Water Plant Operator

City-of-West-Melbourne; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Melbourne is seeking a Water Plant Operator to oversee the RO water treatment facility and ensure a safe public drinking water supply. The role involves operating the SCADA system, adjusting chemical dosages, and performing water quality testing with thorough documentation.

Evening, weekend, and on-call availability are required. A Florida Water Treatment Operator license and a valid driver’s license are needed for this on-site municipal role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Florida license requirement details not applicable to all candidates.
• Experience with water treatment facilities or utilities environments is preferred.
• RO plant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the RO water treatment plant to ensure safe drinking water.
• Manage SCADA system and monitor production, storage, and chemical dosages.
• Maintain accurate logs, meter readings, and regulatory documentation.
• Perform routine water quality testing and calibrate chemical feed equipment.
• Respond to after-hours calls and participate in on-call rotation.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and minor repairs as directed.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Water quality testing

Operational data logging

Maintenance coordination

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

Under the direction of the Chief Operator and/or Water Plant Director, this position is responsible for the skilled operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s RO Water Treatment Plant to ensure a safe and reliable public drinking water supply. Key duties in this position include operating the SCADA system, producing water to maintain proper storage levels, monitoring and adjusting chemical dosages and residuals, and performing water quality testing throughout the treatment process. This position also requires accurate documentation of plant operations. Evening, weekend, holiday, and occasional unscheduled overtime may be required to ensure continuous water service.

• Monitors the SCADA system, collects water samples, performs routine water quality testing, administers established treatment processes, and conducts calibration checks on chemical feed equipment; records and reviews operational data to ensure compliance with established operating parameters.
• Monitors and adjusts production, permeate, concentrate, and storage system flows under established operating procedures to maintain adequate water supply levels and system reliability.
• Maintains accurate operational records, including daily logs, meter readings, chemical usage reports, laboratory results, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation using computer systems and/or spreadsheets.
• Operates and monitors facility security systems, including camera surveillance and electronic gate access systems, to support the security of the water treatment facility.
• Performs routine inspections of pumps, motors, valves, instrumentation, and related treatment equipment; identifies abnormal conditions such as vibration, temperature changes, leaks, or operational irregularities and reports findings to appropriate personnel.
• Performs preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs, including equipment lubrication, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of basic components as directed.
• Assists with troubleshooting operational issues and equipment malfunctions by gathering information, documenting conditions, and communicating concerns through the appropriate chain of command.
• Responds to after-hours operational needs, emergency situations, and system alarms; participates in assigned on-call rotation and emergency response activities.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of process areas, operator workspaces, chemical feed areas, and related plant facilities.
• Provides professional customer service by responding to routine customer and public inquiries regarding water quality, service concerns, and general plant operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent; a minimum of one (1) year or 2080 hours experience working in a water treatment facility, utilities environment, mechanical operations, industrial facility, or related field is preferred; one (1) year of RO plant experience preferred.

Special Qualifications

• Valid State of Florida Class E Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record at the time of placement.
• Minimum “C” Water Treatment Operators License as issued by FDEP is required.
• Position requires knowledge of the safe operation and proper maintenance of RO treatment system, chemical pumps and laboratory equipment.
• Must be available for mandatory participation in a scheduled “paid” on-call rotation, requiring constant monitoring of cell phone, and be able to respond on the scene of an emergency within a timely manner.
• Must have or obtain SEDA MOC I and II certificates within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Additional training and certifications related to water treatment operations, safety, confined space, hazardous materials, or related areas are preferred.

Classification Note

Positions within the Water Plant Operator series are differentiated by the level of certification, experience, technical knowledge, and ability to independently perform increasingly complex water treatment operations. Advancement within the series does not confer supervisory authority. Operator III positions provide technical support and operational guidance but do not have responsibility for directing employees or making personnel decisions.

Progression within the Water Plant Operator series is based upon the attainment of required licensing, demonstrated operational proficiency, experience, and the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the higher-level classification. Advancement is not automatic based solely on obtaining a higher-level license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of water treatment processes, equipment operation, and safe work practices.
• Ability to learn and apply operational procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety practices.
• Ability to operate computer systems, SCADA systems, and other technology used in plant operations.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and interpret operational data.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and participate in emergency response and on-call assignments.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and climb stairs and ladders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium duty work, which requires exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires standing or sitting for sustained periods of time; walking or moving from one work site to another; manual dexterity to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers; mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes; hearing to receive detailed information and to make the discrimination in sound; and the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow or slippery surfaces.
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed in an environment with equipment and machinery where the employee is exposed to bodily harm to self, co-workers, and/or others.