Licensed Treatment Plant Operator

City of Delray Beach•Fl 33444, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs technical work in the operation and maintenance of a Water Treatment Plant under general supervision. The position has three license levels—Treatment Plant Operator C, B, and A—and salary offers depend on the applicant’s license and years of experience. Starting salaries are $28.83 for C, $32.78 for B, and $34.44 for A. The Treatment Plant Operator A level also oversees, supervises, and directs personnel on an assigned shift and communicates operational, mechanical, and technical problems to management. The operator monitors and adjusts plant processes and equipment to supply the city with properly treated water at appropriate quantities, quality, pressures, and flow volumes. Work includes collecting and testing samples, handling and monitoring chemicals, keeping operating and test records, maintaining equipment and facilities, following safety and drinking-water regulations, and supporting routine and emergency plant operations. The role may involve hazardous chemicals, rotating equipment, physical labor, and work in varied weather and environmental conditions.

Requirements

High school graduation or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Treatment Plant Operator C: At least one year of actual Water Treatment Plant experience and a State of Florida Class C Water Operators Certificate.
Treatment Plant Operator B: At least three years of actual Water Treatment Plant experience and a State of Florida Class B Water Operators Certificate.
Treatment Plant Operator A: At least five years of actual Water Treatment Plant experience and a State of Florida Class A Water Operators Certificate.
Knowledge of treatment plant operations, policies, procedures, and methods.
Ability to work rotating shifts.
Ability to make and maintain records and reports.
Good mechanical skills.
Ability to respond positively and receptively to supervision, guidance, and direction and follow stated policies.
Ability to report promptly and prepared for assigned work, notify a supervisor of intended absences, and follow rules for accrued time.
Ability to interact politely, helpfully, and courteously with the public and to respect cultural, religious, and gender differences.
Ability to operate and care for equipment according to manufacturer specifications or specified parameters.
Acceptable eyesight, with or without correction, and acceptable hearing, with or without a hearing aid.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to lift and carry heavy loads of 60 pounds and over; climb; walk; smell; drive; perceive depth; and distinguish colors.
Ability to work inside and/or outside in varied weather conditions and around noise, chemicals, electrical or radiant energy, odors, slippery or uneven surfaces, vibrations, and heights up to 60 feet.
Applicants who have used tobacco or nicotine products within at least three months before applying will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment and facilities to supply appropriate water quantity and quality and maintain proper pressure and flow volume.
Visually inspect equipment, monitor operating parameters and mechanical integrity, and maintain plant logs.
Assist with operating and monitoring treatment processes, including filters, softening clarifiers, thickeners, vacuum filters, nanofiltration systems, degassifiers, scrubbers, and chemical delivery systems.
Obtain and record flow, tank, and silo readings; ensure chemicals are delivered to the correct tanks and monitor chemical transfers.
Collect samples and assist with laboratory tests and analyses, including chlorine, ammonia, pH, fluoride, conductivity, color, turbidity, alkalinity, and hardness.
Operate and adjust pumps, agitators, computers, valves, and other equipment under supervision.
Comply with safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and federal, state, and county safe-drinking-water regulations.
Read charts, meters, and standard operating procedures and maintain accurate logs and records.
Perform general maintenance and cleaning of buildings, vehicles, equipment, tools, work areas, and grounds; report faulty equipment or problems.
Perform manual and skilled support tasks, including cleaning tanks and treatment areas, inspecting and draining containment areas, cleaning equipment, and loading, unloading, lifting, or moving materials.
Use required safety equipment and follow safety procedures when handling caustics, acids, and other hazardous materials; monitor the work environment for safety.
Conduct inventory counts of equipment, tools, chemicals, and supplies and assist with maintaining and updating the Material Safety Data Sheets logbook.
As directed, assist with supervising plant staff and operations, assigning and monitoring work, inspecting completed work, troubleshooting problems, and directing preventive or corrective action.
As directed, assist in developing procedures for normal and emergency changes in water demand and laboratory procedures for testing water; review test reports and address undesirable water conditions.
Prepare for and perform emergency activities, including monitoring load-control notices, switching to generators when needed, monitoring communications, conducting hurricane lockup operations, restarting equipment and computer systems, and notifying personnel about hazardous-chemical emergencies.
Prepare or complete forms, reports, correspondence, logs, charts, test forms, inspection sheets, checklists, operating reports, inventory reports, and purchase requests as directed.
Communicate by telephone and two-way radio, provide information and assistance, and relay messages.
Attend staff and safety meetings, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
For Treatment Plant Operator A, oversee, supervise, and direct personnel on an assigned shift and communicate operational, mechanical, and technical problems to management, suggesting necessary changes.