Water/Wastewater Plant Operator Tech Trainee

Manatee County Government•Bradenton, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This classification performs work in the operation of Manatee County Water and/or Wastewater (W/WW) Treatment Plants, equipment and facilities. Level of duties and responsibilities determined based on Qualifications. Duties involve learning and training under higher level employees to improve skill set. Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ). Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Requirements

Must secure an FDEP Class "C" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years of employment.
Possession of a current FDEP "C" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License prior to appointment.
General work experience related to the operation of mechanical/electrical equipment supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects.
Possession of a current FDEP "B" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License prior to appointment.
Possession of a current FDEP "A" Water and/or Wastewater Operator License prior to appointment.
High school diploma or equivalent certificate of competency.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to distinguish colors.
Ability to stand, walk, climb and descend stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, and perform other physical tasks associated with plant operations.
Ability to safely perform routine operational, maintenance, and emergency response duties.
Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of related mechanical equipment and machinery.
Ability to learn processes involved in water and/or wastewater treatment and the purification of water including some chemical tests.
Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detect flaws and defects.
Ability to read simple meters and charts accurately and maintain simple records of shift operation.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain simple records of shift operation.
Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and to detect flaws and defects.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater processing equipment.
Knowledge of equipment such as pumps and controls, motors, gears, diesel generators, chlorinators, and other equipment.
Knowledge of laws regulating water and/or wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of basic chemistry and laboratory procedures as applied to water/wastewater processing.
Ability to detect flaws in operations and solve routine operating problems.
Ability to perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment and buildings and to perform grounds maintenance.
Ability to accurately read meters, gauges, flow charts, record time on proper forms and record test results.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater processing equipment and related plant equipment.
DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in servicing mechanical equipment and machinery desired.
Prior supervisory experience, desired (time as Operator In Charge applicable).

Responsibilities

Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, "hands-on" experience with plant operations under the close supervision of a shift supervisor, lead operator or chief operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations and maintenance procedures; attends training courses and engages in independent study of water/wastewater plant operations.
Regulates the proper flow of alum, lime, bleach, etc., according to prescribed instruction.
Transfers chemicals from storage to feeder hopper.
Operates water filters; maintains proper water levels; washes filters when necessary; maintains proper water in tank and covered storage reservoir by operating pumps and opening and closing valves (only as directed by immediate supervisor.)
Collect water, wastewater, and process samples in accordance with established procedures.
Perform routine laboratory analyses to monitor treatment processes and ensure regulatory compliance.
Accurately record, interpret, and report laboratory results.
Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, and testing supplies to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Follow all applicable quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and safety protocols.
Brings any mechanical defects to the attention of the plant supervisor; assist with routine facility maintenance to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
Takes and records rain gauge readings.
Participate in receiving and unloading treatment chemicals, verifying deliveries, and maintaining accurate chemical inventory.
Transfer chemicals from storage to day tanks/feeder hoppers.
Perform general custodial and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized plant environment.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.
Starts and stops machinery and pumps, regulates valves and observes dials; adds chemicals according to prescribed standards; operates, oils, and adjusts machinery.
Performs limited maintenance and assists in minor repairs to pumps and other equipment; takes and tests various samples periodically and reports same; maintains simple records.
Performs cleanup work on equipment; and may clean plant interior and maintain grounds as required.
Operates a water and/or wastewater treatment plant or plants and related facilities; makes operating process changes based upon routine tests and gauge and meter readings; operates water and/or wastewater treatment units such as primary, secondary with chlorination, digester, and sludge disposal.
Makes log entries, changes charts and recording sheets, inspects motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication, takes temperature of sludge and effluent at various stages, uses meter and gauge readings to determine performance of equipment, performs preventive maintenance and limited repairs.
Collects samples of sewage and effluent at various stages of processing and runs routine tests.
Operates and inspects water and/or wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and related facilities, starts and stops pumps, regulates valves, and observes flow dials.
Reads gauges and records information shown.
Diagnoses and corrects mechanical and electrical problems, performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs, contacts maintenance personnel for major repairs, may assist in disassembling, repairing and reassembling pumps, and equipment as required, maintains, and calibrates meters and testing equipment.
Draws samples of water for test and analysis, checks and adjusts chemical feeders in accordance with the prescribed standards, wash filters periodically.
Conducts visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds, may perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting, and light building maintenance.
Prepares reports and maintains records.
Directs and participates in the work of shift assistants involved in the operation and minor maintenance of the plant, trains and provides technical assistance to shift assistants.
Makes changes in plant operations to conform with quality control standards, records plant operating data and reports serious deviations from normal operations to the Chief Operator, gives tours of the plant, enforces safety regulations.