Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

Panama City, City of (FL); Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Panama City is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I to support the Director of Public Works in keeping the WWTP running safely and efficiently. The role involves collecting samples, adjusting basins, recording data, and performing maintenance and manual labor as needed.

Emergency essential duties include readiness for storms and severe weather, with overtime and after-hours availability. A high school diploma and Florida operator license are required.

Qualifications

• Operates Sequential Batch Reactor and/or Bardepho wastewater treatment processes.
• Reads and follows complex manuals and written resources for decision-making.
• Knowledge of FDEP SOPs for field testing and sampling.
• Familiarity with plant mechanical equipment and controls.
• Strong math skills: basic arithmetic to geometry.
• Maintains operation logs and sample records.
• Capable of performing required manual labor.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skilled at routine equipment repairs and maintenance.
• Develops cooperative working relationships across departments and with vendors and the public.
• Familiar with methods, tools, and safety practices in wastewater work.
• Understands and relays verbal, written, and digital instructions.
• Complies with city safety policies for vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples, calibrates field meters and performs field testing.
• Adjusts equipment and basins as directed.
• Maintains treatment plant operation data.
• Maintains chemical feeders, computers, sensors, equipment, UV disinfection, chlorine and de-chlorination systems.
• Reads and understands operations and control manuals.
• Performs cleaning duties within the plant.
• Changes filters in plant areas.
• Interprets and evaluates chemical levels.
• Adjusts chemical levels within the plants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Process operation know-how

Reading & comprehension

Field testing

Safety awareness

Mathematical calculations

Record keeping

Manual labor

Oral & written communication

Equipment repair

Team collaboration

Hazard awareness

Verbal/written instruction parsing

Compliance with safety policies

Education

High School diploma or GED

Florida Class C Wastewater Operator’s license

Valid driver's license

Job description

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Public Works, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is responsible for performing assigned operational duties to keep the treatment plant operating optimally and safely. The WWTP Operator gathers and records information needed to make process adjustments, performs manual labor associated with plant operations, and performs maintenance functions.

This position is designated as an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair and recover the City before, during and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, winter storm, severe thunderstorm, flash flooding etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collects samples, calibrates field meters and performs field testing.
• Adjusts equipment and basins as directed.
• Maintains treatment plant operational data.
• Maintains chemical feeders, computers, digital sensors, equipment, machinery, ultraviolet disinfection system, gas chlorine and de-chlorination systems.
• Reads and understands operations and control manuals.
• Performs cleaning duties within the plant.
• Changes filters in the plant areas.
• Interprets and evaluates chemical levels.
• Adjust chemical levels within the plants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of and skill in operating Sequential Batch Reactor and/or Bardepho wastewater treatment processes.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex material and utilize written resources to make decisions in an independent manner.
• General knowledge of FDEP Standard Operating Procedures for performing field testing and sample collection.
• General knowledge of the function, controls, and mechanics of the treatment plant’s mechanical equipment.
• Strong mathematical skills, including basic arithmetic, complex calculations, measurement, algebra and geometry.
• Ability to maintain the plant operation log and sample collection records.
• Ability to perform manual labor is needed to maintain the treatment plant.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to maintain plant operation records.
• Skilled in making routine repairs on equipment.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, courteous and effective working relationships with other departments, fellow team members, vendors, contractors and the general public.
• General knowledge of the methods, practices and techniques used in the work assigned.
• General knowledge of the materials, tools and equipment used in the work assigned.
• General knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the work assigned.
• Ability to understand and transmit verbal, written and digital instructions.
• Comply with all City safety policies and programs in the performance of their work, including, but not limited to, vehicles, equipment, tools, and facilities.

• Graduation from High School or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Possession of a current Florida Class “C” Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s license
• Valid driver’s license.

A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

• Occasionally - Lift/Carry: 50+ lbs., Push/Pull: 50+ lbs., Climb, Crawl, Sit, Traverse Uneven Terrain, Work at Heights
• Frequently - Lift/Carry: 25-50 lbs., Push/Pull: 25-50 lbs., Twist/Turn, Reach Above Shoulder, Reach Outward, Stand, Walk, Drive
• Constantly – Lift/Carry: 25 lbs. or less, Push/Pull: 25 lbs. or less, Handling/Fine Motor Skills, Acceptable Vision (with or without accommodations), Acceptable Hearing (with or without accommodations),

Risk/Safety Conditions

• This position requires moderate exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (i.e., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment).
• This position often requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may include completing and successfully passing medical evaluations or clearances.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee works in and outside and at both treatment plants.
• Working in the day-to-day operations of a Wastewater Plant, performing Emergency duties such as being called in during bad weather, being available to work overtime when needed, and being able to work holidays, nights and weekends.

These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affiliation/ Action Employer.