Wastewater Operator Trainee

Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority

 Christiansburg, VA

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
BLACKSBURG-VPI SANITATION AUTHORITY

JOB POSITION: Wastewater Operator (3rd Shift Relief)

Job Summary:

The Wastewater Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting wastewater treatment systems and performing minor laboratory analysis to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations. This role plays a critical part in protecting public health and the environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following, however, other duties may be assigned or scheduled.

Ø Reports work progress, problems, and conflicts to superiors.

Ø Discuss job requirements with and receives detailed instruction from senior staff, supervisors, or the Executive Director.

Ø Inspects work progress to ensure conformance with instructions.

Ø Inspects equipment for proper safety.

Ø Performs work in the following areas: wastewater operations, housekeeping and grounds, laboratory, and preventive maintenance.

Ø Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Ø Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with senior staff, supervisors, co-workers, or the Executive Director and the public.

Ø Ability to think logically and comprehend data.

Ø Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Ø Ability to work safely around mechanical and electrical equipment and obey all safety rules.

Ø Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.

Ø Ability to respond to inquiries from employees, vendors, equipment representatives, other interested parties orally or in writing as necessary.

Ø Ability to accurately read meters, charts, and record information.

Ø Ability to utilize SCADA systems to monitor plant equipment and processes.

Ø Ability to conduct minor routine laboratory analysis and interpret data.

Ø Ability to read and interpret documents such as manufacturers manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, maps, and procedure manuals.

Ø Ability to interpret data, respond to process alarms, and make applicable process changes.

Ø Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or in diagram form.

Ø Ability to write reports, correspondences, and instructions in a clear concise manner.

Ø Ability to work alone or in a team environment.

Ø Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Employee will be exposed to wastewater and sewage sludge.

Ø May be regularly required to walk, stand, sit, use hands and fingers, reach, talk, hear and use vision.

Ø May be regularly required to stoop, bend, push, pull, climb, kneel, balance, or crawl.

Ø May be regularly required to lift and or move up to 50 pounds and possibly more.

Ø May be exposed to wet, uneven, steep, and slippery conditions.

Ø May be exposed to excessive heat and dust conditions.

Ø May be exposed to extreme outside weather conditions.

Ø May be required to work with or near hazardous chemicals.

Ø May be required to work any shift at any time including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ø May be required to use various common hand and power tools, wrenches, computers, radios, and phones.

Education / Experience:

A high school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience in the wastewater industry is desirable but not required.

Certificate, License Requirements:

· Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.

· Must obtain Class IV Virginia Wastewater Operator License within 18 months from date of hire.

· Job Type: Full-time

· Salary: From $45,190.

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (Accrued at a rate of 12 hours per month)
  • Holidays
  • Life Insurance through VRS
  • VRS Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift

Work Location:

  • One location

Work Remotely:

  • No

Work Location: In person

Pay: $45,190.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Apply now

Job details

Location
 Christiansburg, VA
System type
Wastewater
Job category
Wastewater Treatment
Work schedule
Night shift
Employment type
Full-time
Experience level
Entry level
Required credentials
Wastewater Operator Certification
Posted
Oct 30, 2026
Closing date
Dec 29, 2026

Actions

Request removal of this listing