Wastewater Operator Trainee

Wastewater Operator

This position can be filled as a Wastewater Operator Trainee, C, B, or A. Pay will be commensurate with the level of license held. Wastewater Operator Trainee - Salary Range $21.42 to $34.38/Hourly DOQ Wastewater Operator C - Salary Range $24.69 to $40.47/Hourly DOQ Wastewater Operator B - Salary Range $25.74 to $42.23/Hourly DOQ Wastewater Operator A - Salary Range $26.83 to $44.06/Hourly DOQ Under the general supervision of a Water Reclamation Plant Supervisor or Operations Supervisor, performs entry level work in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation facility. Work is performed under the guidance of a licensed operator; however, a supervisor provides instructions and direction as well as oral and written procedures to be followed to identify the standards that are to be maintained. Work is reviewed periodically during the training period.

Examples of Duties

• Trains in the monitoring and maintenance of the proper surveillance of all wastewater plant processes, equipment, and controls to ensure efficient operation of the plant and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Participates in on-the-job training involving practical "hands-on" experience with facility operations under the guidance of a licensed operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations, and maintenance procedures.
• Trains in learning to adjust equipment to regulate flow rates or modify treatment process in accordance with need determined by observations and test. Collects and analyzes wastewater samples at various stages of the treatment process, report results, or delivers samples to the laboratory.
• Assists certified operators in all work and duties required in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Monitors telemetry system and responds to situations as necessary based upon independent judgment and initiative. Ability to perform data entry tasks on a computer.
• Starts and stops machinery and pumps, regulates valves, observes gauges, and meters; add chemicals according to prescribed standards. Notifies supervision both verbally and in the operations logs of any unusual occurrence, non-compliance situations, processes upsets, or mechanical failures.
• Assists in or performs limited maintenance and minor repairs to plant equipment including the lubrication of motors and pumps.
• Performs housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting, and light building maintenance; performs grounds maintenance activities.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or G.E.D. (Proof must be uploaded with application)

• Wastewater Operator Trainee Qualifications: High School diploma or GED. One year general work experience related to the operation of electro-mechanical equipment in production type industry. Must order approved training course required to sit for the State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Treatment certification exam within three (3) months of hire date. Preference will be given to any applicant that has already started or completed the pre-requisite course stated above, or has sat and passed the State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Treatment certification exam. Must provide monthly reports to Water Reclamation Supervision to demonstrate progress of the training course. Must successfully complete the training course within nine (9) months of hire date. Must sit for the first scheduled State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Treatment certification exam after completing the training course. As a condition of continued employment, must obtain a State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater license within twenty-four (24) months of hire or by third (3rd) examination attempt. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida Driver's License within 10 days of employment. Must successfully pass a mathematics proficiency exam prior to interview.
• Wastewater Operator C Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater license. Minimum of one year experience at the full performance level in a water reclamation facility. Applicants who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment.
• Wastewater Operator B Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Class "B" Wastewater license. Two years minimum experience at the full performance level in a water reclamation facility. Applicants who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment.
• Wastewater Operator A Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Class "A" Wastewater license. Four years minimum experience at the full performance level in a water reclamation facility. Must possess a current State of Florida Class "A" Wastewater license. Applicants who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors and the public.
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and biology.
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals.
• Ability to readily learn the operation of tools and equipment.

• Ability to learn complex tasks and remember how to complete tasks without assistance once trained.
• Use of senses which include sight, smell, hearing and touch as aids in the evaluation and troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment.
• Ability to see and read prints, letters, numbers, words, characters or symbols which are both large and small.
• Ability to use small hand tools which require the use of hands, wrists and fingers. Dexterity and fine motor skills required.
• Ability to walk or sit for periods up to one (1) hour.
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull items which weigh up to 50 pounds and are considered awkward to grasp or hold on to over uneven terrain, up/down stairs or ladders.
• Ability to move back and forth and sideways while in a bending, kneeling or squatting position; go from a standing or sitting position to a bending, kneeling or squatting position or vice-versa.
• Ability and willingness to operate sludge handling facilities, including tandem truck/trailer equipment on plant-site.
• Ability and willingness to work in undesirable conditions including exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, odors, noise, wetness, humidity, hazardous chemicals, and materials, heat and cold; enter and work in confined spaces as necessary when provided adequate safety devices.
• Ability to access and operate motor vehicles (i.e., tractor/trailers, pick-up trucks, vans, etc...) at night and during inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing; correctly identify colors and hues, tints, and shades of colors by sight.
• Ability and willingness to work on any shift at either facility for training purposes.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays and declared emergencies as required.
• Ability to climb ladders 35 feet high.