Position requires working split shifts and you are paid shift differential.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• A valid driver's license.
• A Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia within 18 months of appointment.

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.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

Work Environment:
May be exposed to raw waste.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Some wastewater knowledge and experience working in the wastewater field at a Class I wastewater facility. Virginia Class IV Wastewater certification. Mechanical aptitude with ability to learn and perform operation and maintenance tasks associated with various types of facilities and equipment. Proficiency with computers including MS Office applications such as Excel and Outlook as well as other computer based work training, time reporting, and on-line work applications and documentation. Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a group environment. Must be able to react to high stress/emergency situations in a deliberate, thoughtful, and timely manner. SCADA knowledge.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 50 to 75 pounds in a safe manner. Subject to working in adverse weather conditions, may be exposed to raw waste. 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. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% 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. EEO/AA/TTY.