Sunshine Water Services

Lead Wastewater Operator

Lorton, VA

full time

On-site

Utilities

About This Job

Who We Are

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

“Nexus” means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,300 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer

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Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays

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Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.

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401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.

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Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.

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Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.

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Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a Lead Wastewater Operator

. This role is under limited supervision, performs routine tasks related to the operation of a wastewater treatment facility. Responsible for maintaining plant compliance with EPA standards and state water Commission. Assists with training of other personnel and leading work crews. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and works cooperatively to provide quality seamless utility service. Works with Area Manager and/or State Director to ensure continuity of processes, goals and vision of the company.

Work Location and Schedule

This position will travel between service areas near

Lorton, VA

. Schedule is Monday through Friday. After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required. Must be available to work shift work; weekend scheduling may be required.

What You'll Do

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Oversee the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment equipment, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental protection limits.

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Oversee the organization and delegation of team tasks.

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Develop and maintains operational records and prepares reports in compliance with regulatory standards.

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Oversee sampling and testing systems, and the functionality of pumps, conveyors, blowers and other equipment.

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Installs and repairs pumps, motors, valves and piping; diagnoses, repairs and clarifies aeration equipment, ion exchange bins, filtration equipment and other major apparatuses.

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Monitor and samples well and groundwater upon entry to the system. Adjusts treatment levels when non-standard variances are detected. Samples water prior to exiting system.

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Detect and reports atypical conditions, such as: identifying damaged, malfunctioning and tampered meters, detecting and reporting leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring and other safety hazards.

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Clean and maintains treatment plant, pumping stations and wells. Conducts ongoing repairs to equipment, or shuts down equipment for more extensive maintenance and repair, activating alternate equipment as needed. Requests services of outside maintenance vendor for major repairs and overhauls.

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Activates pumps, valves and other processing equipment to move water through various treatment processes. Disposes of waste materials removed from water in line with Company procedures and government controls.

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Implement emergency procedures in the event of overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water. Follows safety protocol and notifies local emergency responders.

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Add chemicals to water by predetermined formula. Maintains minimum inventory levels of these materials.

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Read and interprets meters and gauges on central control panel, or at individual machines or stages in the treatment process. Adjust controls as needed. Retrieve computer reports on treatment process.

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Prepare reports and maintains logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and all other recordkeeping requirements; maintains various Company records and other reports as required by the state.

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Back-wash filters and basins; handles chlorine in a safe, effective manner; assures proper working order of chlorine-related equipment.

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Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to Company policies and standards.

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Coordinate construction and excavation involved in system repairs; estimates required labor and materials; identifies equipment needed for all projects; orders necessary parts.

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Maintain a safe working environment and reports safety concerns to manager.

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Train personnel in the areas of laboratory analysis, operations and maintenance procedures, as well as compliance to Company policies and procedures.

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Ensure all operators are equipped with necessary tools, parts and safety equipment to work effectively.

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Stay abreast of Federal, State and local regulations and environmental guidelines regarding wastewater treatment and distribution.

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Constant, independent travel daily between worksites on Company time.

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May assist with training personnel on safety procedures.

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Assist with overseeing and inspections of local construction projects.

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Assist with the development of short and long term plans for operation of facilities, including contingency plans as well as plant and equipment removal/replacement.

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Assist with the design and construction of extension and improvement projects.

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Provide on-site customer communication.

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Act as liaison between the customers and customer service.

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Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

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Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless utility service.

Experience What you'll bring

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Requires a minimum of 5 years progressive experience working in utility management or the utility industry. Requires knowledge and experience in the operations, maintenance and processes of wastewater treatment; knowledge of the controls, instrumentation and mechanical equipment in the utility industry; knowledge of standard practices, terminology and safety standards in the utility industry; thorough knowledge of local, state and Federal wastewater regulations; knowledge and experience with the materials and chemicals used in these treatment processes.

Education and Certification

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High school Diploma or GED

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Holds the minimum licensing to be classified as Operator II with the ability to attain minimum licensing to be responsible operator in charge within 1 year of employment

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Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice to Have

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Currently holds the minimum licensing in order to be responsible operator in charge per state regulation preferred.

Physical and Technical Skills

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Ability to work independently and under limited supervision.

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Demonstrates initiative to take on new tasks.

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Ability to mentor and guide co-workers to increase skill level, morale and efficiency.

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Ability to motivate others in pursuit of Company goals.

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Ability to frequently perform moderate to heavy physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair

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Ability to read meters, charts and gauges and accurately maintain records of plant operations.

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Ability to read and comprehend written technical information and to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

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Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or analyze data.

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Ability to perform mathematical equations to determine chemical doses required for flow rates and proper treatment.

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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers and regulatory agencies.

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Familiarity with computer applications MS Word, Excel and utilizing tablet and mobile device; ability to learn internal software programs Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Please Note

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After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required

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Some travel may be required within service area

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Must be available to work shift work; weekend scheduling may be required

Work Environment

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Company vehicle provided.

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Extreme physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair. You will be expected to work in all weather conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, etc; you may encounter various potential hazards in the field

About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law.

We are an E-Verify participating employer.

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Job Identification 1422

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Job Category Operations

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Posting Date 06/23/2025, 10:20 PM

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Degree Level High School Graduate

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Job Schedule Full time

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Locations 10609 Greene Dr, Lorton, VA, 22079, US

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