Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

About the role

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator that will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a multi-stage wastewater treatment facility in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

This position supports continuous plant operations by monitoring processes, operating treatment equipment, performing sampling and testing, adjusting chemical treatment, responding to alarms, and conducting routine operator-level maintenance. The operator will work rotating shifts in coordination with government personnel to ensure uninterrupted wastewater treatment operations.

Location: Mainside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Quantico, VA

Schedule: 12 hour rotating shifts (days/nights, weekends, holidays)

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a wastewater treatment plant providing pretreatment, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment in compliance with NPDES permit conditions.
• Operate pumps, valves, gates, feeders, flocculators, clarifiers, filters, UV disinfection systems, and related process control equipment.
• Collect influent, intermediate, and effluent samples; perform required testing and analysis (e.g., pH, temperature, settleable solids, flow rates).
• Adjust chemical feed rates and treatment processes based on test results and operational requirements.
• Perform tertiary treatment operations, including chemical mixing, polymer and chemical feed systems, gravity sand filtration, phosphorus and nitrogen removal, and UV disinfection.
• Respond to plant alarms and telemetry notifications; investigate issues and take corrective actions as needed.
• Make operational decisions during assigned shifts, including serving as Operator in Charge when required and determining appropriate actions during abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Operate sludge handling and disposal equipment such as centrifuges, vacuum coil filters, or belt filter presses.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance, including lubrication, minor repairs, adjustments, and calibration of equipment in accordance with SOPs, TPMs, and manufacturer manuals.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, flow charts, calibration records, and operational documentation.
• Work under the general direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor while exercising independent judgment within established procedures.
• Support continuous shift coverage and work mandatory overtime when required.

Requirements

Experience

• Experience operating a wastewater treatment plant with multiple stages of treatment, including tertiary processes.
• Hands-on experience with wastewater treatment equipment, chemical treatment systems, and process monitoring.
• Experience working rotating shifts in a continuous operations environment preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficiency in the operation, purpose, and capabilities of wastewater treatment equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of safe handling and application of wastewater treatment chemicals, including sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, polymers, sodium hydroxide, lime, and related compounds.
• Knowledge of tertiary wastewater treatment processes, chlorination and dechlorination, and nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) removal.
• Understanding of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system operation and maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret digital and analog gauges, meters, and alarms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical manuals, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of Windows-based systems and operational software.

Education and Certification

• Must possess and maintain a Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification, Class I or Class II.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical or vocational training in wastewater treatment or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely wear all required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including prolonged standing and walking, climbing ladders and stairs, and lifting objects weighing up to 45-50 pounds (occasionally more).
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

Pay and benefits

Compensation range: $50 - $54 per hour.

Position Pay Range $50 - $54 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: Benefits are offered based on employment classification and applicable contract requirements. Eligibility may vary by position.