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Water Plant Shift Operator

City of Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/21/2025


Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a company that values your professional growth? If so, apply to join the City of Harrisonburg's Public Utilities Department as a Water Plant Shift Operator, where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact each day at work!


This Water Plant Shift Operator opportunity is a full-time position with benefits. The preferred hiring ranges for all levels at which candidates will be considered are below; however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.  To find out more information related to each level, click on the hyperlinked title.

  • Class I Operator: $28.28 - $31.11 per hour (equivalent to $58,822 - $64,708 annually)
  • Class II Operator: $23.70 - $26.07 per hour (equivalent to $49,296 - $54,225 annually) 
  • Class III Operator: $21.69 - $23.86 per hour (equivalent to $45,115 - $49,628 annually) 
  • Class IV Operator: $19.85 - $21.84 per hour (equivalent to $41,288 - $45,427 annually) 
  • Apprentice: $18.96 - $20.39 per hour (equivalent to $39,436 - $42,411 annually)
The City values professional development and, per the City's Administrative Program Memorandum, currently offers the following for this position (which may be modified or terminated at any time):
  • Applicants who qualify for the Class I Operator level will receive a $4,000.00 incentive applied to base pay.
  • Applicants who are hired but do not yet qualify at the Class I Operator level will be eligible for the incentive and reallocation to the Class I Operator level, once all requirements are met. On-the-job scheduled study time will be made available to employees who are taking training or are preparing for an upcoming examination.
  • Certification incentives are available for the following, subject to supervisor approval and budget appropriation:
    • American Public Works Association Certified Public Works Professional - Supervision Program (APWA CPWP-S) in the amount of $1,500.00 applied to base pay.
    • American Public Works Association Certified Public Works Professional - Management Program (APWA CPWP-M) in the amount of $2,000.00 applied to base pay.
As a Water Plant Shift Operator, you may perform some or all of the following:
  • Operation of the City's municipal water treatment plant;
  • Daily inspection and calibration of lab equipment;
  • Collecting samples for testing and performing tests related to plant operations;
  • Checking plant equipment and chemical systems for proper operation then taking necessary corrective actions, if required;
  • Making changes in plant processes to improve efficiency;
  • Regulating chemical dosages as needed;
  • Assisting in all maintenance at the plant and at various other locations in the water system, as needed;
  • Performing general groundskeeping and housekeeping to maintain appearance and safety;
  • Monitoring and controlling water plant and distribution systems both manually and through the use of specialized software;
  • Maintaining records/files and using the information gathered to prepare reports.

Minimum Requirements for Class I Operator Level:

  • High school diploma or GED and extensive (6 or more years) experience in the operation of a water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Possession of a Class I Water Treatment Operator's Certificate issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Availability and willingness to work 12-hour days and swing shifts (day shifts for 2 weeks followed by night shifts for 2 weeks, including every other weekend). This position is subject to shift scheduling with changes in staffing, individual certification, and business requirements.
  • Click here for the physical requirements of the position.

Interested in a career as a Water Plant Shift Operator but don't meet the minimum requirements above for a Class I Operator? All applicants will be considered, for the level in which they qualify, at a rate commensurate with qualifications as stated above in this ad. Previous college-level classes in a science field may assist candidates in accelerating the licensure process. Click on the following hyperlinks for more information, including minimum requirements, for other levels in which you may be considered if you apply to this posting:

  • Class II Operator Description
  • Class III Operator Description
  • Class IV Operator Description
  • Apprentice Description

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: 

  • DMV record review; 
  • Drug screening; and
  • Criminal background check.

This position is subject to the City's random drug and alcohol screenings.

To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 10/22/2024)

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $39,436 - $42,411

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