Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee/C/B/A

City of Panama City Beach; Panama City Beach (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Panama City Beach is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator to ensure safe and compliant operation of the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The role may be filled at Trainee, B, C, or A level, with required Florida certifications and progression toward higher licenses.

Responsibilities include monitoring process parameters, collecting samples, performing maintenance, calibrating equipment, and maintaining thorough records.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent; ability to obtain Class C certification within two years.
• For Operator C/B/A: must possess the respective Florida Wastewater Operators certification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications as issued by the State of Florida.

Responsibilities

• Inspect plant for safe and efficient operation.
• Collect and record readings and samples as required by permit.
• Inform Supervisor of issues and take corrective actions as instructed.
• Adjust treatment processes to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on plant equipment.
• Operate biosolids removal and dewatering equipment.
• Calibrate laboratory and field instruments; perform chemical analyses.
• Maintain logs and complete required reports.
• Perform routine janitorial and ground duties.
• Follow safety procedures for all tasks; perform related duties.

Skills

Wastewater process control

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class C Wastewater Operators certification (FAC 62-602)

Class B Wastewater Operators certification (FAC 62-602)

Class A Wastewater Operators certification (FAC 62-602)

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Online/instrument calibration tools

Job description

This position is responsible for operating the city’s wastewater treatment plant. An incumbent in this position may be designated Operator C “, Operator B,” “Operator A,” or “Operator Trainee.”

• Inspects plant for safe and efficient operation.
• Collects and records daily and hourly readings as required by permit; collects and records water samples.
• Informs the Supervisor of any observed or suspected problems and proceeds with corrective or preventative actions, as instructed.
• Makes necessary adjustments to the treatment process to ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.
• Performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs to plant equipment and systems.
• Operates press for biosolids removal and dewatering.
• Performs laboratory and field calibration using laboratory and online instruments.
• Removes algae, scum, grease, and debris from plant structures.
• Prepares chemicals and reagents for laboratory use; performs chemical analysis on wastewater samples.
• Maintains logs and other records; completes required reports.
• Performs routine janitorial and ground duties.
• Demonstrates appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks initiated
• Performs related duties.
• Ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Trainee – Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must be able to obtain a Class “C” Wastewater Operators certification as issued by the State of Florida (FAC 62-602) within a period of two (2) years, however, satisfactory progress toward obtaining the certification must be demonstrated within one year.
• Operator C – Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must possess a Class “C” Wastewater Operators certification as issued by the State of Florida (FAC 62-602).
• Operator B – Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must possess a Class “B” Wastewater Operators certification as issued by the State of Florida (FAC 62-602).
• Operator A - Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must possess a Class “A” Wastewater Operators certification as issued by the State of Florida (FAC 62-602).

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of wastewater process control principles.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations related to wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant equipment operations and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory analysis principles and practices.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in the analysis of data and the preparation of reports.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

The Wastewater Plant Operations and Laboratory Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines include the Clean Water Act, FEDP rules and regulations, EPA rules and regulations, OSHA rules, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related treatment plant operation duties. Frequent changes to wastewater quality contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in wastewater treatment plant operations. Successful performance results in the safe and regulatory compliant treatment of wastewater and the disposal of effluent and residuals.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office, a treatment plant, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• This is an essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and action 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 man- made).

**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not excluded them from the position if the work is similar, relate, or a logical assignment to the position.**