Water Plant Shift Operator at City of Harrisonburg, VA
City of Harrisonburg, VA · Harrisonburg, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Harrisonburg
About the Department
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a company that values your Water Treatment Operator's license and professional expertise in a water treatment plant? 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!
The City's ideal candidate is an operator who is licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and who, under the shortest duration possible, can be eligible for progression through examination to Class I Level. A qualifying Bachelor of Science degree is highly valuable in eligibility for the advanced license.
For this particular vacancy, the City is seeking an operator who is available for 12-hour rotating on-off workday periods and day-night shifts. This position has primary responsibilities to cover two of four shifts, as needed, due to the absence of operators assigned to those shifts (e.g., vacation, etc.). The remainder of the schedule shall be flexible at the discretion of the operator and supervisor. The schedule for this position is subject to change due to business needs.
The Water Plant Shift Operator opportunity is a full-time position with benefits, and this advertisement has been written for a Class I level. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Class I level may be considered for the following levels within the department at an annual rate commensurate with applicant qualifications:
Preferred Hiring Ranges*:
- Class I: $30.49 - $33.34 per hour (includes a $4,000.00 [$1.92 per hour] Class I Operator Incentive); Equivalent to $63,419.20 - $69,347.20 annually.
- Class II: $23.93 - $26.33 per hour; Equivalent to $49,774.40 - $54,766.40 annually.
- Class III: $21.91 - $24.10 per hour; Equivalent to $45,572.80 - $50,128.00 annually.
- Class IV: $20.05 - $22.06 per hour; Equivalent to $41,704.00 - $45,884.80 annually.
- Apprentice: $19.15 - $20.59 per hour; Equivalent to $39,832.00 - $42,827.20 annually.
*An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy. If business needs allow and an alternative dedicated night schedule is desired by the Class I Operator, a $1.50 per hour shift differential will apply in accordance with City Policy 3.4: Shift Differential Compensation, as amended.
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 (taken into account in the current minimum rate for this specific role, as listed above).
- 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.
- 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 Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for the Class I Level:
- High school diploma or GED and extensive (6 or more years) experience in the operation of a water treatment plant, or an 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.
- Click here for the physical requirements of the position.
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.
Other Qualifications
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 11/12/2025)
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.
