Lead Plant Operator

Position Overview

This position involves administrative, leadership, and technical responsibilities in the operation and mechanical maintenance of Water or Wastewater Treatment Plants and their related systems. The Lead Operator will support the Utility Field Operations Manager in overseeing daily operations, assisting with staff management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This role includes rotating shifts, scheduled and unscheduled overtime, and potential emergency response duties.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance

• Perform lead functions in the operation and maintenance of Water or Wastewater Treatment Plants and related re-pump stations.
• Monitor routine daily activities of shift operators and assist with scheduling work assignments.
• Inspect plant installations, identify operational or mechanical malfunctions, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee the maintenance of records and ensure accurate data entry.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Assist with personnel-related decisions, such as discipline, performance evaluations, hiring, and employee interviews.
• Provide training and guidance to staff in plant-related procedures and methods.
• Oversee special projects assigned to shift operators and staff at each facility.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure plant operations comply with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare surveys and analytical reports on plant operations, suggesting improvements to procedures and methods.
• Report inefficiencies and make recommendations for operational improvements to the Chief Operator.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain chemical inventory and requisition supplies and equipment.
• Perform administrative duties as required by the Water or Wastewater Plants.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Be available for emergency response as required, including being on-call to initiate action when needed.

Physical Requirements: Constant walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, or crawling, heavy lifting and carrying (50+ lbs.), and occasionally lifting of up to 100 pounds. Reaching above the shoulders and working overhead on ladders and platforms. Must have sufficient physical strength and agility to perform light manual labor. Ability to drive to various County locations.

Environmental Conditions and Work Hazards: Outdoor work in adverse and extreme weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain, lightning, etc.). Exposure to dust, excessive noise, and potentially dangerous areas within related facilities and sites. Frequent walking and standing, usually on uneven paved or unpaved surfaces. General occupational hazards of being around facilities and equipment related to water and wastewater systems on a daily basis. Frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather conditions. Exposure to risk of electrical shock. Uniform, eye/ear protection, safety glasses and vest, steel-toe boots/shoes, rain gear, and other PPE, as required.

Supplemental Information:

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 that are a logical assignment to the position.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA Statement:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO Statement:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; AA or AS degree in a related field preferred.
• Four (4) years of experience in Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant operations and administration, or a combination of training and experience.
• Valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record.
• Current Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's "C" license issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection required; "A", "B", or "Dual" license preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered to meet the qualifications.

Additional Information

Pay Grade T13 This is a union position. Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.