Utilities Plant Operator Trainee

Charlotte County BCC; Port Charlotte (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an entry-level operator to assist in the operation and inspection of water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role involves monitoring equipment, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The successful candidate will engage in various tasks, including laboratory analysis, machinery operation, and customer service. Join a team dedicated to maintaining essential water services while developing your skills in a supportive environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to community health and safety through effective water management.

Qualifications

• Must obtain Florida Drinking Water Operator 'C' or Wastewater Operator 'C' License within 2 years.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment and machinery operation principles.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water treatment plant equipment and systems.
• Performs routine laboratory analysis and records results.
• Provides exceptional customer assistance and problem resolution.

Skills

Effective communication

Basic mathematical calculations

Customer assistance

Problem-solving

Prioritizing and organizing work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
Performs entry-level work assisting in the operation and inspection of a water treatment plant, booster station, or wastewater treatment plant on a reoccurring or rotating shift. Work requires the exercise of limited judgment in making minor operating adjustments to machinery, equipment, and related apparatus in accordance with established operating procedures and standards. Operates, monitors, and inspects equipment, dials, meters, pumps, and valves for proper process control. Work is conducted under relatively close supervision by a direct supervisor or designee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates and maintains water treatment plant/booster station/wastewater treatment plant, performing all duties in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal policies, procedures, safety rules, laws, regulations, and water quality standards.
• Starts, stops, and operates machinery equipment and systems necessary for the proper functioning of the plant; inspects, adjusts, and performs minor repairs and cleaning of treatment plant equipment; reports malfunctions of equipment to supervisor; may assist mechanics in major repairs and installation of equipment.
• Performs routine laboratory and bacteriological analysis to determine effectiveness of the treatment process and records results.
• Inspects, monitors, reads, and interprets recording charts, dials, and meters to determine flow and feed rates, and electrical current flow; performs routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions to ensure that the purifying process is functioning properly.
• Operates and cleans pumps, hoses, and strainers; removes solids from bar screens; oils, greases, rags, and cleans machinery and any other plant appurtenance as required.
• Prepares routine reports and maintains records and daily logs.
• Performs various grounds maintenance duties.
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent:
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Program only accepts General Educational Development (GED) issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Depending on area of assignment, must obtain and maintain a valid Florida Drinking Water Operator “C” or Wastewater Operator "C" License for Domestic Wastewater Treatment within two (2) years of employment.
  • Must be prepared to sit for the exam at first offering upon the completion of the required coursework.
  • Upon successful completion of the exam must submit for Class “C” license after completion of 2,080 hours of work.

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of the operating principles and practices applicable to wastewater treatment, equipment, and machinery.
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.
• Ability to accurately follow routine operating and recording procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to detect faulty operating characteristics in equipment or treatment processes and to perform corrective minor mechanical repairs or adjustments.
• Ability to manually operate gates and valves in normal as well as harsh weather conditions.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to perform manual labor, sometimes under unfavorable weather conditions.
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with fellow employees, and the public.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Frequent lifting of 10 to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work typically requires moderate exposure to one or more disagreeable conditions (i.e., irate customers, outdoors weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme heat, odors or dust).

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS
The position requires moderate exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Charlotte County is an Affirmative Action/ADA/Veterans’ Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, and Persons
with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply.