Utility Plant Operator A, B, C

Water Plant Operator

Water Plant Operators play a critical role in protecting public health and maintaining essential city services. They are responsible for the daily operation of the City's water treatment plants and water reclamation facilities, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to safe, reliable drinking water and that wastewater is properly treated before being returned to the environment. Their work helps ensure regulatory compliance, protects natural resources, supports community growth, and maintains the uninterrupted operation of vital infrastructure that residents depend on every day.

Position functions include:

• Effectively and competently operate facilities in compliance with rules, regulations, policies and standard procedures to provide public health and safety, and no adverse environmental impacts.
• Inspect plant equipment and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly.
• Take samples of process fluid (i.e., sludge, effluent, influent, finished water, etc.) at various stages in the treatment and collection/distribution processes, preserve samples in accordance with standard practice for parameter involved, and deliver samples to laboratory. Interpret results with supervisor to determine effectiveness of treatment processes. Record results in logs and/or spreadsheets.
• Adjust control devices of processes, manually and/or remotely by SCADA, to provide effective treatment. Operate gates, valves and other mechanical equipment. Inspect and adjust treatment plant equipment, such as digesters, sludge collection equipment, filters, chemical feed systems, conveyors, screens, and related equipment. Inspect records, charts, and meters and make adjustments to process on the basis of recorded information in accordance with operating instructions. Utilize supplemental and/or storage and recovery sources to maintain adequate pressure and supply for the reuse water system.
• Enter data in handwritten and/or computerized logs for equipment run time, total flow/use of liquids and chemicals, process adjustments or modifications, deviations from normal conditions, and calibration/repair work. Complete regulatory required calibration/repair logs accurately and within time requirement.
• Operate bio-solids handling and dewatering process equipment as required.
• Inspect facility fencing, tanks, buildings and equipment to maintain proper level of security and verify no indication of attempted or actual security breach.
• Change / replenish chemicals in feed equipment. Maintain awareness of safe work practices and City safety policies, including the Citys Process Safety Management and Risk Management Programs.
• Use senses of sight, sound and feel to recognize and identify potential problem situations with facilities and/or equipment, including interpretation of logs and/or reports. Provide supervisory personnel with concise descriptions of potential problems and possible fixes as applicable.
• Drive to and from job locations, carrying hazardous materials. Perform additional duties as assigned. Be available for emergency call-outs.
• Operate a forklift, tractor, pickup truck, and other mechanical equipment daily.
• Utilize computerized maintenance system software (CMMS/MP2) to enter work orders for all repairs, to record troubleshooting and repair methods, and close out completed work. Through the CMMS Technician, maintain updated equipment list (serial numbers, manufacturer, model, etc.) as equipment is added, deleted or modified.
• Provide after-hours and weekend dispatch tasks.
• Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as outlined in standard operating procedures and as applicable to the task and conditions.
• Minor excavation and digging for electrical conduit, small diameter piping, and piping/valve repair as required.
• Perform facility and vehicle maintenance to include: grass cutting, tree pruning, sweeping, dusting, washing, painting, trash pickup, and high pressure cleaning of equipment.
• Participate in rotating day/night shifts and on call duty.
• Participate in operations/maintenance cross-training.
• In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential and may be required to perform duties outside of their normal job description.
• Complete required trainings as specified within the City Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Utility Plant Operator Single C = Valid Class C Florida Wastewater Operators license or valid Class C Florida Water Operators license. (Must obtain Class C FL License in second discipline within 18 months)
• Valid driver license (must obtain State of Florida driver license within thirty (30) days of employment).

Preferable qualifications include:

• Experience with monitoring and control of systems using SCADA.
• Experience with personal computers, including word-processing, spreadsheet, data base, e-mail, and Internet browser applications.
• Mechanical and/or electrical and/or laboratory skills.

Applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure & Authorization Regarding Background Investigation, a Confidentiality Agreement and a criminal background screening. Driving history for the past three (3) years must reflect no violations of a driving related felony offense, or driving under the influence (DUI) which includes both drugs and alcohol, reckless driving, or hit and run involving an occupied vehicle or attended property, or an accumulation of traffic violations, plus three (3) points for each attendance at driving school (regardless of whether points were assessed against the license) where the penalty points do not exceed twelve (12). Position is considered at-risk for exposure to Hepatitis A and B during performance of regular duties. An acceptance/declination of vaccination form is required. If selected, post-offer essential functions assessment is required to evaluate the ability to safely meet the physical demands of the job. An Agreement for Reimbursement for Operator Training and Certification will be required upon hire.