WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR, TRAINEE

City of Vero Beach; Vero Beach (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vero Beach is seeking a water treatment trainee to become a certified operator under close supervision. You will follow a structured training program, learn plant operations, perform routine maintenance, collect water samples, and adjust chemical feeds to ensure safe, compliant water treatment.

The role requires steadiness with shift work and adherence to safety protocols, with progression toward State of Florida Class C Water Treatment Certification within prescribed timeframes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules governing water treatment systems.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of water treatment and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of operating, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining water treatment equipment.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Ability to learn and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Follows a prescribed training program to learn plant operations, laboratory testing procedures, and routine maintenance.
• Monitors process treatment; operates machinery; checks laboratory equipment to meet standards.
• Performs routine maintenance, checks fluid levels, lubricates equipment, cleans rooms, and performs grounds maintenance tasks.
• Collects and analyzes water samples from various sources on a regular schedule or on request.
• Adjusts chemical feeds based on water sample analysis.
• Monitors, adjusts, and cleans filter systems for proper function.
• Prepares daily operational reports and logs and records results for monthly reports.
• Observes safety practices and maintains cleanliness of work area, tools, and equipment.

Skills

Water treatment regulations

Process monitoring

Laboratory procedures

Math basics

Instruction follow

Team communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Pumps

Forklift

Job description

Under close supervision, follows a defined training program in water treatment to become a certified operator; performs daily tasks in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment facility; and performs related duties as assigned.

The following duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Follows a prescribed training program to learn plant operations, laboratory testing procedures and routine plant maintenance activities.
• Monitors process treatment. Operates machinery and equipment in the treatment plant. Checks laboratory equipment to meet standards.
• Performs routine plant maintenance and preventative maintenance duties, checks fluid levels, lubricates equipment, applies protective coatings, assists mechanics, cleans rooms and equipment, and performs routine grounds maintenance tasks including mowing, trimming, fertilization and edging.
• Collects and analyzes water samples from a variety of sources on a regularly scheduled basis or upon request.
• Adjusts chemical feeds based on water sample analysis.
• Monitors, adjusts and cleans filter system to ensure proper functioning.
• Prepares daily operational reports and logs, and records results for monthly reports.

Observes standard operating procedures and safety practices and maintains cleanliness of work area, tools and equipment

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of the federal, state, and local rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding the operation of water treatment systems.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of water treatment systems including applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions and the proper use of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of the proper methods and techniques used in operating, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining water treatment systems equipment.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Ability to learn and to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and others contracted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

• Essential personnel subject to recall during emergencies.
• Shift work including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Exposure to potential physical harm, dangerous machinery, infectious disease, hazardous chemicals and occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry heavy or bulky items up to 100 lbs.
• Must be able to wear PPE required to perform the essential functions of the job.

  TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

  • City vehicles (trucks), forklift, carts, lab equipment, lime slakers, chemical metering pumps, high service and booster pumps, lawn tools and equipment, chainsaw, electric hoist, small hand tools, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The equivalent of a High School diploma and one (1) year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License. Must possess and maintain State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class C Water Treatment Certification within two (2) years from date of appointment. Must successfully complete the training course(s) required to be eligible to take the FDEP Class C Water Treatment Certification examination within one (1) year from date of appointment.