Wastewater Utilities Plant Operator Trainee (Various Locations)

Hillsborough County•Tampa, FL

About The Position

Job Overview Utilities Plant Operator performs certified and skilled work or directs and oversees the performance of certified and skilled work in the operation of Advanced Water Reclamation, Potable Water supply, distribution systems, and solids management to provide high quality treatment of water and wastewater in compliance with Florida Administrative Codes and local rules and regulations. Salary $37,752 Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate has finished or is working towards the educational requirements to obtain a Class C Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License. The candidate would have some prior experience in a position with duties and responsibilities that would support skill sets that are complementary to the duties of a Utilities Plant Operator. The ideal candidate would also have good analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to make sound and logical corrective actions. Some chemistry background would be advantageous. The candidate should be able to communicate effectively with others via written, oral, email, and other methods, as well as maintain detailed records and logs of duties and logistical data. Candidates should be able to work with various industrial and laboratory chemicals safely and comfortably. Candidates must be able and willing to respond to emergency situations to provide for public health and safety. Candidates will be required to work independently, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as well as cover overtime as needed. Candidates should have computer skills with standard software such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. Incumbents hired at the “trainee” skill level will serve a minimum of one-year probationary period. Click HERE to view our Benefits at a glance Generous PTO & Holiday Plan Health Plans Health Savings Account Dental & Vision Plans Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Healthcare Flexible Spending Account Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Tuition Reimbursement Cafeteria Benefit Life Insurance Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance Core Competencies Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service. Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve. Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations. Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals. Job Distinctions This tier serves as a trainee level. Successful completion of the training program requires obtaining a Water or Wastewater Plant Operator “C” Certificate of License.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate
Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License
Knowledge of operating principles and practices applicable to advanced treatment facilities and distribution systems.
Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication, and analytical skills are required.
Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of water/wastewater treatment facilities.
Knowledge of all regulations governing water/wastewater treatment and operator responsibility.
Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations, and maintenance records and reports.
Ability to understand and interpret, utilize, and adjust automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements.
Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to use a computer and related software.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate has finished or is working towards the educational requirements to obtain a Class C Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License.
The candidate would have some prior experience in a position with duties and responsibilities that would support skill sets that are complementary to the duties of a Utilities Plant Operator.
The ideal candidate would also have good analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to make sound and logical corrective actions.
Some chemistry background would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

Responds to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural and/or unnatural crisis to provide for public health and safety.
Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
Collects, organizes and evaluates water/wastewater operational data, and develop logical conclusions for 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.
Notifies manager and/or other appropriate staff of needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
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.
May function as a lead worker when working with new operators or trainees.
Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
Responds to customer inquiries and complaints to include determination of water quality issues and resolution, provides requested information within established guidelines and capabilities or redirects call to appropriate person to ensure good customer relations.
Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive, and flammable materials.
May direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with the training of personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state, and federal regulations.
May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more water/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 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 Reclaimed Water staff to ensure uninterrupted service to all reclaimed water customers.
Performs related work as directed.