Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Panama City, City of • Panama City, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Public Works, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee performs assigned operational duties to help keep the treatment plant operating optimally and safely. This is a one-year temporary/transitional position intended to provide training in the fundamentals of wastewater treatment plant operations. The trainee must complete and pass the certification self-study courses required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and attain an FDEP Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator “C” License within one year of hire.

The role involves gathering and recording information needed to adjust treatment processes, performing manual labor associated with plant operations, and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant and its equipment. It is an emergency-essential position requiring duties to prepare, repair, and help the City recover before, during, and after adverse storm events or other natural or manmade conditions.

The employee works in and outside at both treatment plants, performing day-to-day wastewater plant operations. The work may involve exposure to environmentally hazardous materials and heavy equipment, and often requires personal protective equipment and potentially medical evaluations or clearances. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• High school graduation or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Valid driver's license.
• Complete and pass FDEP-required certification self-study courses and attain the FDEP Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator “C” License within one year of hire.
• General knowledge of and skill in operating Sequential Batch Reactor and/or Bardepho wastewater treatment processes.
• General knowledge of FDEP standard operating procedures for field testing and sample collection.
• General knowledge of treatment plant mechanical equipment functions, controls, and mechanics.
• Ability to maintain plant operation logs and sample collection records accurately.
• Ability to perform manual labor needed to maintain the treatment plant.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, courteously, and in a team-focused manner orally and in writing.
• Skill in routine equipment repairs and basic repair and tool usage.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, courteous, professional, team-focused working relationships with coworkers, leaders, other departments, and the public.
• General knowledge of work methods, practices, techniques, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Basic to advanced arithmetic, including geometry and algebra, for treatment and chemical-use analysis and decision-making.
• General knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions, and ability to follow applicable rules.
• Ability to independently read and understand operations and control manuals.
• Ability to understand and convey verbal, written, and digital instructions in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
• Ability to comply with City safety policies and programs when using vehicles, equipment, tools, and facilities.
• Ability to work overtime when needed and work holidays, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to perform emergency duties and be called in during bad weather.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, crawling, working at heights, traversing uneven terrain, standing, walking, driving, and fine motor tasks.
• Use personal protective equipment as required and complete medical evaluations or clearances when applicable.

Responsibilities

• Collect wastewater samples, calibrate field meters, and perform field testing.
• Assist with maintenance, inspection, and repair of equipment and basins under guidance and as directed.
• Maintain accurate, legible, timely, and professional treatment plant operational data and records.
• Learn to operate and maintain chemical feeders, computers, digital sensors, equipment, machinery, ultraviolet disinfection systems, gas chlorine systems, and de-chlorination systems.
• Assist with cleaning the treatment plant and related areas.
• Perform manual labor and routine equipment repairs associated with plant operations and maintenance.
• Perform emergency duties to prepare, repair, and help recover the City before, during, and after adverse storm events or other conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED