Plant Operator I (Trainee) - Water Production Plant

City of Naples; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Naples is seeking an entry-level Plant Operator to learn the operation of water production or wastewater facilities under supervision. You will monitor processes, collect samples, log data, and perform routine maintenance to ensure regulatory compliance.

As you gain experience, you will handle instrumentation, adjust chemical feeds, read meters, and prepare reports while supporting customer communications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in water utility operations is a plus but not required.
• Must possess and maintain a Florida Driver License, Class E.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class C Water license.

Responsibilities

• Operates the City’s water production or wastewater plants; monitors operations and maintains compliance.
• Monitors chemical feeds and adjusts levels; records data and logs.
• Reads meters and prepares production/well reports and logs.
• Collects samples and performs tests; calibrates lab instruments.
• Inspects equipment; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Maintains plant grounds and performs janitorial tasks as needed.
• Responds to customer complaints; communicates results and mitigates issues.
• Attends workshops and training to stay current with best practices.
• Uses PC applications to enter and review process data and reports.

Skills

Data Utilization

Human Interaction

Equipment Utilization

Verbal Aptitude

Mathematical Aptitude

Functional Reasoning

Situational Reasoning

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The purpose of this classification is to learn to perform routine technical work in operating the City’s water production or wastewater collection and treatment plants, under the direction of more experience Plant Operators.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the 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.

• Operates the City’s water production or wastewater collection and treatment plants; monitors plant operations and processes; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensures continuous and effective operation; and maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines.
• Monitors chemical feeds and distribution, flow rates, and other production, collection and treatment processes; and maintains appropriate chemical levels by adjusting system controls and/or adding, adjusting and replacing chemicals in the plant’s systems and their components.
• Reads meters, gauges and dials; records readings, chemical levels, water/wastewater properties and statistical data; and prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, well reports and operation logs.
• Collects samples; performs laboratory tests or submits samples to outside laboratory for testing; maintains records of findings and sample characteristics; calibrates test equipment; and cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Inspects plant systems, facilities and equipment; performs preventive maintenance and repair on the plant equipment, gauges, meters and related systems; repairs system components; changes filters, beds and other parts; oils and adjusts power driven pumps; checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.
• Maintains plant grounds and facilities; performs general janitorial and repair work; mops, sweeps, paints, waters plants, etc.
• Receives and responds to customer complaints; consults with customer regarding nature of complaint; takes samples at residence; tests samples; and contacts customer with results; makes recommendations to mitigate or improve water condition.
• Maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, HTE, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

1. Data Utilization:Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
2. Human Interaction:Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well established policies, procedures and standards.
3. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.
4. Verbal Aptitude:Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
5. Mathematical Aptitude:Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
6. Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out detailed but routine written or oral instructions. Involves routine work according to clearly prescribed standard practices, with some latitude for independent judgment.
7. Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations covered by well established procedures or sequences.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED
• Supplemented by one (1) year of experience in water utility operations or maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License, "Class E", with a driving record that meets or exceeds minimum City standards.
• Must obtain and maintain the following license depending on area of assignment: Class C Water.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The City of Naples is a Tobacco-Free Workplace. Applicants for the City of Naples must not have been a user of tobacco products for at least six (6) months immediately preceding an application for employment; and, if hired, must maintain non-use of tobacco products for the duration of employment with the City of Naples. Tobacco is defined as any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, nicotine dispensing device, other types of smoking product, smokeless tobacco including dip, chew or snuff.

ADA COMPLIANCE:

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate odors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depths. Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.

Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dust, odors, wetness, noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, disease, and/or toxic/poisonous agents.