Plant Operator Trainee - Wastewater

Collier County; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Collier County in Florida is seeking an entry-level Plant Operator Trainee to learn the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities under licensed operators. This structured training position aims to develop the knowledge and skills to become a fully qualified operator. The role includes monitoring processes, sampling, safety, and routine maintenance, with opportunities for advancement as you gain certification and experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Six (6) months of related experience preferred.
• Fingerprinting required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation, monitoring, maintenance of water/wastewater facilities under supervision.
• Learn and perform routine plant operations and monitor processes.
• Assist with chemical storage, feed, and treatment adjustments.
• Collect samples and perform routine tests; record results.
• Maintain operational records and assist in regulatory reporting.
• Support preventive maintenance and general facility upkeep.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

Performs entry-Level training and operational work involving the operation, monitoring, maintenance, sampling, and general upkeep of water and wastewater treatment plant facilities, systems, equipment, and processes under the close supervision and direction of Licensed water and wastewater treatment plant operators and supervisory personnel. This classification is intended to serve as a structured training position for individuals developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a fully qualified Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and general upkeep of assigned water or wastewater treatment facilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and Local regulations, permit requirements, operating procedures, and safety standards.
• Learns and performs routine plant operations under the direction of Licensed operators, including monitoring treatment processes and equipment through computerized controls, SCADA systems, instrumentation, gauges, meters, visual inspections, and routine operational checks. Learns to operate pumps, motors, valves, blowers, chemical feed systems, filtration systems, membrane systems, clarifiers, aeration systems, solids-handling systems, disinfection systems, Lift stations, and other treatment equipment applicable to the assigned facility.
• Assists in monitoring and adjusting treatment processes to maintain proper plant operation, treatment efficiency, water or effluent quality, and regulatory compliance. Performs routine operational adjustments as knowledge, training, and competency are demonstrated and as authorized by appropriately Licensed operators.
• Assists with monitoring chemical storage, feed, transfer, and treatment systems; prepares or transfers chemicals as required; monitors chemical Levels and feed rates; and assists with adjustments to chemical treatment and disinfection processes in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
• Assists with operation and monitoring of treatment processes applicable to the assigned facility. Water treatment processes may include source water, wells, pumping, chemical treatment, filtration, membrane and reverse osmosis systems, disinfection, storage, distribution-related systems, concentrate management, deep well injection, degasification, and odor control. Wastewater treatment processes may include biological treatment, aeration, clarification, filtration, disinfection, sludge and solids handling, chemical treatment, effluent and reclaimed-water systems, Lift stations, ponds, and odor control.
• Collects water or wastewater samples and performs routine laboratory and process-control testing under the direction of appropriately licensed operators. Prepares samples for analysis; performs applicable chemical, physical, and process-control tests; conducts routine quality-control testing; and records test results in required logs, charts, worksheets, and computerized systems.
• Monitors gauges, meters, instrumentation, alarms, charts, SCADA information, equipment conditions, treatment-process conditions, and laboratory results to identify abnormal operating conditions, equipment failures, leaks, treatment concerns, or other potential problems. Reports significant conditions to the appropriate licensed operator or supervisor.
• Maintains accurate operational records, including meter and gauge readings, laboratory and process-control results, chemical usage, equipment operating information, maintenance activities, process adjustments, and other required data. Assists with preparation and maintenance of documentation required for operational and regulatory reporting.
• Assists with preventive maintenance and routine equipment inspections necessary to maintain treatment systems in safe and operable condition. Performs minor maintenance and general cleaning activities, which may include equipment inspection, calibration, cleaning or replacing filters and related treatment components, minor repairs, replacing parts, washing equipment, cleaning work areas, and reporting faulty equipment or conditions requiring additional maintenance.
• Performs building, grounds, and general facility-maintenance activities in support of plant operations, including cleaning work areas, loading and unloading materials, moving supplies and equipment, maintaining plant security, and performing other routine manual tasks necessary to maintain safe and orderly facilities.
• Operates or assists in operating machinery, equipment, instruments, and tools associated with water or wastewater treatment operations, which may include motor vehicles, pumps, motors, valves, generators, chemical feed equipment, filtration and membrane equipment, chlorination and disinfection equipment, solids-handling equipment, telemetry and SCADA systems, laboratory and testing instruments, material-handling equipment, safety equipment, and hand and power tools, as authorized and appropriately trained.
• Monitors inventory levels of chemicals, treatment materials, equipment, tools, safety supplies, and other operational materials; assists in identifying replacement or replenishment needs; receives materials and chemical deliveries as assigned; and assists with periodic inventory counts.
• Follows established safety procedures and properly uses required personal protective equipment. Learns and follows requirements related to chemical handling, hazardous materials, confined spaces, equipment operation, respiratory protection, exposure prevention, spill response, and other hazards associated with water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Responds to alarms, treatment process upsets, equipment failures, spills, weather events, power interruptions, and other abnormal or emergency conditions under the direction of appropriately licensed personnel. Assists with containment, operational response, equipment adjustments, and restoration of normal operations as directed.
• Recognizes when an operating condition, process adjustment, equipment problem, regulatory concern, or emergency exceeds the Plant Operator Trainee's training, authority, or technical scope and promptly seeks assistance from a senior operator, the Plant Manager, supervisory personnel, maintenance personnel, engineering staff, or other specialized personnel.

Additional Functions

• Performs other related duties as required.

Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the County's Administrative Office will make the determination as to who will be required to work.

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.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibility for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (10-50 pounds). Some tasks will require respiratory protection at a Water Treatment Facility.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depth and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, fumes, hazardous materials, confined spaces, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, water hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, or animal/wildlife attacks.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a county vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.
• Must obtain and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Class C Drinking Water Treatment Operator License or Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator License, as applicable to the assigned facility, within two (2) years of hire.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED* required.
• Six (6) months of related experience preferred.
• Fingerprinting required.

General Educational Development (GEDs) must be issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator. For Florida the approved GED Administrator would be the Florida Department of Education (public schools or adult education centers)

Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.

Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.

This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.