Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Panama City, City of (FL); Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Panama City (FL) is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee to support daily plant operations and learn essential skills for wastewater treatment. The position emphasizes safety, data recording, and hands-on experience under the Director of Public Works guidance.

The trainee will complete required Florida DEP certification coursework, work with field meters and sensors, and prepare for the Operator License within one year.

Qualifications

• Must complete FDEP certification self-study courses and attain the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License within one year.
• Ability to perform manual labor and collect samples as part of daily duties.
• Strong reading, comprehension, and ability to maintain operational logs accurately.
• Willingness to participate in emergency duties and weather-related on-call requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples and calibrate field meters for wastewater testing.
• Assist with maintenance and repair of equipment and basins under guidance.
• Maintain plant operation logs and records in a timely, accurate manner.
• Support operation and maintenance of chemical feeders, sensors, UV disinfection, and chlorine systems.
• Assist with cleaning of the treatment plant and related areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Wastewater knowledge

Reading/comprehension

Data/record keeping

Team communication

Manual labor

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Field meters

Digital sensors

UV disinfection system

Gas chlorine system

Job description

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Public Works, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is responsible for performing assigned operational duties to keep the treatment plant operating optimally and safely. This is a one (1)- year temporary/transitional position for the purpose of training and learning the fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations. The person in this position must complete and pass the certification self-study training courses required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and attain the (FDEP) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator “C” License within one 1 year from the date of hire. The primary duties include gathering and recording information needed to adjust the process, performing manual labor associated with plant operations, and performing maintenance on the wastewater treatment plant and equipment.

This is 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, ice storm, 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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The omission of an essential duty does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to 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 in relation to wastewater.
• Assist with the maintenance, inspection and repair of equipment and basins with guidance and as directed.
• Maintains treatment plant operational data from a record-keeping perspective in an accurate, legible, timely and professional manner.
• Learns the operation and maintenance while assisting with the chemical feeders, computers, digital sensors, equipment, machinery, ultraviolet disinfection system, gas chlorine and de-chlorination systems.
• Assists with the cleaning of the treatment plant and related areas.
• 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.
• Exceptional reading and comprehension skills, including the ability to read and independently comprehend and apply what has been learned.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain the plant operation log and sample collection records.
• Ability to perform manual labor needed to maintain the treatment plant.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, courteously and in a team-focused manner both orally and in writing.
• Skilled in making routine repairs on equipment and basic repair and tool usage.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, courteous, professional and team-focused working relationships with team members, leaders, other departments and the general public.
• General knowledge of the methods, practices and techniques used in the work assigned.
• Possesses basic to advanced arithmetic, including geometry and algebra, which is utilized in the analysis and decision-making relating to treatment and usage of chemicals.
• General knowledge of the materials, tools and equipment used in the work assigned.
• General knowledge relating to and ability to follow rules relating to the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the work assigned.
• Ability to independently read and understand the operations and control manuals.
• Ability to understand and transmit verbal, written and digital instructions in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
• Ability and skills to comply with all City safety policies and programs in the performance of the tasks including, but not limited to, vehicles, equipment, tools and facilities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from High School or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Valid Driver’s License.

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, Ability to Work at Heights, Ability to Traverse Uneven Terrain
• 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)

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.

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

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 Affiant/Action Employer.