Lead Water Production Operator

Polk County•Bartow, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Five (5) years of experience (10,400 hrs.) in the water production and treatment field.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water Treatment Level “A” License or ability to obtain license within 12 months of employment.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment within this classification.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.
The principles and practices necessary in the operation of advanced water treatment facilities
Computerize monitoring systems such as SCADA and overall computer knowledge
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to ensure operational compliance
Applicable environmental regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants.
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions including storage of chemicals, confined space entry, equipment lockout/tagging, Hazard Communication programs, and personal protective equipment
Chemistry and biology related to the operation of water treatment facilities
Water operating methods, procedures, and techniques and their practical application
The ability to respond to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety
Understanding operating and maintenance manuals, and other technical specifications
Communicating effectively with others
Correcting operational deficiencies; tracing abnormal conditions; reporting major deviations or conditions that don’t respond to normal corrective actions; and determining from several choices the method to restore normal operating conditions
Successfully completing and reviewing regulatory compliance documents
Performing assigned duties with considerable independence
Preparing and maintaining accurate, detailed operations, and maintenance records and reports
Understanding, interpreting, utilizing, and adjusting automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements
Assist in preparing accident or incident reports
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work
The ability to understand, follow, and provide oral and written instructions
The ability to adhere to County and department rules, regulations, and policies
Ability to lead and mentor technical staff, assign tasks, and monitor quality and compliance.
Independently ambulate, drive, climb, bend, stoop, sit, and stand as required by job tasks

Nice To Haves

The ability to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
The ability to Participate in a rotating water production On-Call Supervisor Rotation Schedule.
Ability to fill in for the Water Production Department Supervisor

Responsibilities

Direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning, and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with training of personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Delegates daily operation and compliance activities within the assigned regions
Conducts routine inspections and visits to water production facilities to assess plant status and ensure compliance.
Verifies standard operating procedures are being followed at the plant level.
Monitors and reports the activities of contractors.
Orders, schedules, and directs subordinates to collect compliance samples; verifies proper sample collection and delivery.
Monitor the levels of critical chemicals and the ordering process.
Obtains vendor quotes and prepares all necessary documentation required to purchase parts, equipment, service and supplies needed to complete all work assigned.
Assists system reliability department with repairs and installation of equipment.
Prepares daily records and paperwork to track all activities and work completed; enters information into County asset management program, tracks daily hours, notes locations, and reports on results; monitors employee work and ensures quality.
Collects, organizes, trends, and evaluates water operational data and makes operational adjustments to ensure water quality is within conformance of regulatory requirements/standards.
Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly; oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administrative Code, and prescribed standards.
Operates, calibrates, and maintains all department equipment, vehicles, and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
Research and responds to information requests in conformance with department procedures.
Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results, and makes routine process changes following established guidelines.
Supervises the delivery of water treatment chemicals.
Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive, and flammable materials.
May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more water treatment facilities which includes water distribution systems according to local, state, and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems.
Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Coordinates with the system’s reliability and/or system operators to ensure uninterrupted service to all water customers.
Performs other duties as assigned.