Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Boca Raton; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Flexible work schedule

Retirement Plans

Job summary

The City of Boca Raton is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator to perform skilled work in operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant. The role is crucial for supporting health and environmental standards within the community.

Key responsibilities include routine maintenance, safety protocol adherence, and operation of SCADA monitoring systems. Applicants must possess a valid Florida DEP wastewater license and have relevant work experience. This position offers comprehensive health benefits and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Requires one (1) year experience for Class C license.
• Requires three (3) years experience for Class B license.
• Requires five (5) years experience for Class A license.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the plant.
• Operate and monitor the SCADA control system.
• Respond to emergencies such as spills and equipment failures.

Skills

Troubleshooting operational problems

Operating control panels, pumps, motors

Conducting laboratory tests

Accurately recording data

Communicating with team

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Florida DEP Class C wastewater license

Florida DEP Class B wastewater license

Florida DEP Class A wastewater license

Tools

SCADA system

Laboratory testing equipment

Forklift

Backhoe-style equipment

Job description

Benefits:

• Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation, sick, and 3 floating holidays
• Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule
• Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

General Statement of Job:

The Wastewater Plant Operator performs skilled work in operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant and its related equipment. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient processing of wastewater, directly supporting the health and environmental standards of the community. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Responsibilities:

• Makes regular tours of plant and equipment such as pumps, aerators, clarifiers, hypochlorite systems, filters, thickeners, etc.
• Collection of samples and performs tests such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids etc.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Performs routine maintenance, housekeeping, and cleaning.
• Responds to emergencies such as spills and equipment failure.
• Operates computer SCADA system to monitor and control motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions, adjust Cl2 dosing and polymer dosing.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Troubleshoots process problems.
• Collects samples and performs routine lab work.
• Skims grease from settling tanks.
• Pumps sludge, drains tanks, rotates equipment.
• Cleans weirs, Primary Clarifiers, Secondary Clarifiers and services pumps, motors, and other equipment.
• Pressure cleans equipment, buildings and associated areas.
• Monitors chlorine residuals; makes chlorine feed rate adjustments.
• Operates sludge thickening and dewatering systems.
• Monitors telemetry system; calls out field crews for alarm situations.
• Investigates field calls from customers regarding backups, odors, etc., dispatches response crews.
• Makes minor or emergency repairs; performs preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
• Performs general maintenance and housekeeping duties.
• Operates forklift and backhoe‑style equipment.

Knowledge of:

• The operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
• The chemical, biological, and physical processes used to treat wastewater, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
• Biological processes, including activated sludge and anaerobic digestion.
• Safety protocols, hazardous chemical handling, and equipment used at a wastewater treatment plant.
• Instruments used in wastewater treatment.
• Basic mathematical concepts such as flow calculations, chemical dosages, and determining concentrations.

Skilled in:

• Troubleshooting operational problems.
• Operating control panels, pumps, motors, and other equipment.
• Conducting laboratory tests for TSS, ammonia, and other parameters.
• Accurately recording data and flows.
• Communicating with team members and supervisors regarding operational issues.

Ability to:

• Detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determine proper remedial actions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, moving equipment, and working in varied weather conditions.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, ensuring that routine maintenance, testing, and reporting tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Assess situations and make informed decisions quickly when addressing operational challenges or equipment failures.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Class C Operator – Florida DEP Class C wastewater license required and one (1) year experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Class B Operator – Florida DEP Class B wastewater license required and three (3) years experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Class A Operator – Florida DEP Class A wastewater license required and five (5) years experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of Florida DEP Class C (or higher) wastewater license is required.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in a three (3) year period.
• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to their date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

Post‑Offer Background Requirements:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Workers' Compensation
• Certification/License Verification
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen