WATER PLANT OPERATOR- TRAINEE

City of Palatka • Palatka, FL

11h • $16 - $22

About The Position

This is trainee-level work operating water treatment plant equipment and facilities on an assigned shift. The position prepares the employee for the Class “C” certification required for employment as a licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator. Following instruction and orientation, the employee performs routine duties carried out by a licensed operator.

Under the supervision of a licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator or supervisor, the employee operates and cares for water treatment equipment during an assigned shift. The work involves regulating plant equipment so that treated water meets federal, state, county, and Public Works Department quality standards. Duties include operating pumps, chlorine equipment, SCADA, and related equipment; collecting samples for laboratory analysis; recording meter readings; and controlling the addition of treatment chemicals. Work follows established operating procedures, with specific instructions provided for temporary departures. Work is evaluated through observation and review of laboratory and operating reports. Employees may rotate between shifts based on operational schedules and demands.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Agree to complete a Florida Department of Environmental Protection-approved training course and obtain a passing score for the Florida Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “C” License under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602.
• Possess at least a Class “C” license no later than two years after appointment.
• Understand oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of water or wastewater treatment plant functions and servicing requirements, and general operation of utility machinery and equipment such as filters, pumps, valves, generators, mixers, and filling machines.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry tests and related mathematics.
• Knowledge of computer control and interface system functions and processes.
• Knowledge of potable water production and wastewater treatment processes.
• Skill in operating and servicing mechanical equipment used in water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Ability to use computer applications and software and perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment for safe operation.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems in response to changing water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to operate water treatment plants to pump or treat water for domestic or industrial use.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and bend to collect samples.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly, and to perform the listed physical activities including balancing on narrow or slippery surfaces, climbing, crawling, bending, handling objects, and lifting or moving objects.

Responsibilities

• Train in monitoring and maintaining surveillance of potable water plant processes, equipment, and controls to support efficient operation and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist with operation of water treatment facilities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Learn to adjust equipment to regulate flow rates or modify treatment processes based on observations and tests.
• Repair and calibrate plant equipment and perform preventive maintenance under operators’ direction.
• Enter data accurately into prescribed formats for submission to regulatory agencies.
• Check plant equipment for proper operation; operate automotive equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Clean, service, and lubricate pumps, motors, and other equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
• Maintain inspection, activity, and equipment records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED