NOTE: This is a re-opening to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position, there is no need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.
The Water Pollution Control Bureau (WPCB) within the Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Plant Operations Support Specialist to monitor Water Pollution Control (WPC) Plant operations processes and provide technical coordination among operations shifts and other plant units to ensure that the WPC Plant is running efficiently. The Specialist provides process engineering expertise for specific projects, research, or long-term process control functions and reports to the Plant Operations Manager.
Specific duties include:
 

• Monitoring a quality assurance program that identifies problems on an ongoing basis; including identifying process problems and/or inefficiencies, recommending changes to process and/or retraining in consultation with WPC Plant management;
• Evaluating the impact of issues and alternative solutions, including the development and interpretation of project concepts, parameters, and implementation guidelines;
• Evaluating WPCP Operations process statistics in relation to Federal and State safety and legal regulations and standards, ensuring standard operating procedures and regulatory mandates are followed; 
• Evaluating daily logs, reports, and work orders from Operations shifts including providing professional expertise for specific projects and research on operations;
• Developing monthly reports, chemical contracts specifications, invoice approvals and chemical budget tracking and usage;
• Coordinating chemical test trials, monitoring chemicals' performance in operations and determining most appropriate methods and procedures to utilize to ensure optimization of specific operating systems;
• Coordinating special activities/testing events with contractors and other WPCP sections, ensuring normal operating procedures and processes are not adversely affected;
• Developing, coordinating and/or conducting training opportunities for shift supervisors and lead workers in operational and process issues;
• Providing oversight of apprenticeship program, monitoring progress and testing assessment; and
• Conducting public tours of the Plant and responding to inquiries from the public about Plant operations and coordinating with other departments.

The ideal candidate will have effective verbal and written communication skills with a background in industrial plant operations management including extensive knowledge of wastewater processes.
Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field;
• Three years' progressively responsible engineering experience in wastewater area, specializing in process control processes; and
• Possession of a Class I Operator's License in Waterworks/Wastewater Works or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. 

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
 

• Industrial and/or municipal Plant operations experience with extensive knowledge of wastewater processes, including preliminary, primary and secondary (biological) treatment, advanced wastewater treatment with chemical addition for phosphorus removal, biological nutrient removal, filtration and disinfection with chlorination/de-chlorination; and
• Proficiency with database applications and Microsoft Office Suite functions (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

1) Applicant must possess a Class I Wastewater Operator's License issued by the Virginia State Board of Certification of Operators of Water and Wastewater Works or obtain within 12 months of hire date.
2) The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid driver license, and the applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
3) A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.Working Conditions:

• The worker primarily performs activities in an office environment with occasional field work.
• The worker is subject to hazards which includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals and/or biohazardous waste.
• The worker is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, loud noises, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.
• The worker may be occasionally required to standing, crouching, stooping, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
• The worker may be required to wear common protective gear or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, or hard hats.

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Pay ranges listed above are effective June 30, 2024.
Work Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional alternative schedule to adjust for evening shift presence (2-3 days/month). This position is located in a 24/7 operated facility and requires being available for phone consultation and/or call-back duty for work issues or emergencies, including weekends.
For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits, click here.
 
The official title of this position is Water Pollution Control Plant Operations Specialist.
This recruitment is open until the position is filled with a preferred filing date of June 20, 2024. Applications will be screened on a continuous basis.  Applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
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