SWWRF Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee through Operator III

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government seeks operators to run water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities in Bradenton, FL. The position involves learning under senior operators, working with PPE, and shifts of 12 hours on a 2-on/2-off schedule (7:30am-7:30pm or 7:30pm-7:30am).

Starting hourly range is $18.40–$23.00; DOQ. Employment screenings will be performed in compliance with federal and Florida laws.

Qualifications

• On-the-job training with practical plant operations under supervision.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical procedures and manuals.
• Basic lab-related tasks and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Participate in on-the-job training involving practical plant operations.
• Regulate flow of chemicals according to prescribed instructions.
• Operate water filtration equipment and maintain proper water levels.
• Record laboratory results and monitor QA/QC procedures.
• Perform routine custodial and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean plant environment.

Job description

Work Location:5101 65th St. W. Bradenton, Fl. 34210 or as assigned

Work Hours: 12-hour shifts. 2 days on 2 days off, 7:30am-7:30pm or 7:30pm-7:30am.

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $18.40 - $23.00

This classification performs work in the operation of Manatee County Water and/or Wastewater (W/WW) Treatment Plants, equipment and facilities. Level of duties and responsibilities determined based on Qualifications. Duties involve learning and training under higher level employees to improve skill set.

Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions, with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions, around industrial equipment, and in both indoor and outdoor environments. Facility operates 24 hours per day on a non-rotating schedule consisting of two 12-hour shifts.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

All levels

Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, "hands-on" experience with plant operations under the close supervision of a shift supervisor, lead operator or chief operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations and maintenance procedures; attends training courses and engages in independent study of water/wastewater plant operations.

Regulates the proper flow of alum, lime, bleach, etc., according to prescribed instruction.

Transfers chemicals from storage to feeder hopper.

Operates water filters; maintains proper water levels; washes filters when necessary; maintains proper water in tank and covered storage reservoir by operating pumps and opening and closing valves (only as directed by immediate supervisor.)

Collect water, wastewater, and process samples in accordance with established procedures. Perform routine laboratory analyses to monitor treatment processes and ensure regulatory compliance.

Accurately record, interpret, and report laboratory results. Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, and testing supplies to ensure accurate and reliable results. Follow all applicable quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and safety protocols.

Brings any mechanical defects to the attention of the plant supervisor; assist with routine facility maintenance to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.

Takes and records rain gauge readings.

Participate in receiving and unloading treatment chemicals, verifying deliveries, and maintaining accurate chemical inventory. Transfer chemicals from storage to day tanks/feeder hoppers.

Perform general custodial and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized plant environment.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Tech I

Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, "hands-on" experience with plant operations under the close supervision of a shift supervisor or chief operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations, and maintenance procedures.

Starts and stops machinery and pumps, regulates valves and observes dials; adds chemicals according to prescribed standards; operates, oils, and adjusts machinery.

Performs limited maintenance and assists in minor repairs to pumps and other equipment; takes and tests various samples periodically and reports same; maintains simple records.

Performs cleanup work on equipment; and may clean plant interior and maintain grounds as required.

Tech II

Operates a water and/or wastewater treatment plant or plants and related facilities; makes operating process changes based upon routine tests and gauge and meter readings; operates water and/or wastewater treatment units such as primary, secondary with chlorination, digester, and sludge disposal.

Makes log entries, changes charts and recording sheets, inspects motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication, takes temperature of sludge and effluent at various stages, uses meter and gauge readings to determine performance of equipment, performs preventive maintenance and limited repairs.

Collects samples of sewage and effluent at various stages of processing and runs routine tests.

Operates and inspects water and/or wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and related facilities, starts and stops pumps, regulates valves, and observes flow dials. Reads gauges and records information shown.

Diagnoses and corrects mechanical and electrical problems, performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs, contacts maintenance personnel for major repairs, may assist in disassembling, repairing and reassembling pumps, and equipment as required, maintains, and calibrates meters and testing equipment.

Draws samples of water for test and analysis, checks and adjusts chemical feeders in accordance with the prescribed standards, wash filters periodically.

Conducts visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds, may perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting, and light building maintenance.

Prepares reports and maintains records.

Tech III

Directs and participates in the work of shift assistants involved in the operation and minor maintenance of the plant, trains and provides technical assistance to shift assistants.

Makes changes in plant operations to conform with quality control standards, records plant operating data and reports serious deviations from normal operations to the Chief Operator, gives tours of the plant, enforces safety regulations.

Operates a water and/or wastewater treatment plant or plants and related facilities; makes operating process changes based upon routine tests and gauge and meter readings; operates water and/or wastewater treatment units such as primary, secondary with chlorination, digester, and sludge disposal.

Makes log entries, changes charts and recording sheets, inspects motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication, takes temperature of sludge and effluent at various stages, uses meter and gauge readings to determine performance of equipment, performs preventive maintenance and limited repairs.

Collects samples of sewage and effluent at various stages of processing and runs routine tests.

Operates and inspects water and/or wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and related facilities, starts and stops pumps, regulates valves, and observes flow dials. Reads gauges and records information shown.

Diagnoses and corrects mechanical and electrical problems, performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs, contacts maintenance personnel for major repairs, may assist in disassembling, repairing and reassembling pumps, and equipment as required, maintains and calibrates metes and testing equipment.

Draws samples of water for test and analysis, checks and adjusts chemical feeders in accordance with the prescribed standards, wash filters periodically.

Conducts visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds, may perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting and light building maintenance.

Prepares reports and maintains records.

Trainee

Must secure an FDEP Class "C" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years of employment.

Tech I

Possession of a current FDEP "C" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License prior to appointment.

General work experience related to the operation of mechanical/electrical equipment supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects.

Tech II

Possession of a current FDEP "B" Water and/or Wastewater Operator