Chief Utilities Treatment Plant Operator #2026-027

Chief Utilities Treatment Plant Operator

The Chief Utilities Treatment Plant Operator provides first-line supervision and operational leadership for an assigned shift at a water treatment or water reuse facility. Reporting to the Utilities Treatment Plant Operations Manager, this role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations while supervising staff and supporting administrative, technical, and emergency response functions. The position is classified as Essential, requiring flexibility to work varying shifts, respond to emergencies, and work overtime as needed.

Supervise and participate in the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water and/or water reuse treatment facilities.

Lead, train, assign, and evaluate the work of assigned staff; conduct performance evaluations and assist with hiring and staff development.

Monitor plant processes and equipment, identify operational irregularities, and implement corrective actions to maintain treatment quality and regulatory compliance.

Ensure compliance with all applicable City ordinances and Federal, State, and County regulations governing water and reuse treatment operations.

Review operational logs, laboratory results, maintenance records, and reports to assess performance, efficiency, and compliance; prepare required internal and external reports.

Coordinate and oversee scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and construction activities while maintaining permit-compliant operations.

Assist in developing operational procedures, emergency response protocols, and training materials; revise and implement updates as needed.

Assist the Operations Manager with administrative functions, including budgeting, purchasing, procurement documentation, and inventory management for chemicals, equipment, and supplies.

Collaborate with engineering and other departments on planning and implementation of capital and maintenance projects, including reviewing bids, specifications, and engineering drawings.

Ensure plant machinery, equipment, and facilities are properly maintained; initiate and track work orders for repairs and adjustments.

Conduct monthly safety meetings and enforce compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures.

Respond to and investigate customer inquiries and complaints; provide plant tours to individuals or groups as requested.

Utilize SCADA systems, MS Office applications, and other plant software to prepare detailed technical and operational documentation.

Safely work around high-voltage systems, rotating equipment, and hazardous chemicals.

Respond to emergency situations, including severe weather events, power outages, and chemical or environmental incidents, which may require extended or nonstandard work hours.

Perform related duties as required to support plant operations and departmental objectives.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. College coursework or a degree in water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, or water reuse treatment operations preferred. Prior supervisory or lead operator experience required. Experience with treatment plant operations, pumping systems, mechanical maintenance, and process control. Experience interpreting regulatory requirements, permits, and compliance documentation. Experience working in environments with mechanical, chemical, and safety hazards.

License/Certifications: State of Florida Class A Operator's License in water or wastewater treatment (based on assignment), or State of Florida Class B Operator's License with the ability to obtain a Class A license within one (1) year of appointment. Dual water and wastewater licenses preferred. Valid State of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record required. Ability to obtain and maintain additional licenses or certifications as required.

Key Competencies: Knowledge of water, wastewater, or reuse treatment principles, processes, equipment, and best practices, including applicable Federal, State, County, and FDEP regulations. Understanding of occupational hazards, safety practices, standard operating procedures, and mechanical maintenance associated with treatment operations. Working knowledge of chemistry, biology, laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and operational reporting requirements. Ability to troubleshoot process and equipment issues, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and prepare technical and regulatory reports. Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with SCADA and maintenance management systems preferred. Testing will be conducted on MS Office products.

Physical Requirements: Ability to work indoors and outdoors; stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to work safely around hazardous chemicals, machinery, high-voltage equipment, and elevated noise levels; must be able to distinguish colors and wear required PPE. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain physical stamina for prolonged, extended, or emergency work periods.

Testing will be conducted on MS Office products.