Water Plant Operator Trainee

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Job Summary 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. Special Qualifications 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all‑inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. The City of West Melbourne has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The City is an onsite employer. While limited remote or flexible scheduling may occasionally be available at management’s discretion, all positions are based at City facilities and may be adjusted to onsite schedules at any time. The City of West Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of West Melbourne is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and transgender status), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The City of West Melbourne is a Drug‑Free Workplace. The City requires all applicants who are provided a conditional offer of employment to successfully complete pre‑employment drug testing as a condition of hire. A positive test result or refusal to test will result in withdrawal of the employment offer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of West Melbourne will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Employer Paid Health Benefits Group Health base plan (medical and prescription) Group Dental base plan Group Vision base plan Group Long Term Disability base plan Group Life Insurance of $50,000 Group Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Optional Dependent Coverage and/or Employee Buy Up The City shares the cost of Dependent Coverage for Health Insurance, if selected. Employees may select additional coverage for dependents and/or optional health coverage, at employee cost, which includes but is not limited to: Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Voluntary Short‑Term Disability Voluntary Buy Up Long‑Term Disability Voluntary Buy Up Life Insurance Supplemental Insurance (accident, cancer, hospital indemnity) Legal Plan (MetLaw) Flexible Spending Account Leave Time 10 Paid Holidays and 1 Paid Personal Day Annual accrual of 96 hours of Sick Leave Annual accrual of 80 hours of Vacation Leave Military leave, jury duty and bereavement leave Pay Compensation Compensation is designed to reflect the responsibilities of each role while maintaining internal equity. We regularly review pay ranges to remain competitive and provide employees with long‑term stability in public service. Pension and Retirement Options Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Employees contribute 3% of their salary each month for the Pension or Investment Plan. The contribution rates for employees and employers are set by state law (approximately 9‑15%). 457 Retirement Plan (Mission Square) Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth IRA – Employee contributions only. Other Benefits Tuition Reimbursement – Employees may be reimbursed for classes related to career development or job skills improvement. Awards Program – Our Employee Awards Program celebrates your hard work with meaningful recognition. Safety Clothing, Equipment, and/or Boots – Issued to employees whose job duties require specialized equipment and/or clothing. #J-18808-Ljbffr