Utilities Plant Operator - Trainee (Various Locations)

Job Overview

Utilities Plant Operator performs certified and skilled work or directs and oversees the performance of certified and skilled work in the operation of Advanced Water Reclamation, Potable Water supply, distribution systems, and solids management to provide high-quality treatment of water and wastewater in compliance with Florida Administrative Codes and local rules and regulations.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has finished or is working towards the educational requirements to obtain a Class C Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator’s License. The candidate would have some prior experience in a position with duties and responsibilities that would support skill sets that are complementary to the duties of a Utilities Plant Operator. The ideal candidate would also have good analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to make sound and logical corrective actions. Some chemistry background would be advantageous. The candidate should be able to communicate effectively with others via written, oral, email, and other methods, as well as maintain detailed records and logs of duties and logistical data. Candidates should be able to safely and comfortably work with various industrial and laboratory chemicals. Candidates must be able and willing to respond to emergency situations to provide for public health and safety. Candidates will be required to work independently, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays as well as cover overtime as needed. Candidates should have computer skills with standard software such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. Incumbents hired at the “trainee” skill level will serve a minimum of one-year probationary period.

Salary

Hiring Range (annual) $37,752.00 – $56,056.00

*Internal rates may vary based on the selected candidate’s current grade.

Benefits

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• Generous PTO & Holiday Plan
• Health Plans
• Health Savings Account
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Cafeteria Benefit
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goal.

Job Distinctions

This tier serves as a trainee level. Successful completion of the training program requires obtaining a Water or Wastewater Plant Operator “C” Certificate of License.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Responds to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural and/or unnatural crisis to provide for public health and safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and evaluates water/wastewater operational data, and develop logical conclusions for operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly.
• Oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administrative Code, and prescribed standards.
• Notifies manager and/or other appropriate staff of needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
• Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains all department equipment, vehicles, and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to information requests in conformance with department procedures.
• Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results, and makes routine process changes following established guidelines.
• May function as a lead worker when working with new operators or trainees.
• Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints to include determination of water quality issues and resolution, provides requested information within established guidelines and capabilities or redirects call to appropriate person to ensure good customer relations.
• Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive, and flammable materials.
• May direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with the training of personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more water/wastewater treatment facilities which includes reclaimed water systems according to local, state, and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
• Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems. Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinates with Reclaimed Water staff to ensure uninterrupted service to all reclaimed water customers.
• Performs related work as directed.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of operating principles and practices applicable to advanced treatment facilities and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication, and analytical skills are required.
• Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of water/wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of all regulations governing water/wastewater treatment and operator responsibility.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations, and maintenance records and reports.
• Ability to understand and interpret, utilize, and adjust automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Physical Requirements

• The work is performed in an environment where various types of chemicals are used
• Required to work in outside in all types of weather.
• Required to work in confined spaces while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Required to lift to 50 lbs. and climb up to 35 Feet.

Work Category

• Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

NOTE:

Incumbents hired as “Trainees” will serve a one-year probationary period. They are required to complete all educational requirements to acquire a valid State of Florida Water or Wastewater Plant Operator "C" Certificate of License within one year of position assignment and obtain the license within eighteen (18) months.

Upon completion of training, to include obtaining a valid State of Florida Water or Wastewater Plant Operator "C" Certificate of License, incumbents will be promoted to Plant Operator Tier 2. The training period may be extended by the Agency to which the position is assigned.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Career Progression

Employees in this broadband classification that acquire the competencies and minimum qualifications for the next tier will automatically advance to the new tier upon submission of appropriate documentation of qualifications. Additionally, employees in tier 1 trainee positions will be required to complete their initial probationary period successfully in order to advance to the next tier.