Senior Plant Engineer
Company: Fairfax Water
Location: Herndon
Posted on: March 18, 2026
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Job Description:
Under limited supervision of the Manager, Water Production, this
position serves as the support engineer at a large water treatment
facility. Responsibilities include assisting in the management of
the treatment facility including items such as monitoring,
analyzing and implementing modifications to the operations of the
facility, performing engineering work related to the modification
or design of existing or new facilities, interfacing with various
inter- and intra-divisional employees and groups as well as
external individuals, groups and companies, acting as a Production
Division liaison for inter-divisional projects and
responsibilities, training, supervising, and coordinating the work
of Fairfax Water personnel as necessary. Performs Acting Plant
Manager duties as required. Directs and administers the normal
operations of a water treatment facility by: Compiling and
interpreting plant and operational data and developing solutions
for operational issues. Monitoring compliance with all pertinent
health and safety regulations and working with management and
employees to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.
Monitoring environmental effects and taking the necessary steps to
ensure compliance with all applicable permits and regulations.
Managing compliance, reporting, applications, and renewals for
relevant permits including but not limited to permits associated
with waterworks, air quality, stormwater, sanitary sewer and dam
permits as applicable. Developing chemical, material, and service
contract specifications including RFPs. Reviewing bids and
recommending awarding of contracts. Acting as contract
administrator for assigned contracts. Performing operational
inspections of treatment and distribution facilities to determine
compliance with Fairfax Water standards and making changes as
needed. Establishing and reviewing all Standard Operating
Procedures, manuals, and systems and ensure accurate operational
records are maintained in coordination with other key plant
personnel. Evaluating training needs of plant personnel and
arranging appropriate training including administering personal
instruction when necessary. Conducting new employee orientation for
the facility. Assisting plant personnel in their preparation to
obtain certifications or licenses. Remotely monitoring and
responding to operational problems at the facilities during
non-scheduled hours as necessary. Supervises summer and part-time
employees. Directs and supports the water treatment facility's
asset management program by: Performing independent research on
improved control of water treatment operations including the use of
pilot plants. Evaluate equipment and system failures and conduct
root cause analysis. Designing and/or recommending equipment and
process modifications. Performing operational review of plans and
specifications and developing solutions or optimizations.
Participating in the long-range planning, organization and
direction of activities relating to the operation of and
improvements to the plants to maximize performance while minimizing
cost and environmental impact. Requisitioning materials, tools,
chemicals and equipment for the plant as necessary. Coordinating
planned outage schedules and developing outage risk mitigation
strategies. Acts as inter- and intra-divisional liaison by: Serving
as the plant point of contact for Planning and Engineering for
design and construction project impacting plant operations.
Coordinating with the Manager, Laboratory and Regulatory Compliance
on reporting issues. Interacting with the Operational Technology
group in the operations, maintenance and programming of automatic
process control PLC's and computer/equipment. Coordinating with the
IT group in the management of the facility's personal computers and
local area network including the data management system.
Coordinating with the Safety and Security group and making
recommendations for changes in procedures or processes. Serving as
the plant's Hazardous Waste Compliance Officer, managing hazardous
chemical wastes. Assists in the financial operations of a water
treatment facility by: Developing unit and process operating costs
for costing, billing and economic comparison. Assisting in
preparation of the annual budget and reports. Recommending
expenditure of budgeted funds and assisting the plant manager in
preparing requests for major expenditures. Performing or reviewing
economic analyses of proposed plant modifications. Performs other
duties as assigned or required. Graduation from college with a
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental, Civil or Chemical Engineering
or Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and a minimum of six
years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water
treatment facility including three years at a supervisory level,
one year of project management or supervisory experience, or any
equivalent combination of education, experience, and knowledge.
Eligibility for or licensed as a Professional Engineer in the
Commonwealth of Virginia preferred. Thorough knowledge of
engineering principles and practices in construction,
manufacturing, water or wastewater treatment, or stormwater
management is preferred. Considerable knowledge of machinery,
equipment, materials and operating practices of water treatment
operations and facilities. Ability to make accurate engineering
computations, estimates, and designs. Ability to accurately review
plans and specifications. Good professional engineering judgment.
Knowledge of contract administration. Ability to prepare and
present engineering and administrative reports orally and in
writing. Ability to establish and maintain good working
relationships. Effectively establishes and facilitates positive
work relationships with trade groups including operators,
maintenance, electrical, and instrumentation and controls.
Possession of, or ability to attain, a Class 1 Waterworks Operator
License in Virginia Ability to plan, direct, coordinate and
supervise the work of others. Considerable knowledge of computer
and network operations, instrumentation and automatic process
control. Experience with or ability to learn SAP, Hach WIMS, and
other similar water utility systems. Must pass a controlled
substance (drug) test for employment. Possession of a valid
driver's license and good driving record. Compensation details:
68.35 Yearly Salary PI6899bd43d4ee-6538
Keywords: Fairfax Water, Washington DC , Senior Plant Engineer, Engineering , Herndon, DC
