PRINCIPAL PLANT OPERATOR - MAINTENANCE

Principal Plant Operator - Maintenance

Utilities

Hiring Range: See Position Description

Deadline: 11: 59 p.m. October 11, 2026

Chesterfield County Government is seeking a Principal Plant Operator to focus on plant maintenance at Falling Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The shift is from 7: 00 AM to 3: 30 PM, Monday through Friday. This is a static shift, which does not rotate. The Principal Plant Operator will perform all maintenance aspects required to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing wastewater treatment. This requires preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment associated with physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes at a wastewater treatment plant. Some of the duties and equipment to be maintained at the wastewater plant are described as:

o Pumps, valves, compressors, and various other equipment associated with wastewater treatment
 o Cleaning process tanks, grit chambers, clarifiers, and digesters
 o General plumbing repairs
 o Perform general building maintenance
 o Housekeeping
 o Perform relief plant operation shifts as needed
 o Working outdoors
 o Perform other work as required.
This position is a 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.  Applications will remain under consideration until position is filled. Position is open until filled (first review to begin September 21, 2026).

Successful candidate will possess a high school diploma or GED and three years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance field. A Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License is required for Principal Plant Operators; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants with a Class II, Class III or non-licensed status will receive consideration at lower plant operator classifications and salary grades/ranges. The hiring range for this position, depending upon qualifications, is as follows:
 
 $59,053 - $100,390 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class I Wastewater Operator's License.
 $53,309 - $90,625 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Wastewater Operator's License.
 $48,123 - $81,809 for applicants with a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Wastewater Operator's License.
 $43,442 - $73,852 for applicants without a license.
 
Through the career development plan, Unlicensed Operators and operators with licensees with lower than a Class I license will receive salary increases after passing higher license exams and establishing minimum tenure requirements. 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.
This position is considered Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

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

A Chesterfield County application is required and must be submitted online by deadline.

Visit chesterfield.gov/careers to view instructions and to complete and submit an application. (804) 748-1551. 
An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Salary/Compensation: $43,442 - $100,390 per year

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