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Water Treatment Plant Operator

Virginia, United States

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Water Treatment Plant Operator to support the efficient and compliant operation of a water treatment facility in Quantico, VA. This role involves monitoring systems, performing routine maintenance, conducting water quality tests, and responding to operational issues in accordance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to ensure consistent and safe plant performance.
  • Conduct visual inspections of equipment and systems during periodic rounds.
  • Record operational data, including meter readings and gauge levels.
  • Maintain accurate logs and reports for internal use and regulatory compliance.
  • Collect water and sewage samples; perform chemical and physical tests to determine proper treatment methods.
  • Apply prescribed chemical treatments (e.g., chlorine, ammonia) to disinfect and treat water or wastewater.
  • Operate pumps, filters, valves, and auxiliary equipment to clarify and purify water or treat sewage.
  • Perform routine operational maintenance, including starting, stopping, and adjusting equipment as needed.
  • Identify equipment malfunctions and either make minor repairs or escalate to supervisors.
  • Ensure all operations align with EPA and local regulatory standards.
  • Follow strict safety protocols to mitigate hazards such as slippery surfaces, gas exposure, and mechanical failures.
  • Respond to emergencies using established procedures and ensure the safety of personnel and the public.
  • Maintain and clean work areas, tanks, filter beds, and related equipment.
  • Interpret plant schematics, circuit diagrams, and technical manuals for troubleshooting and repair.
  • Make operational decisions regarding water flow, chemical dosing, and plant output based on complex system data.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Licensing & Training:
    • Current Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Water Treatment Plant Operator License (required).
    • Completion of the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Course (minimum requirement).
  • Technical Knowledge & Abilities:
    • Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, including chemical dosing and water quality testing.
    • Demonstrated ability to calculate and apply treatment formulas to determine chemical concentrations, flow levels, and treatment requirements.
    • Skilled in interpreting technical instructions, specifications, plant drawings, and circuit diagrams to locate system defects and perform repairs.
    • Knowledge of EPA regulations and ability to maintain compliance through accurate documentation and testing.
    • Familiarity with the location and function of all plant controls, meters, and gauges, with the skill to make independent adjustments based on complex operating demands.
    • Comprehensive knowledge of pollutant control procedures, maintenance requirements, and proper handling of hazardous chemicals.
  • Operational Skills:
    • Proven ability to perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, filters, valves, tanks, and auxiliary systems.
    • Ability to start, stop, adjust, and troubleshoot equipment safely and efficiently.
    • Experience operating and maintaining support systems such as Unfired Pressure Vessels (UPVs), water heaters, and industrial fans.
    • Ability to safely operate, repair, and maintain complex water treatment equipment under minimal supervision.
  • Physical & Environmental Readiness:
    • Capable of working in confined or difficult-to-access spaces and around rotating industrial machinery.
    • Able to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted, and occasionally heavier items with team assistance or equipment.
    • Comfortable performing moderate to strenuous physical tasks such as walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching for extended periods.
    • Willing and able to work in environments with high temperatures, constant noise, dirt, grease, fumes, chemicals, and unpleasant odors.
  • Safety & Emergency Response:
    • Strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and emergency response procedures.
    • Trained in emergency management procedures, with the ability to take immediate and appropriate action in response to system malfunctions or hazardous conditions.

Position Pay Range

$38 - $40 USD

About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:

Owned by the Native Village of Eyak (NVE), a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies are a collection of entities that deliver a complementary set of solutions and services to support the diverse missions and requirements of our clients. Proud participants of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program since 2006, our companies consist of both current and graduation SBA 8(a) entities. It is our collective purpose to support the Tribe and diversify the NVE’s ability to facilitate economic advancement.

The income generated from our companies helps the Native Village of Eyak fund health and social services, economic development, natural resource/environmental education, jobs, job training, and other benefits to the NVE in a manner that is consistent with Alaskan Native cultural values and traditions.

Copper River’s Culture

The Copper River Family of Companies has a positive, supportive, and thriving culture. At the foundation of our culture is a focus on collaboration. No matter your role or which operating company you work for, we are ONE TEAM working toward the same goals for our customers and for our collective owner- The Native Village of Eyak. How we treat each other is just as important as the work we deliver.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
  • Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
  • Retirement 401(k) with employer match
  • Open leave policy and paid holidays
  • Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more! 

Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, regular associates at Copper River.

 

Disclaimer:

The Copper River Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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