Chief Wastewater Plant Operator

Chief Plant Operator

The position of Chief Plant Operator is a working supervisory position capable of performing the work of both the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator C and the Water Plant Operator C, as described in each of the individual job descriptions. This position is responsible skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the water treatment facilities treatment plant. The employee is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in solving routine maintenance and operating problems and serves as an Operator. Work hours are flexible to accommodate the number of operators and government guidelines; employees regularly work on-call shifts for emergency coverage. This is an emergency essential classification; upon declaration of a disaster/emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work and may temporarily be assigned to work outside the normal scope of their position/location/work schedule to fit the needs of the City and its citizens.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists with operations which include, but not limited to, functions and services related to Administrative, Water and Wastewater Treatment Services, and Regulatory Environmental and Technical Support Services to assure effective planning, management, and sound fiscal practices.
• Assists in developing, implementing, reviewing, and monitoring project plans and goals to meet strategic initiatives and achieve objectives, establishing scope and priority of projects to determine resource requirements, program goals and deliverables, developing programs and policies to support present and future needs.
• Provides guidance with developing and monitoring long and short-range goals and objectives to assist in managing performance and productivity, directing the continuous improvement of work products and processes to assist in assuring the overall integrity, support, effectiveness, and functionality of products and services.
• Assists in developing, evaluating, and managing assigned budgets to maintain timely and accurate financial and resource information.
• Participates in processes regarding long-range plans, capital improvement plans, water rights acquisitions, and environmental, regulatory, and security matters affecting utility operations to provide appropriate and timely information, direction, and guidance.
• Operation of water and wastewater treatment plants and sludge handling facility.
• Participates in the control of flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
• Inspects water and wastewater plant equipment and machinery to determine proper operation.
• Takes laboratory samples at various stages of treatment, performs routine laboratory and bacteriological analysis to determine effectiveness of treatment procedures and records results.
• Monitors, interprets, and documents readings from various gauges, meters, and control panels.
• Adjusts and operates gates, valves, and other mechanical equipment required in processing to provide effective treatment.
• Inspects and adjusts treatment plant equipment, such as chlorinators, digesters, sludge collectors, filters, chemical feeders, conveyor systems, screens, and other related equipment.
• Inspects records, charts, and meters then adjust controls, based on recorded information, in conformance with operating instructions.
• Operates sludge processing equipment and belt presses.
• Reads and records data registered on telemetry gauges involving pressure, supply, and distribution.
• Ensures that buildings, equipment, and grounds are maintained in a clean and safe manner.
• Required repair of equipment and facilities.
• Assist with operating reports.
• Reports malfunction of equipment to Chief Operator/Utilities Director.
• May oversee work of trainee.
• Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control flow of raw sewage through filtering, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion process.
• Collects and analyzes samples for operation.
• Assists in evaluating staff performance and also recommends and implements corrective actions as necessary.
• Serves as a backup representative with various groups, Boards, Committees, City Commission, and the City's management team to ensure effective and professional representation of the department.
• Maintains plant records regarding treatment operations during assigned shift
• Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
• Works on-call shift for emergency coverage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the functions, service requirements, and operations of all machinery and equipment associated with water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Thorough knowledge of chemistry to include the processes involved in wastewater treatment for reclamation and reuse purposes.
• Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment to detect flaws and defects in operation.
• Ability to read and interpret diagnostic and reporting media and maintain records documenting compliance with established State, County and environmental regulations/codes.
• Ability to supervise and train entry and technical staff in the principles, practices, and regulatory standards of the work.
• Ability to analyze and interpret equipment readings and to make appropriate operating changes.

Typical Qualifications

• Education/Experience
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution, required.
• Five (5) or more years progressively responsible experience in water/wastewater treatment operations, highly preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses
• Valid Florida driver's license, required.
• State of Florida Class "B" Wastewater Operator's License, required.
• State of Florida Class "C" Water Operators License, highly preferred.

Supplemental Information

Work is performed under the direction of the Utilities Director and Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Work is reviewed by observation of the plant facilities and through reports. A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with American Disabilities Act. The City of Dade City is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. Under Section 295.07,F.S., Chapter SSA-7 the City of Dade City provides to Veterans, that first preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving a combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). Some tasks are performed in a shop environment, where heightened awareness to surroundings and observance of established safety precautions is essential in avoidance of injury or accidents. Some tasks are performed in an environment with potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements, e.g., heat, humidity, toxic agents. Essential functions are performed inside and outside with exposure to various weather conditions. Regular exposure to legs, feet, or hands in water (sometimes-contaminated water) odors, poor lighting and ventilation and uneven surfaces.

EEO Statement

The City of Dade City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.