The Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a chance to guide essential water systems that support safe recreation and healthy environments. This role lets you use your technical skills while working in a setting that values steady operations and quality service. You will help keep systems reliable and ensure water standards are met each day. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem solving and maintaining important public resources.
This position supports State Park Region 1 by operating, maintaining, and monitoring wastewater and water distribution systems to ensure safe and compliant processing. The role centers on technical plant operations, accurate testing, equipment care, and practical plumbing work across park facilities. As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator, you will perform the following duties:
- System Operation: Operate and maintain motors, pumps, valves, chlorinators, filters, aerators, and related equipment for treatment systems
- Water Testing: Collect samples, perform tests, and review water quality results to meet DEP and EPA standards
- Equipment Maintenance: Complete preventative maintenance, make repairs, and maintain laboratory instruments
- Plumbing Support: Inspect lines, repair breaks, and assist with seasonal plumbing tasks throughout park facilities
- Record Preparation: Prepare required reports and document testing results, chemical use, and system activity
- Regional Assistance: Serve as a backup operator for other sewage treatment plants and provide technical help as needed
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work days and hours will vary due to the nature of the position
- Overtime and travel will be required
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year of experience as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
Special Requirements:
- All positions require possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the wastewater system to be operated or maintained (PA Sewage license, Classification C, Subclasses 1 and 3).
- This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.