Treatment Plant Operator - Wastewater

Broward County, Florida; Pompano Beach (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners seeks a Treatment Plant Operator (Wastewater) to oversee wastewater treatment processes, run pumps and equipment, collect samples and adjust chemicals under supervision, and help maintain plant efficiency.

Qualified candidates will have basic experience with wastewater operations or completed pre-apprenticeship in Water or Wastewater Operations, and must obtain a Class C Water or Wastewater Plant Operator license within two years of hire.

Qualifications

• Requires six months experience in operation or maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical equipment similar to that used in treatment plant operations or completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship program in Water or Wastewater Operations.
• Must obtain Class C Water or Wastewater Plant Operator license within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment related to wastewater treatment plant processes, including aeration tanks, clarifiers, belt filter press, digesters and related equipment under supervision.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater equipment and collect samples for testing.
• Monitor chemical usage and adjust processes to meet state and county regulations.
• Record daily readings and verify plant performance, documenting outputs and incidents.
• Respond to alarms and assist maintenance crews as needed.

Skills

Wastewater operations knowledge

Water operations knowledge

Plant operation experience

Education

Vocational/Technical School Certification in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental science, Water or Wastewater Treatment, or a closely related field

Associates Degree OR higher in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental science, Water or Wastewater Treatment, or a closely related field

Tools

Plant equipment operation

Job description

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Treatment Plant Operator - Water & Wastewater Services Division.

Please Note: This announcement will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time.

The Treatment Plant Operator (Wastewater) is responsible for the following, including but not limited to: operating equipment related to wastewater treatment plant processes, including aeration tanks, clarifiers, belt filter press, sludge flotation units and digesters under close supervision, and checking equipment to see that it is operating properly; performing minor repairs and adjustments to equipment as needed, and assisting Plant Maintenance Crew on maintenance projects; performing a variety of cleaning tasks in areas or structures, such as chemical rooms, chemical feed equipment, various wastewater treatment units, pumping stations, electrical rooms, secondary containment areas, head house bar screens, and general grounds keeping; having knowledge of the general operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of mechanical and electrical equipment similar to the types utilized in waste treatment plants; understanding and following specified operating and recording procedures; analyzing and troubleshooting various issues; performing basic mathematical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and/or division; learning/performing a variety of work activities associated with the operation and maintenance of a variety of pumps, valves, filters, and related equipment associated with wastewater treatment systems.

General Description

Performs skilled operational and regulatory work in the testing and treatment of City water in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires six (6) months experience in operation or maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical equipment similar to that utilized in treatment plant operations OR completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship program in either Water Operations or Wastewater Operations through Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Must obtain the Class C Water or Wastewater Plant Operator License within two (2) years of hire

Special Certifications and Licences

• Vocational/Technical School Certification in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental science, Water or Wastewater Treatment, or a closely related field.
• Associates Degree OR higher in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental science, Water or Wastewater Treatment, or a closely related field.
• Possession of "C" Florida State Operator license in Wastewater
• Possession of a "C", "B" or "A" Florida State Operator license in Water.
• Possession of "C", "B" or "A" Collection certification in Wastewater.

SCOPE OF WORK

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.

Understands, implements, maintains and assists the processing of millions of gallons of wastewater entering the plant and following various biological, mechanical and chemical processes to return treated waters meeting state and federal safety standards back into the environment.

Performs routine to complex maintenance and repair duties of water equipment and facilities; collects water samples for testing; performs and records chemical adjustments and laboratory sampling and testing; ascertains treatment performance and quality; monitors and sets chlorine machinery to obtain proper chemical usage readings; operates and maintains pump stations; records daily pump readings, records flows, time of flows, pressures, and chemical usage.

Performs clerical duties, data entry, process control, calculations and runs quantitative and qualitative analysis and interprets data for performance evaluation.

Runs vacuum building system; collects samples from off sight station; receives chemical deliveries on and off sight; maintains and monitors backwash filter.

Checks plant equipment and troubleshoots plant problems; diagnoses, troubleshoots and writes work orders when a malfunction has been discovered; performs frequent rounds checking the status of water and wastewater treatment units, tanks and machines; performs a variety of routine cleaning activities in order to ensure the safety and cleanliness of facility/treatment plant; proper start up and shut down of different tanks and pumps according to conditions and supervisor directives; resets plant to proper operating conditions caused by storms and power outages.

Computes a variety of work orders to document treatment plant activity, request maintenance, repairs, and compile statistics for periodic reports.

Monitors treatment plant operations to ensure compliance with State and County regulations standards and verifies process is operating efficiently and effectively; checks on storage and inventory of chemicals.

Performs related work as assigned.

Competencies

• Manages Complexity Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Quickly determines the most critical data and focuses analysis there; recognizes even subtle symptoms that indicate problems; probes deeply for root causes; uses systematic problem-solving methods. Well.
• Decision Quality Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.
• Plans and Aligns Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. Outlines clear plans that put actions in a logical sequence; conveys some time frames. Aligns own work with relevant workgroups. Takes some steps to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the work.
• Optimizes Work Processes Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pursues, explores, and develops ways to ensure own work is as effective as possible within all relevant processes. Shares an analysis of process problems with stakeholders; discusses how to resolve the issue.
• Ensures Accountability Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.
• Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.
• Situational Adaptability Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Finds out which situations call for flexibility and responds accordingly; seeks and listens to others' input and feedback on how to adapt approach to changing situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to toxic/caustic chemicals.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

County Core Values

All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Copyright 2025 Korn Ferry. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email [e-mail] to make an accommodation request.

County-wide Emergency Responsibilities

Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

County-wide Employee Responsibilities

All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.