Address
Form of workSalary : $55,910.40 - $85,342.40 Annually
Location : Arlington, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2621-24B-DES-DB
Department: Department of Environmental Services
Division: DES Water Pollution Control
Opening Date: 12/15/2023
Closing Date: 1/4/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Information
The (DES) is seeking a qualified candidate who is interested in a career as a Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator. This on-the-job training/work program offers both entry-level and experienced operators a career path to the highest level of operator at Arlington County's which is a state-of-the-art, highly automated, and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) wastewater treatment facility. The program develops and compensates operators for knowledge, expertise, licensure, and work performance. New hires move through a multi-grade and multi-year training program that leads to journey level and possibly beyond.
A journey level operator must:
The multi-grade plan will reward operators for achieving set goals in a prescribed timeframe. The operator will have two years to obtain the Virginia Class IV Wastewater License and other Plant program specific criteria or he/she will be separated from the County. If an operator successfully meets the specified requirements during the first two years, the operator will then move to the next grade where he/she will serve a one-year probationary period. After successfully completing probation, the operator will gain permanent status.
An operator may move beyond journey level if he/she obtains a Wastewater License Level I, Level I certification in all four Plant stations and Level I in both Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Minor Corrective Maintenance (MCM).
Selection Criteria
Note: This recruitment is for one (1) full-time vacancy but may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Minimum:
In addition to the criteria above, we are expecting an applicant to have:
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
Special Requirements
1) The applicant must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver's license and authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
2) Physical ability to safely perform repetitive and intensive manual labor safely, safely lift heavy objects (50 lbs.+), work from ladders, scaffolds and other high places; work outside in inclement weather, in confined spaces, etc.
3) Ability to meet requirements of Virginia Confined Entry Standard, including respirator use.
4) Ability to work a shift schedule, including nights, and to work after hours in emergency situations.
5) Ability to obtain Virginia Wastewater Operator's licenses.
Additional Information
Work Hours: All operators are permanently assigned to work with a team on one of four 12-hour shifts. The day shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. During emergency situations PLANT OPERATORs will be required to work after standard shift hours. The (two) night shifts alternate four days on and four days off. The (two) day shifts alternate on a cycling three/two schedule which allows every other weekend off.
New operators will be assigned to shifts based on plant needs. Night shift operators receive a shift differential at $1.00/hour. Overtime is paid at time and a half for time outside standard shift, currently about 4 hours of overtime accumulates every two weeks because of the shift overlap period.
Uniforms and cleaning provided.
This position is part of a Multi-Grade pay band which includes Grades 7, 8 and 9 for trainee, journey, and senior level work. The pay range listed above encompasses entry for trainee, Grade 7, through maximum of Senior level, Grade 9. However, experience will be evaluated by the department and applicants with previous related experience, valid licensure, or post high school education may be considered eligible to be hired at a higher pay rate within trainee level.
Salary ranges:
Trainee level: $55,910.40 - $85,342.40
Journey level: $60,528.20 - $92,393.60
Senior level: $71,052.80 - $108,576.00 (only attained after all program requirements have been met and after years of demonstrated performance, usually encompassing a period of several years).
Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits
Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
#LI-Onsite
Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email .
Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled.
Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: www.arlingtonva.us/pers.
Permanent, Full-Time Appointments
All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:
Paid Leave: Vacation leave is earned at the rate of five hours biweekly (part-time is prorated). Leave accrual increases gradually until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year.
Health and Dental Insurance: Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs.
Life Insurance: A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status.
Retirement: The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan.
For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay.
Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits.
Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:
Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.
Limited Term Appointments:
Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.
Temporary Regular Appointments:
Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:
Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.
01
Highest level of education: (check all that apply)
02
Have you taken high school level algebra? Documentation may be required before hire.
03
Have you taken high school level Chemistry and/or Biology? Documentation may be required before hire.
04
Please describe any post high school education and training you have had (especially in an area related to wastewater treatment), listing degrees received and including math and science courses you have passed. If not applicable, put N/A.
05
Indicate if you have experience with any of the following by checking all that apply (Please include details of this experience in your application in order to receive credit):
06
If applicable, describe your experience in water filtration or WASTEWATER PLANT operations (military or civilian). If not applicable, put N/A.
07
Shift work is a job requirement. Are you willing to be assigned to either the day or night shift and work after standard shift hours in emergency situations depending on the needs of the plant?
Required Question
Location : Arlington, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2621-24B-DES-DB
Department: Department of Environmental Services
Division: DES Water Pollution Control
Opening Date: 12/15/2023
Closing Date: 1/4/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Information
The (DES) is seeking a qualified candidate who is interested in a career as a Multi-Skilled Wastewater Plant Operator. This on-the-job training/work program offers both entry-level and experienced operators a career path to the highest level of operator at Arlington County's which is a state-of-the-art, highly automated, and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) wastewater treatment facility. The program develops and compensates operators for knowledge, expertise, licensure, and work performance. New hires move through a multi-grade and multi-year training program that leads to journey level and possibly beyond.
A journey level operator must:
- Independently operate all four plant stations;
- Complete training and perform common preventive and minor corrective maintenance on plant equipment;
- Participate in and use safety training, both County-sponsored and required by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and Virginia OSHA; and
- Demonstrate satisfactory soft skills and abilities (e.g., teamwork, communications, etc.)
