Wastewater Plant Operator I

Wastewater Operator I

The Wastewater Operator I performs technical work in operating and maintaining small to medium wastewater facilities. Must possess a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in wastewater treatment.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Operates and maintains and makes minor repairs to a variety of types of wastewater facilities and appurtenances.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly operating reports for timely submission to regulatory agencies.
• Collects various wastewater samples for laboratory testing and analyses; reviews and interprets results; makes modifications to treatment and other processes to comply with codes, rules and regulations.
• Immediately reports unusual increases or decreases in bacteria, chemicals or physical properties to the Chief Operator or Supervisor.
• Uses a variety of field test kits to conduct tests on wastewater (chlorine residual, pH, and process control).
• Maintains and updates safety and fire prevention equipment to ensure it is functional and operational.
• Maintains facilities, structures, buildings, and grounds to ensure they are in a proper state of repair, safe and well kept.
• Checks pumps, changes oil and greases pumps as required and necessary.
• Maintains records and charts for recording wastewater and process control data and to document the operations of equipment and systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance on pumps, auxiliary engines, motors, buildings, and structures.
• Repairs minor breaks and damage to wastewater systems in order to minimize interruption of service; coordinates repair of large or time consuming breaks with other internal departments.
• Investigates and resolves complaints and problems with customers, the public and other staff members.
• Maintains, cleans, start up, shut down and run the dewatering equipment in a clean and orderly condition. Makes equipment adjustments, lubrications and minor repairs. Participates in major repairs to equipment.
• Maintains the correct application of chlorine for the properly disinfection wastewater in accordance with established guidelines.
• Ability and willingness to be on call after hours, shiftwork, holidays and weekends for work as necessary and scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Regular attendance.

Emergency Response County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).
• One (1) year of increasing responsible experience in the operation of and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Must possess a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in wastewater treatment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.

Required Application Materials: Applicants must possess and attach a valid Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License at the time of application. Applications submitted without proof of the required certification may be considered incomplete.

Special Requirements

• This position is subject to the Hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of state and federal codes, rules and regulations pertaining to the safe and continuous operation and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities.
• Laboratory procedures, field tests and sample collection techniques for wastewater.
• The use of hand and power tools, vehicles, and mowing equipment.
• Troubleshooting and correcting minor electrical and mechanical problems at wastewater facilities.
• Operating and maintaining wastewater facilities in accordance with all codes, rules and regulations, and accepted standards.
• Collecting wastewater samples and interpreting results.
• Prepare various operating and maintenance reports for regulatory agencies.
• Plan and coordinate corrections, repairs and maintenance to wastewater facilities.
• Find and correct or coordinate the correction of safety deficiencies.
• Work independently, without direct supervision, and to make good judgmental decisions.
• Interact with the public, consultants, and other staff members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process control problems and to take corrective action quickly and efficiently.
• Be on call after hours, holidays and weekends and shift work as necessary and scheduled.

Equipment Used

Mechanical hand tools, power tools, tractor mower, welding machine, laboratory equipment, and laptop or personal computer. Filter breathing masks used as safety equipment.

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to chlorine and other chemicals. Noise of operating machinery. Exposure to hazards.
• Exposure to water and blood borne pathogens. Works around open tanks and confined spaces. Unpleasant odors in and around plant.
• Exposure to gas fumes, cleaning solvents.

Physical Demands

• Climbing, crouching, use of hands, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, visual acuity, and walking.
• Heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Grade: 7

Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED. All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application. Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.