Plant Operator I - Water/Wastewater

Under general supervision, performs responsible technical work in the operation of a water or sewer treatment plant on and assigned shift. Is responsible for performing plant operation and maintenance duties in a responsible and professional manner consistent with standard operating practices in order to meet State and Federal standards and rules to protect the public health and environment. Reports to Superintendent. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS On an assigned shift, inspects plant equipment and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly; takes samples of water or sewage at various stages of the treatment process, performs routine laboratory analyses to determine effectiveness of treatment procedures and records results; on the basis of sample results, adjusts treatment plant equipment, such as chlorinators, lime shakers, flocculators, digesters, sludge collectors, sand filters, chemical feeders, vacuum filters, conveyor systems, screens and related equipment; inspects recording charts and meters, and on the basis of such information, makes adjustments to controls in conformance with operation instructions. Performs preventative maintenance and, as necessary, makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment; takes hourly reading and records them on log sheets. Performs physical tests which include turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; chemical tests which include pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content and residual chlorine fluoride; and other tests which include bacteriological count such as chloroform bacteria, plate count, etc. Assists in maintaining sufficient supplies of chemicals to include chlorine, aluminum, Calgon, lime carbon, sodium chloride and various other chemicals. Assists in instructing new employees in work methods and procedures; determines the need for special attention to operating or maintenance requirements and makes recommendations to superiors. Checks for leaks in chlorine tanks and ammonia tanks. Performs minor calibrations of complex equipment. Answers calls from the public for emergency repair work or re‑connection of service; dispatches personnel and/or performs tests; responds to public through written reports of findings or telephone calls. Monitors control panel charts and pressure gauges. Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; maintains an operation and maintenance log for the treatment plants. Reports immediately, in person or via telephone, any serious plant breakdown or condition causing or likely to cause serious, inefficient or unsafe treatment plant operation or discharge of water or wastewater in a manner not authorized by the applicable regulatory agencies. Submits complete, accurate reports relative to treatment plant operation, sampling and laboratory analysis on a daily basis. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Graduation from High School or Vocational School. One (1) or more years of experience in the operation of electrical and mechanical machinery similar to that in a water and sewer treatment plant. Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSE REQUIRED Possession of a Class "C" water or wastewater plant operators license from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation. Must obtain and maintain as a condition of continued employment a second (dual) Class "C" License (in Water or Waste‑water) within thirty‑six (36) months of employment. Possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Driver's license must not have been suspended within five (5) years of the date of this application (Not Insurance related). May be required to possess a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an air brake endorsement as issued by the State of Florida and must have a good driving history. Current Incentives/Benefits Utilities Incentive (Due to terminate on September 30,2026) $100/pay period $1000 - paid out in June 2026 (prorated based on hire date) Health Insurance 100% paid by the Town for single coverage, 50% paid by the Town for dependents. Leave Holidays – 13 days per year. Sick Leave – 3.69 hours accrued per pay period Vacation Leave – Accrue 2 weeks per year, accrual rate increases every 5 years (capped at 4 weeks after 10 years of service). Birthday Leave – 1 day per year after successfully passing probation Quality Service – 1 day per year after successfully passing probation and other conditions. Wellness Days – 2 days per year after successfully passing probation. Pension/Retirement Town Sponsored Pension – mandatory 3% contributions per pay period. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Employee is entitled to make voluntary contributions through the payroll to the Town sponsored 457 deferred compensation plan only. Uniforms Provided by the Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr