Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Trainee

Fredericksburg, VA

Full Time

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Entry Level

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
or Trainee
CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA

Full-Time | Benefits | Paid Training

Build your skills. Serve your community. Advance your career with Fredericksburg’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Career Growth and Pay

Wastewater Treatment Plant Trainee
$40,876 - $44,963 (hiring range)
Start your career with hands-on training and essential wastewater experience.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV
$49,684 - $54,652 (hiring range)
Enhance your technical skills, take on greater responsibilities, and amplify your contributions to the team. A Class 4 License is required.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III - I
$52,168 - $63,267(hiring range)
Take on more complex tasks, act as a dependable resource, and assist with operations. A Class 3, 2 or 1 license is required.

Progression through the career ladder is based on demonstrated skills, successful performance, required training and certifications, operational needs, and available funding.

What You’ll Do

The City of Fredericksburg is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Wastewater Treatment team. Whether you're starting fresh as a Trainee or are a licensed Wastewater Operator, this is your chance to embark on a rewarding career in a $260 billion-a-year industry. This position will play a pivotal role in supporting the essential operations of the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant through:

Machinery Operation and Maintenance Operate and maintain wastewater machinery and pumps effectively.	Sample Processing and Chemical Management Process and collect wastewater samples for laboratory testing, and adjust feed rates while adding chemicals as needed to ensure optimal treatment.
Data and Reporting Assist with data entry, prepare monthly reports, and manage SCADA process controls for efficient operations.	Training and Compliance Participate in city-sponsored training to obtain a Class 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within 12 months and work towards obtaining a Class 3 license within 18 months.

Why Join the Fredericksburg Team?

A Career with Purpose
Join an experienced and supportive team that values public service, teamwork, safety, and the opportunity to develop new skills while contributing to the community every day.

Comprehensive Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package that offers: medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, paid training, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System.

Minimum Qualifications

Educational background equivalent to a high school diploma.
Ability to obtain a Class 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within 12 months of employment. (City-sponsored training).
Ability to obtain a Class 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within 18 months of employment.
Valid Virginia driver's license.
Ability to pass a background and driving record check.

Work Environment

24/7 operation with 12-hour shifts; rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Regular 40-hour workweek with potential for scheduled overtime.
Work involves outdoor tasks in various weather conditions.

BE PART OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL
This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career while serving the residents and businesses of Fredericksburg. Join a knowledgeable, dedicated team that values accuracy, fairness, collaboration, public service, and committed to the City’s Core Values.

Apply online: www.fredericksburgva.gov/careers

While the position will remain open until filled, completed City Employment applications should be submitted by 4:00 pm on August 7, 2026.

Questions? [email protected]
The City of Fredericksburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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