UTILITIES WATER PLANT OPERATOR - CLASS A

City of Plantation, Florida; Plantation Gardens (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Plantation, Florida is seeking a non-exempt plant operator to run water or wastewater treatment facilities on an assigned shift. The role includes sampling, analyzing, and adjusting processes to meet treatment standards, as well as performing routine maintenance and keeping detailed operation logs.

The position requires a high school diploma or vocational training with water treatment coursework, plus experience with electrical and mechanical equipment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school with supplemental college level courses in water treatment or pollution control.
• Experience in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment and machinery similar to that in a water or wastewater treatment plant.
• Must possess a Florida driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Operate water/wastewater plant on an assigned shift and perform routine maintenance.
• Take samples and perform chemical analyses to determine treatment effectiveness.
• Adjust control devices based on sample results to ensure proper treatment.
• Inspect and maintain plant equipment and machinery; perform routine building and custodial tasks as needed.
• Maintain logs and prepare periodic reports of operations.
• Instruct new operators on standard operating procedures.
• Work in emergencies as required under the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Skills

Operation principles

Maintenance & lubrication

Safety practices

Minor repairs

Procedural discipline

Diagnostics of equipment

Record keeping

Interpersonal relations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; water treatment courses

Job description

This is a non-exempt position, which is skilled work in the operation of a water or wastewater plant on an assigned shift. Work involves responsibility for the operation of wastewater or water plants and for the routine maintenance and servicing of equipment and machinery. Employees exercise some independent judgment in making adjustments to machinery, equipment and related control apparatus in accordance with established procedures and standards. Employees ordinarily work independently on an assigned shift and work is reviewed primarily through analyses of charts and reports. Unusual or major problems are reported to a supervisor and/or lead operator(s) as necessary.

Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

On an assigned shift, performs all required chemical analyses; inspects plant equipment and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly; takes samples of water or wastewater at various stages of the treatment process; performs routine laboratory analyses to determine effectiveness of treatment procedures and records results; on the basis of sample results, adjusts control devices for processes to provide effective treatment; inspects and adjusts treatment plant equipment, as it relates to the facilities.

Performs services and preventive maintenance on a variety of plant equipment and machinery; cleans and paints equipment; assists mechanics in major repairs and in installation work; performs general building maintenance and custodial work at plant.

Inspects recorders and meters, and make necessary adjustments to control the operations as required.

Instruct new operators in the standard operating procedures.

Maintain log on process adjustment and prepares periodic summary reports of operations.

Performs related work in a safe and efficient manner as required and as directed.

Prepares chemical batches as needed for operation.

This position does not have final procurement authority.

• Some knowledge of the general operation principles of electrical and mechanical equipment, similar to wastewater or water treatment and pumping plant equipment and machinery.
• Some knowledge of the mechanical maintenance and lubrication requirements of the equipment operated.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the trade and of proper use of safety practices.
• Ability to make minor repairs to equipment operated.
• Ability to accurately follow routine operating and recording procedures, and to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to detect faulty operating characteristics in equipment or processes, and to institute remedial action.
• Ability to maintain detailed routine operating records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, department officials, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school with supplemental college level courses in water treatment or pollution control. Experience in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment and machinery similar to that in a water or wastewater treatment plant.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must possess a minimum of Class "C" Operator License (depending on discipline) from State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

This is a designated "Response" classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies. Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.