SWWRF Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee through Operator III

Manatee County Government•Bradenton, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This classification performs work in the operation of Manatee County water and/or wastewater treatment plants, equipment, and facilities. The level of duties and responsibilities depends on the employee’s qualifications. Duties include learning and training under higher-level employees to develop operational skills. Position level and salary depend on qualifications. The facility operates 24 hours a day on a non-rotating schedule consisting of two 12-hour shifts. Work hours are 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m., following a schedule of two days on and two days off. The work location is 5101 65th St. W., Bradenton, Florida, or as assigned. The expected starting hourly range is $18.40–$23.00. The role includes operating and monitoring treatment processes and equipment; collecting and analyzing water, wastewater, and process samples; recording and reporting operating and laboratory results; handling treatment chemicals; conducting preventive maintenance and minor repairs; and maintaining a safe, clean plant environment. Higher-level operators may make process adjustments, diagnose operating problems, guide shift assistants, and provide training. Employees may also participate in emergency or disaster response activities as required and consistent with their qualifications and applicable law. Work may involve high noise levels, industrial equipment, strenuous physical activity, and varying climatic conditions in indoor and outdoor environments. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required for certain work. The position requires the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees must be able to stand, walk, climb and descend stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, and perform other physical tasks associated with plant operations. All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency and may temporarily be assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside their normal assignments. Employment screenings are conducted in accordance with the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual and applicable federal and Florida laws.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certificate of competency; equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Trainee: Secure an FDEP Class C Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two years of employment.
Tech I: Possess a current FDEP Class C Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
Tech II: Possess a current FDEP Class B Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
Tech III: Possess a current FDEP Class A Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
General work experience related to the operation of mechanical or electrical equipment, supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to distinguish colors and safely perform routine operational, maintenance, and emergency response duties.
Ability to stand, walk, climb and descend stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, and perform other physical tasks associated with plant operations.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Trainee: Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of related mechanical equipment and machinery; ability to learn water and wastewater treatment processes and some chemical tests; inspect operating machinery and detect flaws; read simple meters and charts and maintain basic shift records.
Tech I: Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment operation and maintenance; ability to read meters and charts, maintain basic shift records, and detect machinery flaws or defects.
Tech II and Tech III: Knowledge of water or wastewater processing equipment and its operation and maintenance, including pumps and controls, motors, gears, diesel generators, chlorinators, and related equipment; knowledge of applicable treatment laws, basic chemistry, and laboratory procedures; ability to detect operational flaws, solve routine operating problems, perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs, maintain grounds, read meters, gauges, and flow charts, and accurately record operating time and test results.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience servicing mechanical equipment and machinery is desired.
Tech III: Prior supervisory experience is desired; time as Operator In Charge is applicable.

Responsibilities

Participate in hands-on, on-the-job training under the supervision of a shift supervisor, lead operator, or chief operator, as applicable.
Read and comprehend technical laboratory, operations, and maintenance procedures; attend training courses and independently study water and wastewater plant operations.
Regulate treatment chemical flows, transfer chemicals from storage to feeder hoppers or day tanks, and participate in chemical deliveries, unloading, verification, and inventory maintenance.
Operate water filters, pumps, valves, machinery, treatment units, pumping stations, and related facilities; monitor flows, levels, meters, gauges, and dials.
Collect water, wastewater, sewage, effluent, and process samples; perform routine laboratory analyses and tests; record, interpret, and report results in accordance with procedures and regulatory requirements.
Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, testing supplies, meters, and testing equipment, including calibration as applicable; follow QA/QC procedures and safety protocols.
Monitor and adjust treatment processes based on routine tests, meter and gauge readings, and prescribed standards; wash filters and make operating changes as appropriate to the level of the position.
Inspect motors, bearings, gear boxes, machinery, equipment, and grounds; identify defects or operating problems and notify or contact supervisors or maintenance personnel as appropriate.
Perform preventive maintenance, limited repairs, minor equipment repairs, and routine facility maintenance; assist with disassembling, repairing, and reassembling pumps and equipment as required.
Maintain operating logs, charts, records, shift information, test results, and reports; take and record rain gauge readings.
Perform custodial and housekeeping duties, including cleaning equipment and facilities and maintaining plant grounds as required.
At Tech III level, direct and participate in shift assistants’ work, provide training and technical assistance, enforce safety regulations, give plant tours, and report serious operating deviations to the Chief Operator.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including emergency or disaster response activities as required and consistent with qualifications and applicable law.