Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 9
DC Water
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 9
DC Water
Provides drinking water and wastewater services
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
| Job Title: | Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 09 | Job Code: | S0108 |
| Supervises Directly: | No | ||
| New or Revised: | Revised | Regular or At-Will: | Regular |
| Date Last Revised: | 7/14/2026 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: | Non-Exempt |
| Compensation Approval Signature: | Union/ Non-Union: | Union | |
Division: Department: | Operations WWT-Operations | Salary Schedule: | Regular Wage Service (RW) |
| Cost Center Code: | 810006 | Grade: | RW09 |
| Essential Position: | Yes | Reports To: | Foreman, WWT |
| EEO Code: | Skilled Craft Workers | Work Format | In-Person |
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 09 is involved in the operations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, performing such duties in any major area of the Plant (i.e. including primary treatment, secondary treatment, nitrification, filtration, disinfections, sludge, thickening, dewatering, and digestion). Unusual problems referred to Foreman for resolution.
Operates all process equipment using manual and/or computer controls.
Collects composite samples from all phases of the various treatment processes.
Is responsible for the proper operation of the treatment processes and equipment.
Troubleshoots operational problems including process microbiology.
Provides assistance and guidance to lower grade and new employees.
Keeps all work areas clean.
Complies with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co-workers throughout the Department.
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Skills & Qualifications
| Required Experience: |
| Three (3) years of experience in the operations of a wastewater treatment system. |
| Minimum Education Requirements: |
| High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. |
| Required Skills: |
Knowledge of how each unit process fits in the overall wastewater treatment process. Skill in independently operating duty stations assigned. |
Must demonstrate knowledge of equipment and process troubleshooting at the plant. Knowledge of proper use of laboratory and sampling equipment e.g. meter calibration and flow-proportional sampler set-up. |
Knowledge of process instrumentation control concepts. Ability to interpret technical drawings for process equipment. |
Knowledge of concepts and skills related to safety including: confined space entry, personal protective equipment, process safety management, etc. Must demonstrate knowledge of regulations pertaining to permit compliance. |
Basic computer skills associated with computerized process control and monitoring systems. |
| Required Licenses & Certifications: |
| Must possess and maintain a valid Class II ABC certification or equivalent class from Maryland (Class 2) or Virginia (Class 3). |
| Must possess and maintain a current valid Motor Vehicle Operating License and DC Water Vehicle Endorsement. |
| Required Languages: |
| English |
| Physical Requirements: |
Must be able to lift 50 pounds. |
Subject to indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and hot temperatures. |
Subject to atmospheric conditions that may adversely affect the respiratory system .and general health or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, toxic and carcinogenic liquids, vapors, and gases, or poor ventilation, or to exposure to oils, other solvents, raw sewage, activated sludge, and lubricants. |
Working conditions varies with duty station, but will include shift work, work in process areas, and work in other locations. |
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
| Preferred Experience: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Education Requirements: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Skills: |
| N/A |
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please
email [email protected].
Minimum Salary: $38.88
Maximum Salary: $45.36
DC Water provides water and sewer services to Washington, DC, handling the collection, treatment, and distribution of drinking water and the treatment and management of wastewater. Its products and services work through a network of water mains, pumping stations, treatment plants, and sewer infrastructure to deliver clean drinking water and protect the environment by treating wastewater before releasing it back to the environment. The company emphasizes its team of thoughtful leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who work to solve environmental challenges in the nation’s capital. Unlike many private utility competitors, DC Water operates as a public utility focused on serving residents and the city, prioritizing reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship. The company’s goal is to provide dependable water services while addressing environmental challenges and protecting public health in Washington, DC.
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