Utilities Plant Operator - Wastewater

Pasco County; Wesley Chapel (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasco County BCC is seeking a Utilities Plant Operator A, B, or C to operate and oversee wastewater treatment facilities on assigned shifts. The role requires knowledge of Florida regulations, proper record-keeping, and the ability to manage equipment performance and data analysis.

The position may involve lead responsibilities, adherence to safety protocols, and potential overtime or rotating shifts to ensure continuous compliance and service quality.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED certification.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.
• Florida Wastewater Plant Operator licenses (C, B, A) required/licensable.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work overtime or rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Responds to emergency situations to protect public health and safety.
• Prepares and maintains operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and analyzes wastewater data for operational decisions.
• Oversees inspections of facility equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains plant equipment and test tools.
• May lead and train other operators or trainees.
• Ensures compliance with Florida Administrative Code and permit requirements.

Skills

Operating principles

Teamwork

Communication

Automation/instrumentation

Emergency response

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A UTILITIE PLANT OPERATOR A, B & C

Advanced specialized work in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift. Utilities Plant Operator is a 4-Tiered Broadband classification. An incumbent in this classification is placed in the appropriate tier based on the Wastewater Plant Operator License he/she possesses. The incumbent in this classification performs certified and skilled work or directs and oversees the performance of certified and skilled work in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to provide high quality treatment of sanitary sewer in compliance with local rules regulations.

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Responds to emergency situations, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and evaluates wastewater operational data and develop logical conclusions for operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly.
• Oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administrative Code and prescribed standards.
• Notifies appropriate staff of needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
• Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains all department equipment, vehicles and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to information requests in conformance with department procedures.
• Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results and makes routine process changes following establishes guidelines.
• May function as a lead worker when working with new operators or trainees.
• Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Accepts documentation from chemical deliver drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivery for payment and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Users appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive and flammable materials.
• May direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with the training of the personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state and federal regulations.
• May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more wastewater treatment facilities according to local, state and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
• Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems.
• Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Performs related work as directed.

• Knowledge of operating principles and practices applicable to advanced treatment facilities and collection systems.
• Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of all regulations governing wastewater treatment and operator responsibility.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations and maintenance records and reports.
• Ability to understand and interpret, utilize and adjust automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to climb, stoop, squat, bend and walk frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Graduation from high school or must possess a GED Certification.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida driver's License. Must possess a valid State of Florida Wastewater Plant Operator:

• "C" Certificate of License (Tier II)
• "B" Certificate of License (Tier III)
• "A" Certificate of License (Tier IV)

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:

Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All employees will be required to work before, during, and after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:

Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021