Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Public Works/Utility Department: PlantsUnder supervision, the purpose of the position is to operate diagnostic and control equipment to regulate collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in the City's Public Works/Utility Department. Employees in this classification function at entry level, and are responsible for performing routine inspection and maintenance duties, ensuring efficient and effective operation of wastewater facilities and equipment. Objective is to perform all duties in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements.Performs regulatory work in the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.Monitors various flow and additive rates of wastewater processing, e.g., effluent flow; pH, oxygen, and chemical levels; modifies flow and chemical feed rates to ensure appropriate levels. Monitors various operational aspects of wastewater processing, e.g., chemical use, power consumption, generator use, effluent/waste production, volume processing. Collects and performs laboratory sample analysis to ensure adherence to regulatory chemical/additive parameters; monitors chemical/additive inventory to ensure appropriate supply/stock levels at all times. Performs and records chemical and pressure sampling and laboratory testing; calculates results/readings; ascertains treatment performance and quality; performs appropriate equipment adjustments and calibrations. Performs various maintenance and purging duties, e.g., cleans algae from clarifier overflow weirs; cleans mechanical aerators and diffusers; pumps sludge, measures sludge blanket depth, and sprays down sludge tanks; rakes bar screens; cleans pipes and plumbing apertures. Performs routine maintenance and repair duties of wastewater equipment and facilities, e.g., pumps, storage tanks, aerators, precipitators, filters, motors, pulleys, drive belts, solids and chemicals handling. Records daily pump readings, e.g., pressure, flow, time, chemical usage, pump function/operation; perform corrective measures to pump operations and settings as necessary. Performs clerical duties, e.g., data entry; generates spreadsheets for process control; prepares various reports; performs calculations, runs quantitative/qualitative analysis and interprets data for performance evaluation. Coordinates with collection and distribution crews on leaks, main breaks, or related critical events; responds to emergency call-in in disasters or other critical events. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.High School diploma or GED; supplemented by six (6) to eleven (11) months previous experience in utilities or other pump-mechanical operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess and maintain a Florida Driver's License. Must possess and maintain Florida Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License. Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. Note: Applicants who apply for and exceed the minimum qualifications of the Wastewater Plant Operator I position will be considered for the Wastewater Plant Operator II or III position. The salary range for the Wastewater Plant Operator II position is $58,832.11 - $88,247.62. The minimum requirements for the Wastewater Plant Operator II position is as follows: High School diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year responsible experience in utilities or other pump-mechanical operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess and maintain a Florida Driver's License. Must possess and maintain Florida Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License. Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The salary range for the Wastewater Plant Operator III position is $61,733.33 - $92,660.01. The minimum requirement for the Wastewater Plant Operator III position is as follows: High School diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) years responsible experience in utilities or other pump-mechanical operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess and maintain a Florida Driver's License. Must possess and maintain Florida Class A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License. Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment.Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Knowledge of the safe and proper use and care of manual and power hand tools and equipment utilized in wastewater utilities operations and preventative maintenance field. Ability to inspect utilities machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect and identify apparatus malfunctions. Knowledge of intermediate level mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals, ratios and percentages. Ability to read and interpret readings, measurements and flow rates obtained through application of diagnostics, laboratory sampling and testing equipment. Ability to read and interpret various documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and related documentation. Ability to operate various office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, telephone systems, calculator. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with other employees, vendors, and the public. Ability to meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Able to work shifts. Physical requirements while performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally required to lift, move or carry objects up to 100 pounds; ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms. While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, gases, odors or airborne particles; toxic or caustic substances; excessive noise; extreme temperatures; and dampness, wetness and humidity. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to possible bodily injury from electrical shock; falling from high, exposed places; and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, and machinery. The City of Sanford is a drug free workplace.