Water Production Operator I, II, III, IV, V

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Winter Haven, FL

18h•$23 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions. The Water Production Operator performs professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, off-site wells, and pumping systems. Their responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment systems, machinery, controls, and related equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of potable water. Make necessary adjustments to chemical dosing, mechanical components, and process controls in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. Operators also carry out routine mechanical and manual tasks to maintain optimal system performance, support regulatory compliance through water sampling and laboratory testing, and document operational data accurately. This role requires technical expertise, sound judgment, and a high level of responsibility to uphold water quality and system reliability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
Knowledge of water production and treatment and water pumping processes, bacteriology, chemistry, and applicable regulations
Skilled in operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, meters, and related equipment
Ability to apply mechanical and mathematical principles in daily tasks
Proficient in reading gauges, charts, and meters; able to distinguish color variations
Experienced in using industrial and personal computers with varying levels of proficiency
Capable of interpreting complex policies, procedures, schematics and technical manuals, codes, and safety protocols
Familiar with common tools and equipment maintenance practices
Able to work independently, including weekends and holidays, with minimal supervision
State, Federal, and local laws and regulatory agencies
Evaluating systems, providing quality control, and ensuring compliance
Operator I - Entry Level position, limited water experience
Operator II - 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water Treatment Plant Operator “C” License
Operator III - 3 years’ experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water Treatment Plant Operator “B” License
Operator IV- Pay Grade 20 - 5 years’ experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water Treatment Plant Operator “A” License
Operator V (Dual Certification/License) - 5 year’s experience (10,400 hrs.) Florida Water Treatment Plant “A” license required, Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician Certification (CMRT), Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETA) or equivalent certification, Municipal Board of Examiners Inc. of Polk County (Polk MBOE) Journeyman Electrical License, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) CDL “B or “A” license, and/or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water treatment, Wastewater treatment, Distribution treatment license accepted.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.
Standby and on call rotation are required for emergency work in this classification.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Responsibilities

Performs high skilled technical work, certified work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, pumping systems, and related infrastructure, with strict adherence to safety protocols and along with federal, state and local regulatory standards.
Operates and monitors plant equipment, including pumps, mechanical and automatic controls, and SCADA systems; conducts daily inspections and ensures optimal functionality.
Handles hazardous chemicals safely, including transferring, loading/unloading, and monitors fuel and chemical inventories, reports spills, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
Collects and analyzes water samples for chemical, pressure, and chlorine residual testing; calibrates process analyzers and applies findings to maintain water quality.
Maintains water production and pumping facilities, well pumps, and other treatment equipment to preserve proper water pressures and levels; performs well maintenance and mitigation assessments.
Maintains and cleans water production facilities maintains general housekeeping across plant facilities and grounds
Maintains accurate records of plant activities in written, electronic; performs general administrative tasks and file management
Reads and records meter data, updates operational charts, and ensures completion of daily plant checks in accordance with permit requirements and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 62-550.
Participates in the development and implementation of operational projects and workflow improvements; assists in agency planning and goal-setting initiatives.
Provides training and cross-training for operators and trainees; verifies work quality and promotes continuous learning and skill development.
Responds to customer inquiries regarding water quality and water production system pressure inquiries; accompanies Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulators during Sanitary Survey Inspections.
Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders; conducts plant tours and promotes positive public relations
Shares knowledge to ensure quality and consistency in daily operations
Obtains vendor quotes and prepares documentation to support procurement of supplies and services
Responds to phone calls, emails, alarms, and emergency situations; performs standby duty and may work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
Performs other related duties as assigned.