Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The candidate will perform skilled and responsible work related to the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of the Authority’s water treatment, distribution, and support facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor multiple water system facilities including:
• • Conventional surface water treatment
  • Membrane filtration systems
  • Groundwater facilities with filtration and chemical addition
  • Distribution system components such as water tanks, valve vaults, and water mains
• Read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, and instrumentation.
• Perform and document laboratory equipment calibrations.
• Collect and analyze water samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs; document all work using Authority software.
• Operate, maintain, and assist with repair or replacement of valves and pumps.
• Adjust chemical dosages, flow rates, and system controls as authorized by the responsible operator.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry for monthly operational and regulatory reports.
• Flush water lines according to schedule and record data in tracking software.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all buildings and grounds, including breakrooms and restrooms.
• Investigate customer water quality concerns and assist as needed.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, mowers, and a service elevator.
• Maintain assigned vehicle in clean and operable condition.
• Perform all work safely and in accordance with Authority policies and procedures.
• Respond to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Operations Manager.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record per Authority policy
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel
• Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and prepare reports
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public
• Organized, dependable, and self-motivated
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as required

Training and Certification

• Completion of Sacramento Volume 1 within six (6) months of hire
• Obtain and maintain Virginia Waterworks Operator License – Class IV within twelve (12) months of hire

Work Schedule

• Typically 8–12 hour shifts, 40 hours per week
• 30-minute unpaid lunch break
• Regular weekend and holiday work required
• Emergency call-in work required

Working Conditions

• Prolonged standing and walking; minimal sitting
• Frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions
• Manual dexterity required
• Ability to meet standard vision and hearing requirements

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.
Water Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.
In addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.