The multi-grade plan will reward operators for achieving set goals in a prescribed timeframe. The operator will have two years to obtain the Virginia Class IV Wastewater License and other Plant program specific criteria or he/she will be separated from the County. If an operator successfully meets the specified requirements during the first two years, the operator will then move to the next grade where he/she will serve a one-year probationary period. After successfully completing probation, the operator will gain permanent status.
An operator may move beyond journey level if he/she obtains a Wastewater License Level I, Level I certification in all four Plant stations and Level I in both Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Minor Corrective Maintenance (MCM).
Selection Criteria
Note: This recruitment is for one (1) full-time vacancy but may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Minimum:
- High School Diploma/equivalent;
- Completion of high school level Algebra; and
- Completion of high school level Chemistry and/or Biology.
In addition to the criteria above, we are expecting an applicant to have:
- A high level of mechanical aptitude;
- Initiative and the ability to work well independently and with others on a team;
- Reading comprehension to read complex technical manuals and follow written directions; and
- Writing skills to complete legally required documentation.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
- Associate Degree in engineering, science, or field related to water/wastewater treatment;
- College courses in an area related to wastewater treatment;
- Experience using hand and power tools;
- Experience in water filtration or WASTEWATER PLANT operations (military or civilian); and/or
- Experience using work order system or maintenance management system.
Special Requirements
1) The applicant must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver's license and authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
2) Physical ability to safely perform repetitive and intensive manual labor safely, safely lift heavy objects (50 lbs.+), work from ladders, scaffolds and other high places; work outside in inclement weather, in confined spaces, etc.
3) Ability to meet requirements of Virginia Confined Entry Standard, including respirator use.
4) Ability to work a shift schedule, including nights, and to work after hours in emergency situations.
5) Ability to obtain Virginia Wastewater Operator's licenses.
Additional Information
Work Hours: All operators are permanently assigned to work with a team on one of four 12-hour shifts. The day shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. During emergency situations PLANT OPERATORs will be required to work after standard shift hours. The (two) night shifts alternate four days on and four days off. The (two) day shifts alternate on a cycling three/two schedule which allows every other weekend off.
New operators will be assigned to shifts based on plant needs. Night shift operators receive a shift differential at $1.00/hour. Overtime is paid at time and a half for time outside standard shift, currently about 4 hours of overtime accumulates every two weeks because of the shift overlap period.
Uniforms and cleaning provided.
This position is part of a Multi-Grade pay band which includes Grades 7, 8 and 9 for trainee, journey, and senior level work. The pay range listed above encompasses entry for trainee, Grade 7, through maximum of Senior level, Grade 9. However, experience will be evaluated by the department and applicants with previous related experience, valid licensure, or post high school education may be considered eligible to be hired at a higher pay rate within trainee level.
Salary ranges:
Trainee level: $55,910.40 - $85,342.40
Journey level: $60,528.20 - $92,393.60
Senior level: $71,052.80 - $108,576.00 (only attained after all program requirements have been met and after years of demonstrated performance, usually encompassing a period of several years).
Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits
Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
#LI-Onsite
Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email .
Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled.
Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: www.arlingtonva.us/pers.
Permanent, Full-Time Appointments
All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:
Paid Leave: Vacation leave is earned at the rate of five hours biweekly (part-time is prorated). Leave accrual increases gradually until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year.
Health and Dental Insurance: Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs.
Life Insurance: A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status.
Retirement: The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan.
For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay.
Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits.
Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:
Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.
Limited Term Appointments:
Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.
Temporary Regular Appointments:
Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:
Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.
01
Highest level of education: (check all that apply)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED)
- Some college in an unrelated area
- Some college in a related area
- Associate degree in engineering, science, or field related to water/wastewater treatment
- Associate degree in unrelated area to engineering, science, or field related to water/wastewater treatment
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or field related to water/wastewater treatment
- Bachelor's degree in unrelated area environmental science, biology, chemistry, or field related to water/wastewater treatment
- None of the above (education details listed on application)
02
Have you taken high school level algebra? Documentation may be required before hire.
- Yes, I have taken high school level algebra I.
- Yes, I have taken high school level algebra I and II.
- No, I have not taken high school level algebra.
- Yes, I have taken high school level algebra and have taken even higher level math courses in high school and/or college.
03
Have you taken high school level Chemistry and/or Biology? Documentation may be required before hire.
- Yes, I have taken high school level chemistry.
- Yes, I have taken high school level biology.
- Yes, I have taken both high school level chemistry and biology.
- No, I have not taken high school level chemistry or biology.
- Yes, I have taken high school level chemistry and/or biology, and have taken even higher level science courses in high school or college.
04
Please describe any post high school education and training you have had (especially in an area related to wastewater treatment), listing degrees received and including math and science courses you have passed. If not applicable, put N/A.
05
Indicate if you have experience with any of the following by checking all that apply (Please include details of this experience in your application in order to receive credit):
- Using hand and/or power tools
- Water filtration or WASTEWATER PLANT operations
- Using work order system or maintenance management system
- Using Microsoft Office software or similar software
- None of the above
06
If applicable, describe your experience in water filtration or WASTEWATER PLANT operations (military or civilian). If not applicable, put N/A.
07
Shift work is a job requirement. Are you willing to be assigned to either the day or night shift and work after standard shift hours in emergency situations depending on the needs of the plant?
- I am willing to work the day shift only and will work after standard shift hours in emergency situations.
- I am willing to work the night shift only and will work after standard shift hours in emergency situations.
- I am willing to work the day or night shift and will work after standard shift hours in emergency situations.
Required Question
