Water Plant Operator Trainee

Job Title

Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Operator and/or Water Plant Director, this entry-level position assists in the operation and basic maintenance of the City's Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment Plant to ensure the production of safe and reliable drinking water in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. This position participates in structured, on-the-job training to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate low-pressure membrane treatment systems, chemical feed systems, and associated plant infrastructure. This position does not function independently and performs duties under close supervision until required licensure and competency standards are achieved. Evening, weekend, holiday, shift work, and participation in on-call rotation may be required as training progresses.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists licensed Water Plant Operators in monitoring plant operations through SCADA systems and field inspections.
• Collects water samples and assists with routine laboratory testing, including chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and other required process parameters.
• Observes and learns operation of reverse osmosis membrane systems, high-service pumps, chemical feed systems, and related treatment components.
• Assists in monitoring storage tank levels, system pressures, and production flows under supervision.
• Performs routine plant rounds to observe equipment performance and report abnormal conditions to a licensed operator or supervisor.
• Maintains operational logs and records data accurately under supervision.
• Assists with preventative maintenance activities, including lubrication, cleaning, and basic equipment inspection.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of plant facilities and work areas.
• Assists in maintaining facility security by observing camera systems and access controls as directed.
• Participates in safety training and complies with OSHA standards, including Lockout/Tagout awareness and chemical handling procedures.
• Studies and prepares for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water Treatment Operator licensing examination.
• Responds to emergency situations only under the direction of a licensed operator or supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and KSA's

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in water treatment, environmental science, mechanical systems, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in water utilities, industrial operations, construction trades, mechanical maintenance, or related fields is desirable.

• Valid State of Florida Class E Driver's License with an acceptable driving record at the time of hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Must obtain a minimum Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Class "C" Water Treatment Operator License within eighteen (18) months of hire or as otherwise determined by the City.
• Must demonstrate measurable progress toward licensure and competency milestones as established by the department.
• Ability to participate in a scheduled on-call rotation once deemed qualified by supervision.

• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems, pumps, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to learn principles of reverse osmosis water treatment processes.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read gauges, meters, and instrumentation accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
• Ability to use computers and standard office software programs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional working relationships.
• Ability to work in a regulated environment requiring adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.
• Ability to respond appropriately during emergency or high-pressure situations under supervision of mechanical systems including pumps, motors, valves, bearings, seals, piping systems, and low-pressure equipment.

Additional Information

The work is medium duty and may require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently to move objects. Requires standing or sitting for sustained periods of time; walking or moving from one work site to another; manual dexterity to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers; mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes; hearing to receive detailed information and to make the discrimination in sound; and the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow or slippery surfaces.
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Work is typically performed in an environment with equipment and machinery where the employee is exposed to bodily harm to self, co-workers, and/or others.