Wastewater Plant Operator

Wastewater Plant Operator

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Wastewater Plant Operator

Salary

$29.55 - $41.76 Hourly

Location

Utility Services, Boca Raton, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

04664-02

Department

Utility Services

Division

Wastewater Treatment Plan 42/09801

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

B

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Build Your Future with the City of Boca Raton!

At the City of Boca Raton, a career in public service is more than a job — it’s your chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and sustainable coastal community. Driven by our core values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Trust, we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel appreciated, inspired, and supported.

Why Boca Raton?

As the second largest city in Palm Beach County, the City of Boca Raton offers robust benefits to their employees:

• Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans

• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation, sick, and 3 floating holidays

• Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule

• Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

Whether you're starting out or looking to take your public service career to the next level, the City of Boca Raton offers the tools, resources, and culture to help you succeed.

Apply now and join the city that’s building careers and shaping a stronger tomorrow!

General Statement of Job:

The Wastewater Plant Operator performs skilled work in operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant and its related equipment. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient processing of wastewater, directly supporting the health and environmental standards of the community. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Essential Functions

• Makes regular tours of plant and equipment such as pumps, aerators, clarifiers, hypochlorite systems, filters, thickeners, etc.

• Collection of samples and performs tests such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids etc.

• Ensure safety protocols are followed.

• Performs routine maintenance, housekeeping, and cleaning

• Responding to emergencies such as spills and equipment failure.

• Operates computer SCADA system to monitor and control motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions, adjust Cl2 dosing and polymer dosing.

• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.

• Troubleshoots process problems.

Related tasks:

• Collects samples and performs routine lab work.

• Skims grease from settling tanks.

• Pumps sludge, drains tanks, rotates equipment.

• Cleans weirs, Primary Clarifiers, Secondary Clarifiers and services pumps, motors, and other equipment.

• Pressure cleaning of equipment, buildings and associated areas.

• Monitors chlorine residuals; makes chlorine feed rate adjustments.

• Operates sludge thickening and dewatering systems.

• Monitors telemetry system; calls out field crews for alarm situations.

• Investigates field calls from customers regarding backups, odors, etc., dispatches response crews

• Makes minor or emergency repairs; performs preventive maintenance on plant equipment.

• Performs general maintenance and housekeeping duties.

• Operates forklift and backhoe style equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• The operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.

• The chemical, biological, and physical processes used to treat wastewater, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

• Biological processes, including activated sludge and anaerobic digestion.

• Safety protocols, hazardous chemical handling, and equipment used at a wastewater treatment plant.

• Instruments used in wastewater treatment.

• Basic mathematical concepts such as flow calculations, chemical dosages, and determining concentrations.

Skilled in:

• Troubleshooting operational problems.

• Operating control panels, pumps, motors, and other equipment.

• Conducting laboratory tests for TSS, ammonia, and other parameters.

• Accurately recording data and flows.

• Communicating with team members and supervisors regarding operational issues.

Ability to:

• Detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determine proper remedial actions.

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, moving equipment, and working in varied weather conditions.

• Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, ensuring that routine maintenance, testing, and reporting tasks are completed in a timely manner.

• Assess situations and make informed decisions quickly when addressing operational challenges or equipment failures.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Class C Operator – Florida DEP Class C wastewater license is required and one (1) year experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

• Class B Operator – Florida DEP Class B wastewater license is required and three (3) years experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

• Class A Operator - Florida DEP Class A wastewater license is required and five (5) years experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of Florida DEP Class C (or higher) wastewater license is required.

• Possession of valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in a three (3) year period.

• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to their date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:

The background check process for this position may include:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Verification

• Reference Checks

• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check

• Workers' Compensation

• Certification/License Verification

• Physical

• Drug and Alcohol Screen

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran-Friendly Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

The City is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Veterans’ Preference: The City proudly supports veterans and provides employment preference to eligible veterans and other individuals as required by Florida law. Applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference are encouraged to indicate their eligibility and provide the required documentation during the application process.

CITY OF BOCA RATON - BENEFITS SUMMARY

SEIU Employees

ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours.

0 to 5 full years 8 hours per month

5 to 10 full years 10 hours per month

10 to 15 full years 12 hours per month

15 years and over 14 hours per month

CASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE: Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year., each fiscal year.

SICK LEAVE: 8 hours per month. Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%. Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance. Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows:

Continuous years of service Percentage

Less than 2 full years 0%

2 to 5 full years 10%

5 to 10 full years 20%

10 full years or more 30%

Retirement (normal, early or disability) 50%

HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee contributions are required for Employee Dental and Vision Plans, as well as Dependent(s) Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.

CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: Continuous Service is determined on December 1st of each year. Payment is issued during the month of December based upon years of service as follows:

5 to 10 full years $600 annually

10 to 15 full years $800 annually

15 full years and over $1,000 annually

RETIREMENT PLANS: The two pension/retirement options are listed below:

• The option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The Defined Contribution Plan will not require a mandatory contribution on your part. The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of your annual base wages to this plan. The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1) year from your date of hire in the classified service, which coincides with your one-year probationary period.

• An option to enroll in a Defined Benefit Plan option available to you that will have a ten (10) year vesting period with a multiplier of 2.00% at normal retirement and a mandatory seven and three-quarters (7.75%) percent contribution.

• The two (2) options will be fully explained to you prior to your selection.

Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan is available.

HOLIDAYS: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating holidays which are allocated for the fiscal year starting October 1, to all 8 hour per day employees. Employees hired between October 1 and March 31 shall receive 3 floating holidays. Employees hired between April 1 and September 30 shall receive 1 floating holiday. Non-task employees working 10-hour days receive 10, 10-hour paid holidays but do not receive floating holidays.

FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 workdays - In State Up to 5 workdays - Out of State

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: A performance review(s) is given to new hires during the first year of employment and an annual review on their anniversary date. Every employee is evaluated on their anniversary date. The current ratings are: Requires Improvement, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations, and Significantly Exceeds Expectations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.

MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.

EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face-to-face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.