Lead Water Reclamation Operator

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Winter Haven, FL

21h•$36 - $55•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. The Utility Lead Water Reclamation Operator – assist water reclamation supervisors in overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of regional water reclamation treatment facilities and reclaimed water pumping systems within the utility department. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant functioning of water reclamation systems, wastewater effluent quality, reclaimed water systems, supervises skilled personnel, coordinates preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and supports capital improvement projects. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.

Requirements

The principles and practices necessary in the operation of advanced water reclamation facilities
Computerize monitoring systems such as SCADA and overall computer knowledge.
Florida Departmental of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to ensure operational compliance.
Applicable environmental regulations related to the operation of water reclamation 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 reclamation facilities.
Wastewater 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.
The ability to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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, identifying the best people for the job.
The ability to understand, follow, and provide oral and written instructions.
The ability to Participate in a rotating water reclamation On-Call Supervisor Rotation Schedule.
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
Ability to fill in for the Regional Water Reclamation Department Supervisor.
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) Wastewater 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.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the licensing and certifications

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 reclamation and reclaimed water facilities to assess plant status and ensure compliance.
Monitors and reports the activities of contractors.
Obtains vendor quotes and prepares all necessary documentation required to purchase parts, equipment, service and supplies needed to complete all work assigned.
Monitor the levels of critical chemicals and the ordering process.
Assists system reliability department with repairs and installation of equipment
Prepares daily records and paperwork to track all activities and work done; enters information into County asset management program, tracks daily hours, notates locations, and reports on results; monitors employee work and ensures quality.
Collects, organizes, trends, and evaluates wastewater operational data and makes operational adjustments.
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.
Researches 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 wastewater treatment chemicals.
Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the Chief Plant Operator or Accounting Technician for payment.
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 wastewater treatment facilities which includes reclaimed water systems according to local, state, and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of 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 maintenance and reclaimed water to ensure uninterrupted service to all reclaimed water customers.
Performs other duties as assigned.